A gentleman with a heart of gold, Peter Ashworth introduced himself to me when I became fashion reporter for the Globe and Mail. He often invited me to his nearby offices on Spadina where he took pride in developing relationships with people with whom he wanted to work. I had just written something on one of his clients and he turned to one of the young publicists he was in the habit of nurturing and said,  “You don’t sell to people you get to know them, and the good stuff just flows from there.” It is a big lesson he gave us all. I am very sorry he is gone. 

Peter was a lovely, lovely man... and I really don't have words.
Sending all my love to James.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peter's passing.  James, you have been in my thoughts and prayers.  Peter was such a kind man, and I know how much he loved James.  I will miss his pictures of the cats and the moon shots he took.  The moon was in the sky the other morning, and I looked up and said good morning to Peter.  He is a bright light who is shining down on James and his family. 

Peter was my confidant, was my ear, was my friend.... though I knew him for less than 5 years, I feel like it was a lifetime of dear friendship.. though I miss him dearly, I am thankful and privileged to be able to call him my friend...I will miss you Peter...I can't believe you are gone..see you in the afterlife!! Love forever!!xoxoxo

It's been over a week, and we're still in shock.

I met Peter about a decade ago, while working for one of his clients. What were supposed to be short, business-centric calls turned into longer and funnier conversations, and eventually longer conversations between friends.

Peter was brilliant, funny, and kind, and will be missed very, very much. Our love and sympathy to his partner, James, Peter's siblings, and all the 'fur kids'.

With sincerest condolences,
Kirsten Ross and David MacFadyen

It has all been said previously above;  the shock, the loss of a very special person, missing seeing the moon through his eyes and his dedication to his fur babies.  He touched so many of us in so many ways.   We got to know Peter 11 years ago when he took a young greenhorn under his wing and mentored her to the woman she has become today.   I know Peter will not cross over the Rainbow Bridge.  As is his way, he will stay with all the fur babies and become their special Guardian Angel.  Rest in Peace Peter, but we know your work is still not done.  You left your mark in this world, as you left your mark on each of our hearts.   You will forever be loved, cherished and remembered.  

James,
We wish to express our sympathy to you and the Ashworth family. The loss of a partner and loved one is always tragic and difficult to cope with. With sympathy and prayer for all of you,
Millie and Bill Worley

If Peter is a fraction as good an angel as he was a person, then heaven will be as lucky as all of us who were blessed to have known him .  Peter left us wonderful memories to cherish close to our hearts.  To the Ashworth/Campbell families, my deepest sympathies for your great loss and thank you for sharing your Peter...he was always such a joy!

I am in shock....Peter was such a lovely man. We had promised to meet for lunch when the weather got nicer. I can not believe he is gone. I met Peter when l was a journalist. He sent me the loveliest note just a few weeks ago to tell me he still had my interview with Yoko Ono still framed on his wall. That story was written more than 20 years ago.  I loved his photography of his beloved cats and his wonderful night sky shots. I will miss your kind and gentle way.  My thoughts go to his partner, family and the many people who loved him.

What stands out to me about Peter  was his integrity. His warmth, kindness and generous nature with everyone around him will be very much missed.

I will always remember Peter's warm smile and his so very kind and gentle ways. Peter is one of those souls that leave beautiful prints of kindness and hope on your heart. I will never forget him. 
My very deepest condolences to his loved ones.

May you rest peacefully Peter, you will be missed dearly 

Have tried and tried and tried.  Simply cannot find the words to say what is in my heart at the loss of my darling friend of over 30 years Peter.  Just Tears.  You will be missed by SO many.
I am so thankful he found you to love James. Donation in his name.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND-FOREVER IN MY HEART!

