October 31, 1942 ~ April 29, 2026 (age 83)
It is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Peter on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at home. At the age of 83, Peter fought a hard 5-week battle with Acute Leukemia. Regardless of his actual age, he fooled many as his energy and enthusiasm for life showed he was truly young at heart. As many have said – he had an energy that drew people in and always looked dapper when wearing his Au Noir shirts and colorful hats!
Peter was a man who embraced change and was always looking for the next adventure in life. Constantly searching for his next challenge, Peter was able to have varied and fulfilling careers throughout his lifetime. Growing up in South Bar, Cape Breton, he enlisted with the RCMP at the age of 19. After completing training in Ottawa, he was posted to Newfoundland where he served in a variety of small towns during his 5 years on the force. He often said he “grew up” in Newfoundland and said these 5 years were a wonderful experience as he loved the province, food, and people.
After leaving the RCMP he worked for GM Acceptance Corp. where he befriended an air traffic controller at the Gander airport. A tour of the control tower was all it took – he knew he had found his next calling! He spent the next 14 years as an air traffic controller in Gander and later in Moncton NB. When the mental stress of the job became too great, Peter applied to the re-training program and became the first controller in Canada to be accepted. That led him to Halifax where, for the first time at age 38, he entered university to pursue a 4-year degree in Industrial Engineering. As luck would have it – he moved in next door to a wonderful woman name Lynn. On a warm evening in June, Lynn and Peter met to enjoy a glass of his trademark homemade rhubarb wine. It was love at first site, and Lynn and Peter married in 1983; Lynn truly married “the boy next-door”.
Upon graduation, Peter accepted a position with Saint John Shipbuilding to work on the Frigate Program. In 1984, Peter and Lynn moved to Rothesay NB. The original plan was to stay for 2 years, after which he would apply for his P.Eng. and return to NS. Realizing they had put down roots in Rothesay and formed deep bonds, they embraced their new life and so chose to stay.
When the Frigate program ended, Peter did contract work for a variety of Irving companies until his official retirement in 2000. Then something wonderful happened – he bought a wood lathe! Under the guidance of master turner Maurice Gamblin, he discovered a true passion. He was hooked, and for the next 26 years devoted himself to creating and doing what he loved!!
Peter was passionate about turning and discovering the hidden beauty held in a burl. He was delighted when a Wood Turners Guild was created here in the Saint John area and he enjoyed nothing more than mentoring new turners. He totally enjoyed being part of the local “artists” group and sold his work throughout NB and NS.
Summertime found him in the garden planting the vegetable garden and searching for new varieties of Hosta – as if the 700 different varieties he had weren’t enough. Gardening was his second love next to turning. Peter was rarely idle and always enjoyed learning new things and experiencing everything life has to offer.
Peter and Lynn shared 42 & a half, wonderful years together – having travel adventures, visiting family and friends near and far, attending art shows, being founding members of Fundy Gardeners, and so much more. Peter and Lynn knew how lucky they were to have shared so many common interests and never got tired of being together.
Peter is survived by his wife Lynn (nee Oulton), cherished daughter Terri Welsh (Rick Everson) of Courtenay BC, former son-in-law Jayson Welsh of Courtenay BC, brother-in-law Ken Oulton (Paulina) of Rothesay, and several cousins in Sydney and the surrounding areas, Ottawa, ON, and Pender Island, BC.
Predeceasing Peter was his parents Robert “Bob” and Doris (nee. Taylor) Kinsella.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB E2J 2G3; (506) 646-2424. In respecting Peter’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of life will be held on June 20, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, at the Saint John Arts Center. In Peter’s own words – “I’ve lived a full and wonderful life with no regrets – so come and celebrate.”. In Peter’s memory, donations would be appreciated made to the Saint John Arts Centre – a place he loved to visit and support. To leave online condolences please visit Fundy Funeral Home
