Obituary of Peter Edwin Darby

Darby, Peter Edwin Age 83, of Halifax, passed away on June 4, 2018 with his wife by his side. Born in Summerside, P.E.I., he was the son of the late Mr. Justice Walter E. Darby and Margaret (nee McCreath) Darby. Peter is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Constance M. (nee Willet); daughter, Leslie Wagar (Terry); son, Andrew (Lisa Baker); sister, Isabel Russell (Robert); grandchildren, Emily Wagar, Katie Wagar and Benjamin Darby. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Perry on June 2, 2018; and Cecilia Walker in 1998. Peter graduated from Mount Allison University in 1955 and Dalhousie Law School in 1958, where he met his future wife. He was in the UNTD of the Royal Canadian Navy. He practiced law in Calgary before returning east to Saint John to establish the firm Willet & Darby with his father-in-law, D. Gordon Willet, Q.C. In 1969 he moved to Halifax to become a professor at Dalhousie Law School, where he remained until his retirement in 1996. In addition to his teaching, he was a labour arbitrator; joined the Labour Relations board in 1972, and served as Chairman from 1992 – 2011; was on a federal task force on the future of the Atlantic fishery; and for ten years co-taught a section of a course at VU University Amsterdam. Peter was popular with generations of students, receiving many awards for his teaching and contributions to the field. He loved to talk, and could talk to anyone about any topic. He travelled widely in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. He enjoyed playing bridge with his wife and friends, and cards with his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan. He loved pickup baseball games as a child on the Island, playing catch with his own children, and watching professional sports events whenever he could. He had season’s tickets to the Halifax Mooseheads, and attended spring training baseball and professional hockey games when visiting his son. He spent the summers at the family cottage in Ononette, New Brunswick, where he particularly enjoyed lying on the hammock and reading. He supported the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Neptune Theatre, and Symphony Nova Scotia. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences and sharing of memories can be made by visiting www.tjtracey.com.