March 18, 1926 - March 18, 2016
Dr. Joe Peller passed away peacefully at the family farm in Guelph, Ontario on Friday, March 18, 2016. On this day, his 90th birthday, he was reunited with the love of his life, Connie, who he has missed since her passing on May 28, 2013.
Joe leaves behind his six children: Joseph, Gus (Cathy), John (Diane), Jim (Ruth-Anne), Lori (Bill), and Jeffrey (Lisa). He was proud of his grandchildren Danielle Justine, Joe, Jenny, Johnny, Jordan, Grayden, Jacob, Emma-Lee, Cody, Andrew and James and his great-grandchildren Audrey, Annabel, Lena, Veda and Theo.
Joe was born to Andrew and Lena Peller in the village of Gara, Hungary on March 18, 1926. In pursuit of opportunity, the family summoned the courage to move to Canada and arrived at Pier 21 in the Port of Halifax in 1927. They eventually settled in Toronto. There, Joe attended Lawrence Park Collegiate where he played football and developed a genuine passion for natural science.
In 1948, Joe graduated from the University of Toronto with his doctorate of medicine. He accepted a residency of internal medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and it was there that he met and fell in love with Connie Martin, a nurse from Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island.
Connie and Joe were married in 1952 and moved to Ancaster, Ontario where they happily raised their family. Joe established a practice in Internal Medicine with his lifelong friend Bill Walsh. He became the Chief of Medicine for Hamilton Civic Hospitals from 1960 to 1965.
In a dramatic turn, Joe decided to join his father in the wine business in 1966. He became the President of Andrés Wines Ltd. of Port Moody, British Columbia. The company grew and prospered under Joe's dedication and leadership. Today the company thrives as Andrew Peller Limited. Joe's deep affection and regard for the many people who worked with him at Andrew Peller Limited reflects the company's family culture and the many successes of everyone who works there.
Throughout his life Joe sought to give back to the communities that had nurtured him, through countless philanthropic initiatives. He served on the Board of many corporations, social policy organizations and mentored many through scholarship and career support. He was always there to help.
Joe's life pursuits were widely varied. He enjoyed sailing, golf, skiing, classical music, and opera. Together, Joe and Connie traveled extensively. For over thirty years, they spent many winter months in Captiva, Florida, hosting friends and family. Throughout Joe's life, each day was marked by an extensive pursuit of knowledge and learning. He was a most prolific reader.
Joe was genuinely humble and inspired everyone with his open mind and open heart. Joe's legacy of love and humility will be forever cherished by his family. We are grateful for his gracious presence, his humble demeanor, his loyalty, and his unyielding love. We will miss him dearly.
The Peller family wishes to thank Dr. Huss Kapasi and caregivers Gloria Hyndman, Vivienne Pommells, and Sharon Wheatcroft. A private family service will be held. If desired, donations can be made to Groves Memorial Hospital (Fergus) Foundation or the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.

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