January 28, 1953 - March 14, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Peter Milton Galonski was born to Ruth and Anton Galonski in Sarnia, Ontario on January 28th, 1953. The oldest of three boys, he was raised in his hometown and graduated high school amidst the vibrant counterculture of the late 60s and early 70s.
After graduating with a history degree from the University of Guelph, Peter moved out west where he started a cabinet business with his brother Mark in Edmonton. Inspired by this experience, he began education at the University of Alberta in Industrial Design.
During this time, he met his wife-to-be, Valerie Amies in 1985. He eventually became an instructor in the design program, and shortly after their marriage in 1989, Val and Peter had a son, Evan Amies-Galonski.
Peter was Invigorated by his time at U of A and from then on was constantly engaged in designing and building new things, always interested in the balance between utility and creative form, and in the ways that humans engage with their physical environment.
Pursuing an offer to instruct in the Wood Products Design program at Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, BC, Peter and his family relocated, and they fell in love with the community right away. Following his tenure at KSA, Peter turned to contract work, where he spearheaded many design projects in the region, including Nelson Touchstones Museum, Grand Forks Museum, and Castlegar City Hall, along with many custom residential projects and the development of a furniture accessory line.
Pete, often seen zipping around Nelson in a work van with his dog Ali in the front seat, was an energetic and busy man day-to-day, but always leading with an attitude of curiosity and interest, and never running out of questions to ask.
He was an avid reader and researcher, keeping up to date on his knowledge of classic rock, jazz, world history, architecture, design, movies, and comedy. He was a lover of long-form discussions, usually over a cafe breakfast or evening drinks with one of his close friends or with his two brothers, Mark and Phil.
His subtle wit and inquisitiveness always brought a fresh perspective to the table, often along with some curious designs or ideas sketched out on a napkin. He was compassionate and fair minded, always carefully considering another's perspective, and showing his love to those close to him by constantly "checking in" to see how you were doing.
He was a dedicated family man, an avid curler, a loyal CBC listener, a proud Edmonton Oilers fan, and the loving owner of a white 1955 Triumph TR2. Throughout all his diverse and enriching experiences, Peter racked up quite an eclectic group of loyal, lifelong friends.
Despite living a healthy lifestyle, Peter was faced with a sudden lymphoma diagnosis in February 2024. After putting up a courageous fight, Peter passed away, surrounded by his loved ones on March 14th, 2024, at age 71 at the Kelowna General Hospital. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Peter's Celebration of Life will be held at Taghum Hall in Nelson, BC on April 26th, 2024, at 1pm. All friends and family are welcome, snacks and refreshments will be provided.