J. Peter Meekison

Dr. J. Peter Meekison died on January 20th, 2025, at the age of 88. Peter was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a distinguished Canadian academic and public servant who had a significant role in the shaping of the modern Canadian constitution and an enduring influence on post-secondary education in western Canada.

Peter was born and raised in Vancouver. He met Patti, his wife of 57 years, when they jointly served on the UBC Students’ Council; Peter as President and Patti as President of Associated Women Students. After asking Patti out several times, she finally relented, and they married in 1961. Peter received a BSc in mechanical engineering in 1959 and a BA in economics and political science in 1961 from University of British Columbia, an MA in political science from University of Western Ontario in 1962 and PhD in political science in 1965 from Duke University. Peter and Patti moved to Edmonton in 1967 for Peter to join the University of Alberta’s Department of Political Science. His tenure at UofA included roles as Chair of the Department of Political Science, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Vice President (Academic), and the Belzberg Chair in Constitutional Law.

In 1974, Peter took a 10-year leave of absence from the UofA to serve as Deputy Minister of Alberta Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs. He participated in numerous federal-level negotiations on the National Energy Program and patriation of the constitution. Peter, often jokingly referred to as the Dean of Canadian Federalism, was recognized as the architect of what became the amending formula of the Constitution Act, 1982.

In 1993, Peter was appointed as a commissioner on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. The five-volume final report was one of the most significant and extensive studies ever undertaken on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s Aboriginal population. Peter was deeply honored to be a commissioner and play a role in furthering relationships between Indigenous people and the rest of Canadian society.

After retiring from UofA, Peter and Patti moved to Victoria in 1995. Peter served as adjunct professor in political science at University of Victoria and facilitated the transition of Okanagan University College to into the University of British Columbia, Okanagan as the public administrator. He served on the board of governors of Royal Roads University from 2008 to 2013, where he was also acting vice-president academic, provost, chancellor and board chair.

An Officer of the Order of Canada, Peter received numerous awards including the Queen's Golden and Silver Jubilee medals, the 125th Anniversary of Canada Medal and the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Excellence in Public Administration for the Province of Alberta.

Peter had a unique ability to connect with people. While his professional contributions are many, when asked what he did for a living, he would answer, ‘I am a teacher’. For Peter, it is was always about the students. Peter’s ideas, integrity, and compassion inspired countless students, colleagues, and leaders, leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations.

A world traveler, music enthusiast, reader of far too many spy novels, advocate of movies with happy endings, barbeque master, gifted golfer, avid gardener, and lover of his local community, Peter was always jovial and up for a neighbourly chat. He touched all that knew him with his warmth, sincerity and sense of humour.

Peter was particularly proud of his family and the close bonds they shared. Peter was predeceased by his beloved Patti and is survived by his children Jennifer (Robert Cormie) and Robert; grandchildren Caitlin, Matthew, Isabel and Koah; and his brother Jim (Carolyn Keystone).

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church, Victoria, on Tuesday, May 20th at 11:00 am. RSVPs are welcome at MeekisonFamily@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ‘J Peter Meekison Graduate Scholarship in Political Science’ at the University of Alberta. To make a gift online go to uabgive.ca/tribute, or send donations payable to the “University of Alberta” to the Office of the Recording Secretary | 3-600, 10230 Jasper Ave NW | Edmonton AB T5J 4P6, noting your donation is in memory of J Peter Meekison. For any additional assistance, please email giving@ualberta.ca.