Where do l start! I met Peter on lnstagram ..a friend Alli Mang..posts her cat and..l saw Peter ..cats.🐾.loved...them..liked them..Peter..added me to lnstagram..right away..from than on....l post my cats all the time..l will miss his posts..l feel it already..l havent saw..sweet pea..l was so happy..when he adopted ..sweet pea..😍health..was vet checked..very happy..for him..l hope..his cats Sabrina..💙Mr.Squeaks.❤.loved there.. names..will..carry on remember..Peter.💙.feral colony..
Lots of hugs..James..
Take care🐾🐈

I always loved Peters  shots of the moon! I told him he needed to frame all his best shots and make a collage on one of his walls! He said he was going to do that one day. He was also so dedicated to his Feral Cats and loved them along with some of those cute raccoon shots! James he loved you to the moon and back and appreciated everything you did. Unfortunately I will not be able to make the celebration of his life as we do not arrive home until late March 8th which makes me sad. RIP PETER.❤️💜💙💚


...and just who is going to shoot the moon for us now, Peter? But you are the moon and the stars and the brilliance of a meteor streaking across the sky. My beautiful friend. And all your friends. You made us all feel so special, your gift of spreading such energy, and joy. And galvanizing us with your sweetness, and brightness and light, and ability to find laughter even during a gloomy day.  Your friendship was a precious gift. 
And all those cats! And kittens! Such care. You loved them all so unconditionally. As you did us.
You are so loved, my friend.  And I am so heartbroken. Wherever you are - if we could only string together all these poignant words written about you, and knit a magical lasso to bring you back to us. But even a universe worth of words would not do this.  And all our prayers and promises and if onlys and what ifs will not bring you back to us.
You are so loved, my friend. And we are all the poorer for your untimely passing.  But I am comforted in knowing that, wherever you are, you are loved.  And when our turn comes, I know you'll be there with your welcoming smile, and we'll just catch up where we left off...
What are we going to do without you Peter?  And who will shoot the moon for us now?

Peter and I were to have met for dinner last Thursday, and I so wish that we had got to have that lost sushi date. 

Learning the news of Peter’s sudden passing has truly rocked me, but during a moment of reflection on Sunday night I laughed out loud when I realized that one of the things that we first bonded over was still a shared gripe/laugh almost 40 years later. We had other mutual interests (food, music, design) and peeves (bad grammar, kids in restaurants), but riding the bus together three hours each day in high school mutated into our commiseration over TTC travails when we ended up living near one another again as adults.

I learned to love photos of the moon because of Peter’s talent and obsession - I will miss those, the kitty pictures and the catty grammar/spelling posts, and keeping up with my friend through his wry observations of life.

James, I’m sorry that we never met, but I know how much Peter loved you from how he spoke of you, and I send you my love and deepest sympathies.


We met through social media, and bonded over our love of cats.  I always loved how big your heart was, and  enjoyed your updates about your  cat colonies.  Lol you gave me a run for my money for being a crazy cat man, and I am the crazy cat lady  :)  You win that title hands down, btw. xo

I remember the first time we met, with James at Club 120 for one of your singers you were helping, and saying to myself, "What a gentle giant, with a big heart."  You were always there willing to help out others.  You were  always there when I had random questions about PR, as I'm just starting out in it.  You were the senior veteran with a wealth of industry knowledge, but always happy to help out when needed.   I will miss your words of wisdom, encouragement, and most of all your every day presence in my life. They say social media drives people away, but I feel that it is a bridge to new friends, common interests, and a daily reminder that even though you are not always in someone's daily life physically, they are always just one thought or click away.  Rest well my friend, and you are missed by many.  xo Sophon Chou

I met Peter through mutual friends a few years ago. We shared a love of cats. I looked forward to his moon photos and updates about the cats. I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. Peter was sweet, fun, and all class. He will be so missed. My deepest sympathies to James and family.

For 25 years Peter filled my days with wonderful chats, discussions about politics; the insanity in the world.  Most of all our chats were about James, the love of his life, his beloved cat, his feral colony and of course, his work which filled his life for 30 years.                
I first met Peter when he and I were television producers and when he opened his company he would pitch me stories both for my television and my radio shows. He never disappointed or over promised and under delivered. Everyone respected his integrity.
Recently, I was given a project that I thought Peter would be perfect to work together.with. We didn't get to do that very often. He agreed with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy shop. He was excited and full of ideas. So off we embarked on our newest adventure. As I write this, i look back fondly and think "what a unexpected blessing". It allowed us to spend even more time together, talking, laughing. Our standing lunch date happened last Wednesday after our very productive client meeting. My turn to buy.... I am so thankful I did not rush off to my next meeting and forgo our lunch! Another blessing. I sit here numb, glancing at my Facebook feed expecting to see a post of a beautiful moon or one of his beloved cats. It sits empty. It does not seem real.... To james, there are no words I can say to take away this incredible pain. I am sure you know, but I will say it anyway. Peter loved you beyond words, you were his world. He told me of the shrimp stir fry you made for him the night before our meeting. He described in a way that only Peter could. For me, there is an emptiness in my heart because a piece of it is missing. Forever I will look to the sky, to that bright beautiful full moon and know that Peter will forever be my man in the moon. 

