Obituary of Peter George Mitges

Mitges, Peter George ~ Age 88, died peacefully, at home with his family by his side, on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Born February 20, 1926 in Guelph, to George and Tegea Mitges, he graduated from G.C.V.I. and attended the University of Western Ontario and OVC. In 1956, Peter married Helen Holmes, and together, they had three boys – George, David and Jamie. Their home in Guelph was a busy and exciting place to be – filled with family and friends, while Greek music played on the stereo and lamb cooked in the commercial oven in the basement. Peter and Helen entertained a variety of personalities over the years, including but not limited to Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC, The Loyal Order of Petrany, and the Countess Zsa Zsa Narkelty of Budapest. Helen and Peter were married for 42 years when Helen passed away in 1998. Peter was a successful businessman, entrepreneur and pioneer and spent his career building restaurant companies. Peter started in the family business, the Treanon Restaurant in Guelph. He owned a number of Kentucky Fried Chicken stores in Southern Ontario that he started in 1961 and was a founding partner of a group of visionaries that brought the Wendy’s chain to Ontario – its first successful migration outside of the United States. During this time, he served as President of the Grand Valley Branch of the Canadian Restaurant Association. In 2000, Peter married Joan Tari. Together they spent time travelling out west, with Joan showing Peter some of the areas where she spent her formative years. Over the past several years as Peter’s health began to fail, Joan was remarkable, ensuring he was healthy in body and spirit. Jamie was ever present during his Dad’s care. He and Joan worked together as a team to assure that Peter was comfortable, peaceful and pain free. Jamie’s music was a great help in keeping Peter busy conducting the variety of music. Loving father of George (Barbara) of Vineland, Jamie (Annel) of Guelph and the late David (2005). Proud grandfather of Jessica (Brett), Peter (Lisa), Dominic, Antonia, Peter, David and James. Peter will be lovingly remembered by Joan’s family; Jane Huisman (Mike), Wendy Dick (Ken), Andor Tari (Andrea); grandchildren; Josh, Michael, Clarissa, Kevin, Jackson and many dear friends and neighbours. Predeceased by his brother Dr. Gus Mitges (2009). Peter was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Guelph for over 25 years, and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award. A special thank you to Dr. David Hood of Guelph. Your kindness knows no boundaries. Friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph on (Friday from 2 - 4 and 7 – 9 p.m.). Service in the chapel on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. Interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Guelph Youth Music Centre would be appreciated. We invite you to leave your condolences and donations online. Service Information Service Date Saturday, November 15, 2014 Service Time 10:00 a.m. Service Location Gilchrist Chapel McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home Visitation Friday, November 14, 2014 Visitation Time 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Visitation Location Gilchrist Chapel McIntryre & Wilkie Funeral Home Burial Date Saturday, November 15, 2014 Burial Time Following Funeral Service Burial Location Woodlawn Memorial Park Requested Charity Guelph Youth Music Centre