Peter Robb Pearson, O.C., acclaimed Canadian filmmaker, director, and tireless advocate for Canadian cinema, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born in Toronto to Dorothy Robb and Charles Pearson, Peter and his brother Paul, known in their neighbourhood as “those Pearson boys”, showed an enterprising and uncompromising spirit from a young age. While sometimes landing him and his brother in trouble with their elders, Peter’s fearlessness was a harbinger of things to come.

Peter studied political science at the University of Toronto and film at Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome. He later joined CBC in 1964 and the National Film Board in 1966. During his time at CBC, he worked on the landmark magazine program This Hour Has Seven Days.

Peter's talent and dedication earned him nineteen Canadian Film Awards. His seminal works include "The Best Damn Fiddler from Calabogie to Kaladar" (1968), which launched Margot Kidder's career, and "Paperback Hero" (1973), an exploration of Canadian identity in the shadow of American culture. For television, he created groundbreaking dramas including "The Tar Sands" (1977) and "Snowbird" (1981) and “Ken Dryden’s Home Game” (1990), an exploration of Canada’s relationship to hockey.

Throughout his career, Peter fought passionately for the Canadian film industry. He served as president of the Directors Guild of Canada (1973-76) and as founding chair of the Council of Canadian Filmmakers. His leadership at Telefilm Canada during its formative years built it into a crucial source of funding for Canadian filmmakers.

In retirement, Peter founded Cinémagique, a film club dedicated to screening everything from European art films to American indie awards fare and work from promising Canadian filmmakers.

In December 2023, Peter was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his lifelong contributions to Canadian film and television.

For Peter, the world was an endlessly fascinating and exotic place. A lover of film, sport, opera and the Sunday New York Times Crossword, he was known for regaling friends and family with his adventures and was never one "to let the truth get in the way of a good story."

Despite his numerous professional achievements, Peter often said that his most fulfilling role was as a father to DeBeauce (Louis) and as a proud grandfather to Ella and Leo. He loved taking Louis on adventures from visiting his film sets, to attending MLB spring training or scoring season’s tickets to the Toronto Blue Jays. He also passionately coached Louis and his friends in community and high school sports.

He is survived by Louis, Ella and Leo, as well as Fiona, Suzanne, Danielle, Todd, Jan and Suzanne

The family is forever thankful to the incredible team at Ste. Anne’s Hospital—Mimi, Yoyo, Kassy, Chandra, "Rebecca," Kelly, Des, Marie, and the entire team—who cared for Peter for the past four years with a standard of love and attention that exceeded anyone's expectations. Their kindness, humour, and compassion brought light to Peter's final chapter.

A memorial will be held on Friday May 2nd at the Cinéma du Musée, located at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal (1379A Sherbrooke St. W.). Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. and a reception to follow.