So completely shocked to hear the news that the One In A Million Peter Ashworth has passed away. I remember the first time I met him. At a chic party of course! He was so cool. 😎 I was trying to avoid someone a tad annoying and was hiding in a corner eating cheesecake behind a pillar. I hate to eat in public view + I was seriously shy and nervous about being at this fancy party as I had gone alone and didn't know too many people in the room.  We chatted about so many things and of course cats “not the musical” lol. He was just delightful and was genuinely the most genuine person I have ever met. He didn’t put on airs but had a real sass to his class. The last time I saw him was at the Fall Home Show. It was so early in the morning and we were about to film BT to advertise the Upcycle Challenge and he looked so great and alert. I was not at all because I’m definitely not a morning person! He Strolled down the red carpet in a chic trench coat and sunglasses 🕶 looking like a movie star. He watched us designers do our thing approvingly and after congratulated us all. He made us all feel like winners. That was his gift. We also talked about cats too! I’ll really miss his presence and passion for PR. Rip Peter 😪 My condolences to James and his whole family.  

I was totally shocked and saddened to hear about Peters passing. We went to high school together and ate lunch  together almost every day. We met again at our high school reunion and reconnected several years ago on fb. And it was like no time had passed.  We had many conversations and shared an undying love for cats. Peter was amazing at helping my son with his photography course and helped him obtain all his required hours. For that we are both eternally grateful.  I too will miss the cat antics , caturday and your moon shots.  I have thought of you constantly Peter and will  never ever put off meeting up with an old friend again.  As sadly life is too short. Rest in peace sweet Peter.  James may you find solace in all the fond memories everyone has of Peter.  He truly was a great man 

I only met Peter a couple of times in person, however I chatted with him often in Facebook. We had a love of cats and Cornation Street in common. The picture I added is from a 2015 Cornation Street brunch we attended. I loved his pictures of all his kitties, flowers and the moon.  I will miss Peter so much he often brightened my day with a cute picture or a kind word. Rest In Peace Peter you will be missed by many especially James. 💗

I did not need to know Peter very long to know that he was a sweet, kind, and genuinely nice person. 

Enamoured with the moon and an amazing photographer of the night sky, I will always remember his amazing, detailed, lunar pictures. Natalie and I will  think of him when we look at the moon. I think many people will. 

My heart goes out to the love of Peter's life, James. May he find solace in the many wonderful memories. We will always be grateful for meeting Peter and James on our lifes' journey and for the laughs that we had with the both of you. 

The night sky is brighter now with you in it Peter Ashworth.

I was lucky to meet Peter in 2003.  I doubt I would have discovered Dragon Boat paddling if not for him (for which I’m forever grateful for!).

Peter volunteered so much of his time to a number of charities....I asked him to help out with Eat to the Beat a number of years ago and he never hesitated...treated those gigs as if he was being paid.  A real professional and caring man.

I looked forward to his honest and often funny Facebook posts every day...a lovely human that made the world a better place.

My heart breaks for James and the family and friends that loved Peter.

He will be missed....

