Peter Herbert Thibaudeau, of Hanover, passed away suddenly at Hanover and District Hospital on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in his 88th year.

Born on Dec. 18, 1936 to the late Louis and Alma (nee Purvis) Thibaudeau, Pete grew up in the Markdale, Ont. area. One of his early interests was figure skating. He competed in men’s single as well as pairs competitions. He excelled at scholastics in his secondary school years as well as basketball and track and field, and he competed at the Kiwanis music festival. Sports remained a large interest in his life as he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in curling, hockey, baseball and horse shows. From a young age, Pete competed at shows across the province with his parents Lou and Alma as well as his sister Jane. Most notably he showed his champion road horse Brownie Lee at the Royal winter fair. In his later years he became a judge himself at the CNE, Royal Winter fair, even travelling as a judge as far as Quebec.

In his mid-20s, Pete met the love of his life, Jean, at the Meaford fall fair. She caught his eye as he thought she was a spitting image of Elizabeth Taylor. After a brief courtship, Pete asked Jean to marry him at the Royal Winter Fair where he had so many fond memories throughout his life. They were married in the Derby United Church on March 31, 1961. They spent the first few years of their marriage moving from track to track, racing their stable of Standardbred horses. They welcomed their first daughter Carrie on Feb. 2, 1962; followed by Lori on Feb. 7, 1964; and Vicki on Aug. 31, 1966.  Around this time, they decided to settle in Hanover and raise their family. Once in Hanover, they became active members of the curling club. Pete curled competitively, reaching the men’s provincial finals in 1972 and 1982 with his skip and close friend Brian Adams.

Pete’s greatest loves in life were his wife Jean, his family, and horses, probably in that order. Some of the more notable racehorses Pete owned and trained included: Nagley Hal, Legal Prince, Jolly Jill, Worthy Asset, Livitup Lou, Elderslie and Play Catch. Harness racing remained a passion of Pete’s until the end. He could be found every Saturday watching the races from the backstretch at Hanover Raceway marking his program. He had an amazing last weekend watching his daughter and son-in-law’s horse win a stakes race at Woodbine Mohawk Park and his grandson drive his filly to the winner's circle at Flamboro Downs. Most importantly, he was able to have Sunday brunch with his entire family on Mother’s Day before passing. He was so loved and will be truly missed.

Loved father of Carrie (Peter) Mellor of Kitchener, Lori (Jeff) Thomson of Chesley and Vicki (Barry) Gregg of Cargill. Cherished grandfather of Brett (Shannon) Mellor, Taylor (Sam) Robinson, Jodi (Dylan) Subject, Jay (Carissa) Thomson, Julie Thomson, Clark Gregg and Louis Gregg and great grandfather of Amelia, Logan, Walker, Reid, Grayson, Griffin, Gavin, and Jett. Loved brother of Jane (Wes) Irwin of Hanover, and sister-in-law Pat Walker of Allenford, brothers-in-law Larry (Raymonde) Walker of Guelph, Paul (Brenda) Walker of Allenford. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their families, and many good friends. Predeceased by his wife Jean, his parents and brother-in-law Bob Walker.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m., on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, where a Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11 a.m.  Pastor Jenn Brown officiating.

After the service, a celebration gathering will be held the Royal Canadian Legion in Hanover, with food and refreshments. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Pete's life.

In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial donations to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society or to the Hanover & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. 

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Peter Thibaudeau.