Peter Adams, who served as both a federal and provincial politician in the riding of Peterborough, died Friday night (September 28) at the age of 82.
Born William Peter Adams in the United Kingdom, he studied at the University of Sheffield in Yorkshire where he earned his B.A. He moved to Canada at the age of 23, where he earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at McGill University.
He subsequently was appointed director of the McGill Sub-Arctic Research Laboratory in Schefferville, Quebec, where he studied and taught students for three years.
In 1968, he came to Trent University in Peterborough where he founded the university’s geography department. He was chair in the department from 1968 to 1977, and remained a professor while also serving as dean of Graduate Studies, associate dean of Science, and associate vice-president from 1977 to 1987. He was also the executive director of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies.
Adams served as Liberal MPP for Peterborough from 1987 until 1990, when the Ontario Liberal government led by former Premier David Peterson called an early summer election and was defeated by the NDP.
He returned to Trent University before being elected federal Liberal MP from 1993 until his retirement from politics in 2006. Although Adams never served in the federal Cabinet, he was active on many committees and served as parliamentary secretary to three ministers.
Adams authored many books and articles, and co-edited the regional history Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
In 1981, he was named as Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year. In 2012, he was made a member of the Order of Ontario.
In 2014, Adams was diagnosed with bladder cancer. After undergoing surgery to remove his bladder, he was cancer free.
Adams leaves behind his wife Jill and four adult children.
Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough—Kawartha, made the following statement today (September 29) after learning of Adams’ death:
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Peter Adams. To me, Peter has been an inspiration, mentor, and above all else, a dear friend. We have shared many conversations and I am truly appreciative for all of the time and guidance he shared with me.
“Peter served Peterborough admirably, not only as an elected official, but as a contributing community member and neighbour to us all. He loved Peterborough, and worked tirelessly to represent the interests of the people who live here. Peterborough was his favourite word. Anyone who met him would know his willingness to speak openly and honestly was matched only by his intelligence, humour, and kindness.
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to Peter’s wife, Jill, his family and friends, and to all of Peterborough as we come together to mourn at this time.”
This story will be updated as more details become available.
