Obituary of Peter Nash

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the loss of our amazing father, grandfather and companion Peter Nash who passed away on January 19, 2011 at St. Mary's General Hospital, in his 90th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife Inez Frost Nash of 33 years and sadly missed by his loving companion Ann Frank of 20 years. He was the adored father of Carina Frost Lawrence and Rocky Nash. He was a caring grandfather to Inez and Morgan Lawrence. He will be deeply missed by his son-in-law Blaine Lawrence and daughter-in-law Tana Nash. He will also be missed by members of his family in California and New England and his many friends throughout the world. Peter had many degrees, M.A., M.C.P., M.P.A., PhD.; graduating from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1957 and U.C.L.A. in 1941. He was a distinguished professor emeritus and the first Dean of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo from 1970-1975 specializing in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture and Human Geography. He held important urban planning, administrative and teaching positions in cities throughout the United States including Boston, Worcester, Medford, Chapel Hill, Cincinnati, Columbus and Kingston. Peter served with the U.S. army from 1942-45 and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He "had his first taste of wonderful, practical uses of geography" in the United States 160th Engineer Combat Battalion and the 12th Army Group Intelligence Service. Speaking French and German, he was able to assist in tactics and strategies against the Nazi Regime. His loved wife, Inez Frost Nash was an actress for Playbill, a popular vocal soloist with Symphony orchestras and a teacher, mother and friend to many. Peter now joins her 23 years after her passing. He was the author of three books and over 200 articles, all listed in "Abstract Thoughts: Concrete Solutions; Essays in Honour of Peter Nash." Peter was also honoured with the recognition of being noted as one of the top 10 Canadian Geographers of the past 100 years. His life is documented in the book, "Who's Who in the World". He was on the Board of Directors of the K/W Philharmonic Choir 1977-79; a member of Kitchener Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow); a lifetime member of The Association of American Geographers; a member of American Planning Association; a lifetime member of The American Geographical Society; Harvard Graduate School Alumni Association president from 1966-70; Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Council 1981-87; Honorary member of the Institution of City Managers; International Geog. Union Comm. of Applied Geography; International City Managers Association; World Society of Ekistics and Delos Symposion Participant. His life continued to be fulfilled during his retirement years spending time with his loving companion Ann. Peter's life long love for music never wavered and continued to be a source of joy. He was an avid supporter of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and was a Member of the Conductor's Circle. He was known as the "Mayor of Sugarbush Drive", and continued his love of geography through continued travel abroad. Opa enjoyed listening proudly to his grandchildren's musical performances and spending quality time cuddling. Peter touched the lives of many beyond family and friends. His passion for learning permeated the minds and souls of many students, associates, colleagues, readers and most everyone he met. He was intelligent, inspirational, a master of all disciplines in both depth and breadth, had a wonderful sense of humour, was a leader, mentor and protector of freedom. Peter knew how to live, love and die. Friends are invited to share their memories of Peter with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 3 p.m. Reception to follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. Condolences for the family and donations in lieu of flowers to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, or the Nash Environmental Studies Scholarship Fund of the University of Waterloo may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.