I met Peter through my sister- they were going to university together.  One night in the phone we talked about him being a publicist . I got to be there when he began his journey.  We never actually met but we spoke on the phone often and I was there when Peter the publicist was born! He was always so smart and fun but mostly he was really kind. We recently reconnected and we were going to have coffee and meet for the first time. Peter please know that you’re always in my heart! RIP❤️ 

Very blessed to have had a friend  like Peter in my life.  Met through work circumstances and grew a longtime close friendship .  We shared everything over the years and with our talks always knew I had someone who would be direct, honest and caring when I needed some advice.   Enjoyed our many planned dinners every year with media friends joining in.   
Appreciated the constant love and concern especially this past year.  Always just knew what to say to bring a smile again in the most challenging times.  Peter pushed me to believe in myself when I was discouraged and looking for some faith.   Cannot imagine not having him in my life the last 15 years.  
You'll always be in my heart.  Miss you forever. Will think of you often when I hear Annie Lennox or look at the moon. 

To James and his family, my deepest sympathies to you.  Sending love and thoughts to you James, and entire family. 



Peter gave me my first career break  when I was a green 20-something who didn't even fully know what PR was and he was an unwavering mentor and friend to me for the 10 years I spent by his side and thereafter. I will forever be grateful for the many days that we shared  laughing and for those we spent grumbling and for everything he taught me. He significantly helped shape my career path and helped me find my footing in this city. I will deeply miss our catch up sushi dinners and cat updates. My heart aches for James and the many people who Peter has shared conversations and stories with over the years. xo

We worked alongside Peter for 7 years, on a number of different projects for a number of different clients, but it took exactly one job and one phone conversation after that job for ‘Peter, a Member of Our Media Team’ to become ‘Peter, Our Friend’.   Everyone who knew Peter would understand that… 

Peter was real, he told the truth, and he told it in full colour - he was one of a kind.

When I would see the name Peter Ashworth come up on call display I knew that we would be on the phone for at least an hour - talking about everything – for me, in talking to Peter, a certain release came in saying out loud the ‘things you can’t say out loud’… 

At the end of those long conversations, Peter never said ‘goodbye’, he never did, instead he would say “’kay, talk to you later!” and he would hang up… 

I can still hear his voice, and I don’t want to say ‘goodbye’ either, so Peter – I am going to remember you every time I walk the Waterfront, every time I see a feral cat who might one day learn to trust, and I will remember you every time I look up from the Danforth – and I see the moon… 

And Peter… I’ll talk to you soon.


To say I was shocked at Peter’s sudden passing would be an understatement.  We were planning a catch-up visit this week.
I’ve known Peter for over 25 years and often visited him at his office on Spadina when he started his own p.r. firm.  We shared so many laughs and belly-ached about the vagaries of the p.r. biz.
We also shared a love of cats and I looked forward to his daily pix.
R.I.P. my dear fiend.

Never have I enjoyed working with someone more than I did with Peter.  Smart, savvy, sassy and someone who could make me laugh like no other.  He would say something,  with his distinct wit and candor, and out it would come - from deep in my belly a guffaw and the tears of laughter would follow.

Now I have tears of a different kind, but I will always remember the fun we shared and the hours of talks.  He became more than a colleague -  a friend.  One who I will miss dearly.  I am sure I will never know another person like him again.

I had the privilege of working with Peter on Eat to the Beat - a culinary event that meant a lot to a small breast cancer organization, Willow, and all the people we supported through breast cancer.  He had the arduous task of getting our little event a whole bunch of publicity and of course delivered in spades every year.

All my love and thoughts to you, James and all of Peter's family and nearest and dearest.

Shana

Dear Peter,

I am totally at a loss as you were always the one who I called upon for advice, good news, or support.  You never judged and gave me the best advice or the loudest giggle.   Three weeks could pass where we didn't speak, but our talks were long and detailed.  I'm so sad that we never took a photo together (not that I can remember or find) but you'll always be in my heart.

To James and his family, my deepest sympathies to you.   Always know that you have a friend in me.  Many good memories with my friend.  God bless all of you.  

Thank you for being a friend Peter,

Trina 
XO

Too many wonderful memories of Peter's fabulous photos of his cats.  His love of cats, his love of life, and the  love of his life, James Campbell.  My heart breaks for our loss.  Peter and I had planned to get together in the spring for dinner and the Float Spa.  So sad that will never happen.  I was looking forward to spending time with him again.  Rest in peace my friend.  You will be missed by all you touched.

OBITUARY

Peter M. Ashworth

August 3, 1965 – February 24, 2018

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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