Geoff Peach, whose creativity and foresight helped establish the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation in 1998 and who has been a significant voice in coastal management in Ontario for over 30 years, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017. His wisdom, his wit, and his ability to effectively communicate complex scientific issues about Lake Huron, brought a deeper understanding to the coastal community. He was a respected educational resource to elementary and secondary schools as well as university programs.
Those who knew Geoff knew that he focused on his family, his friends and his love of Lake Huron and that he overcame significant visual challenges and more recently battled cancer. He strived for collaboration whenever possible in his dealings with contentious environmental issues and was successful in bringing people together. His determination to improve the health of the Lake, the lives of those who live near it, and the coastal communities will be greatly missed.
A memorial to celebrate Geoff’s life is planned for Saturday, February 4 at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, 1537 Adelaide St N, London. Visitation from 10 till 11 AM with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11 AM. In conjunction with Geoff’s family, the Coastal Centre is assisting to establish a university scholarship fund in Geoff’s name that will enable young environmentalists to pursue coastal research and further the work that Geoff carried out. The fund, called the “Geoff Peach Coastal Scholarship Fund” will be available to Ontario university students who have research interests in coastal sciences. Stay tuned to the Coastal Centre website in the coming months for more information regarding application and eligibility details.
Geoff’s family has asked that donations be made to the “Geoff Peach Coastal Scholarship Fund” by submitting your financial contribution to the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation.
Donations can be made online by clicking here. Please make cheques payable to the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, 76 Courthouse Square, Goderich, ON N7A 1M6 and mark the donation “Geoff’s Scholarship Fund”. Donations will be gratefully accepted and tax receipts issued.
Geoff’s Coastal Research & Work:
- University of Western Ontario – Honours B.A. Degree Majored in Geography. Graduated in 1985 St. Clair Region Conservation Authority – 1986 to 1987
- Maitland Valley Conservation Authority – 1987 to 1997
- Saugeen Conservation Authority – 1987 to 1997
- Director, Maitland Valley Foundation
- Past Chairperson, TD Friends of the Environment – Goderich Branch
- Canadian Certified Environmental Professional – 2003 to 2017
- Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation – co-founded the Coastal Centre and served as a Coastal Resource Manager and as a Coastal Science & Stewardship Advisor – 1997 to 2017
- Authored over 24 publications on Coastal Resource Management
- Membership in 4 professional coastal organizations
- Social media followers numbered in the hundreds
Geoff will be forever remembered as an incredible mentor, father, and friend.
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