Peter Leigh Hartman

In Loving Memory of a Life Well Lived

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Leigh Hartman peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday December 30th, 2025.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who left us at the age of 86. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in kindness, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

Peter is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Elsken, whose partnership with him was a testament to enduring love. Together they built a family grounded in warmth and laughter. He will be dearly missed by his son Paul and daughter‑in‑law Colleen, and by his grandchildren Karen and Brian, who brought him endless joy. He is also lovingly remembered by his son John and daughter‑in‑law Cynthia, who shared many treasured moments with him over the years. He also leaves behind his brother Craig, sister-in-law Lesley, who will forever cherish his memory.

A lifelong educator, he dedicated his career to teaching, inspiring countless students with his patience, humor, and genuine belief in the potential of every child. Outside the classroom, he found happiness in the simple pleasures of life tending to his garden with care and precision, and immersing himself in the world of model trains, a hobby that sparked his imagination and reflected his meticulous spirit.

Music was woven deeply into the fabric of his life. He was a proud and devoted member of the Century United Church and Applewood United Church choir, where he lifted his voice with sincerity and joy, finding community and purpose in every hymn. At home, singing was simply part of who he was. He loved to burst into song, sometimes familiar tunes, often playful melodies he made up on the spot filling the house with warmth, laughter, and a sense of lightness that his family will never forget. His spontaneous songs became a signature of his spirit: creative, joyful, and always shared with love.

He will be remembered for his gentle heart, his steady wisdom, and the quiet way he made the world better just by being in it. His family takes comfort in knowing that his love will continue to guide them, rooted as deeply as the gardens he nurtured and as enduring as the tracks of the trains he so adored.

His presence will be profoundly missed, but his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.

A private celebration will take place at a later time.