Just found about about the passing of one of the best radio colleagues I ever worked with.
I want the family to know what a pleasure it was working with your Dad, when he was our News Director at CFOX Radio in the 1970s.  Peter was 100 per cent professional, yet found time to brighten the lives of his friends and co-workers every day.   We had many hours of fun together, and those memories will always be in my heart.
God blessed us with his presence, and may God continue to comfort you.
Dan O'Neil
Annapolis, Maryland USA

I went to Verdun Catholic High with Peter. He was in a few of my classes. I remember Peter as a good student. I was aware they he had gone into the world of news reporting. Occasionally I’d see he’s name on a piece he had written. I have only good memories of Peter. 

I was sadly shocked when I saw  his obit. My condolences go to his family and friends. I will hold Peter’s memory in my heart. 

God bless Peter and his family. 

Bob Bisnett 



Great contributor to our Urban Planning Committee. Even handed, intelligent, logical and most importantly, caring.  I have missed you on the committee and our long discussions. Rest peacefully. My  condolences to the family. 

On behalf of his colleagues, the local executive wishes to acknowledge Peter's great contribution to the union and his never-wavering interest in working towards a better fate for his people. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. A donation to NOVA West Island was made in memory of Peter Rakobowchuk.

My sincere condolences to Peter's family.  I never got a chance to meet Peter in person, but I spoke with him on the phone many times while receiving his broadcast news reports in the Toronto bureau of the Canadian Press.  I enjoyed his sense of humour and candid takes on life in the news business.  He will be missed.

 I was so sad to hear of Uncle Peter's passing.  I have so many fond memories of time spent with Uncle Peter growing up - the younger "cool" uncle that wanted us to drop the "Uncle" and just call him Pete - something I could never bring myself to do! We would get so excited when we would hear him on the radio " this is Peter Ray"!  He loved his family very much. Always a generous and thoughtful person.  When I told him about my niece's love for all things Space (a kindred "Space Geek"), he promptly passed on some of his Space swag to her, and would send articles and web sites for her to check out - wanting to encourage and support her young interest. I will miss our talks and visits over the last few years - mutually supporting each other through this health challenge that touches so many of us and the people we love.  His honesty, courage and optimism through his health challenges was truly inspiring, as was his determination to live as fully as he could in the midst of it all. He loved his craft, and found ways to keep working - which brought him so much joy.

Uncle Peter, you are now reunited with, and in the arms of your parents and your siblings - Olga, Gerry, Paul, Mary (my mom), and Maurice.  I am sure there is great rejoicing!  Rest in Peace.  We will miss you! 

Patty, Giselle, Lisa and Alex, I am so sorry for your loss.   Know that you are in our hearts and in our prayers during this difficult time, and that we are here for you. 

With love, 
Anna, Jack, Lauren, Bradley and Mia

Patricia,
Mon conjoint, Gilles Normand (La Presse) et moi (TVA et Télé-Québec), nous étions membres de la Tribune de la presse quand Peter et vous ensuite, êtes arrivés pour quelques années extrêmement chargées et trépidantes en informations politiques et parlementaires.  Nous gardons de Peter le souvenir d'un confrère dévoué à son métier d'informer ses auditeurs et lecteurs. Nous gardons de vous deux le souvenir de deux êtres humains sympathiques et attachants. À vous, aux enfants et à tous les autres membres de la famille, toutes nos condoléances.

My condolences to Pat and the rest of Peter’s family.   So very sad to hear the news.   I spent some long days on the road with Peter covering some of the key events in recent  Québec history.  He was truly one of a kind.   His persistence and dedication to his craft were second to none.   He would not let politicians off the hook easily.   I am glad I knew him.    A great reporter and a wonderful man.   

I had the very distinct pleasure of working with Peter at BN/CP for almost three decades. Each conversation we had was a special treat because they always ended with a hearty laugh as we shared stories about our work and  families. 
To Peter's family, I offer sincere condolences. He sure was one of the good guys.  
Russ Morgan

My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. 

I worked with Peter for 15 years in Montreal.

Peter was a great colleague with so many stories to share. He was always in a good mood, no matter what, and always saw the good side of things.

His passion for journalism…well is legendary to all of us at the Canadian Press/ La Presse Canadienne. 

He leaves us so many good memories.

He will be missed.

Helen Moka
journalist at La Presse Canadienne


I am saddened to hear of Peter's passing, and extend condolences to his family and colleagues. About a half-dozen lifetimes ago, I did free-lance sports reporting for Broadcast News; during four-plus raucous but rewarding years, I counted Peter as mentor, ally and friend. I admired the combination of wide-eyed fascination and unrelenting professionalism he applied to his craft.

I'm afraid, however, he could never teach me a sign-off that even held a candle to "Peter Ray, Montreal."

Peter was a great guy, and a real pro. His energy, drive and determination to "get the story" was legendary. He was an 
example to young journalists everywhere. Sincere condolences to his family. Mike Duffy, Cavendish PEI 

Pat, we worked together so long ago, perhaps at CKGM, but I will always remember how Peter would speak of you and your children the last few years.

We would often cross paths while waiting for news conferences to begin, and Peter would speak of all the house projects he was planning as well of his love for family.

He was generous and caring with colleagues.

On numerous occasions when I lost my audio due to a recording malfunction he would send me the entire clip, even though he was filing for BN or Canadian Press.  Saved my behind more times I can remember.

True gentleman who adored his craft. 

And that sign-off...Classic.

Margoe Edwards

Deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends.  I met Peter when I was a young journalist just starting out in radio in Montreal. 
 Before I even started, I knew the unmistakable voice of Peter Ray.  Peter's sign-off will be missed but will live  on in the memories of those who knew him. 


My deepest condolences to Peter's family and loved ones.
I remember the anachronistic noise of the typewriter coming from Peter's office when I arrived at The Canadian Press a dozen years ago. I subsequently discovered a passionate reporter who never hesitated to discuss or collaborate with his colleagues. Above all, more recently, I have seen his dedication to the union and have benefited from his support and his many kind words towards me in my union duties. Rest in peace, Peter.

I spent many an election and referendum night reporting returns with Peter. He had what we called in the business ´´great pipes,´´ and was unmistakable on air. Peter was always positive and had a great sense of humour.  He will be missed. 

Dear family.

I was heartbroken on hearing on the passing of my uncle Peter.

He always thought of everyone in the family.

He will be truly missed.

My deepest sympathies.

Please reach out to me when you have a chance.

I did not know Peter personally but he was an unmistakable voice in Canadian broadcasting for as long as I can remember. My condolences to family and friends. 

OBITUARY

Peter Rakobowchuk

October 27, 1948 – August 2, 2020

Résidences funéraires Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Homes

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