In loving memory of
Peter Stanislav Perina
As a young boy, growing up in Czechoslovakia under the Communist Regime, Peter always had his heart set on Canada. And at the age of 21, he left. He escaped and crossed the mountains into Austria. And a year later on March 17, 1967, Peter arrived in Ottawa.
He had a deep love for his country and pride in being a Canadian citizen. Peter joined the faculty of Dalhousie Department of Theatre in 1972 and was there until his retirement in 2010. During this time he designed and lectured in Canada, USA and the Czech Republic.
Lifelong friends were made at the daily gatherings at the Grad House and this circle of friends went on to form The Benevolent Funipendulous Society of Nova Scotia Logotechnicians … The Funis- a gentlemens’ convivial dinner society. And the friendships continue to this day.
As an early supporter of his friend, Roger Dial at Grand Pre Winery, Peter spent much time there working in the vineyard, drinking the rewards, and cooking for visitors and friends.
After the fall of communism in the Czech Republic, Peter was able to return to see family, and it was then that he was integral to the conception and creation of the Baroque Theatre Foundation in Cesky Krumlov, in 1992. He served as President of the Board of Directors there for several years.
His enthusiasm for the restoration of the Baroque Theatre in Krumlov, and al that the Castle and town had to offer, presented him with an opportunity to bring together students from Canada, the country he loved, and Krumlov, the town and theatre he was so involved in restoring. He created a summer credit program for Dalhousie’s theatre, history and music students that still continues today.
Peter met his wife, Ann Caverzan, in 1990. In 1993 Peter moved to Maders Cove, to be with Ann, and became a confirmed country gentleman. He loved to cook, classic French and Italian, foraging for mushrooms, frequenting local markets and creating memorable meals for good friends. Daily walks on the beach with his labs- first McTavish and then Lizzie- and peacefuly gazing at the life on the pond, were al part of his days.
Weekly lunches with Tom Allen and John Collins, and pub lunches with Ian Thompson, were looked forward to. He rarely missed his early morning walks around Maders Cove with John.
All this country life did not exclude numerous travels Peter and Ann took to Europe and Krumlov, with Venice being a favorite.
Peter’s life journey, from working in a circus as a young boy, studying in Prague, escaping Communism, creating a new life in Canada, teaching and designing productions at Dalhousie, working in Krumlov and living in the countryside with Ann was a full, colorful, and varied life. It was a Life Well Lived. And now begins his new journey.
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SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Service Note
In keeping with Peter’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there is to be no public memorial service.FAVOURITE CAUSES
No favourite causes found.
PHOTOS
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My sincere condolences to Peter’s family and friends. I remember him as a kind and caring mentor who took a genuine interest in his students. Though demanding in his teaching, he inspired growth and encouraged thoughtful debate. His compassion extended beyond the classroom, and I remain grateful for the support he offered during a difficult time in my studies. Peter’s generosity and guidance left a lasting impression, and he will be remembered with deep respect. WB
I was so sorry to learn of Peter’s death. He was one of the most influential teachers in my time at Dal. I think what I learned from him in his scenography classes and his approach to life has stayed with me profoundly in my own artistic practice and in my life among artists. Deepest condolences to those who loved him. I’ll be in Prague in October and will raise a glass in his memory
I am sorry to read the news of Peter’s death. While it has been many years since Peter and I had chatted, I have many fond memories of Peter during my tenure as President of the Associated Designers of Canada (ADC), during the mid 1980’s. Peter was very generous with his time and experiences, often providing great insight in managing the affiars of the orgnaization. I do recall Peter being especially enamored with the vineyards and wines of the Annapolis Valley. Sante to you Peter. May your adventures continue.
I would like to make a donation to the South Shore Regional Hospital, however, I am unable to find a donate button on the hospital website. If someone can point me in the donation direction, I would appreciate the assistance.
As a fellow Funi and long-time friend of Peter, I will surely miss him. He was an endless fount of stories and experiences, and as has been mentioned, he was an excellent cook. My deep sympathies go out to Ann and all his friends, and I’m sure he would be glad to see us all raise a glass of wine in honour of his memory.
I’m so sorry to learn of Peter’s passing. We worked together for three years four decades ago and were often exasperated with each other, but I also learned a lot from him, his creativity and his passion for scenography. He had a profound effect on the lives of hundreds of young people. My heartfelt condolences to those who loved him and whom he loved. — Patrick Young
I worked with Peter in the Dalhousie Theatre Department for a number of years and he was in fact the very first person I met when I came to Halifax to interview for the position. He showed me around town and a very good time indeed. He designed A Midsummer Night’s Dream that I directed there, and was instrumental in my visiting Český Krumlov and its castle and theatre there where he showed me tremendous hospitality while in the Czech Republic.
He will be greatly missed in the theatre community and by the many students he taught.