Obituary of Dr. Peter Michael Toner

Emeritus Professor Peter M. Toner, PhD, passed away peacefully on Aug. 8, 2026, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.

Born in Fredericton on Jan. 17, 1943, Peter was the youngest child of the late Clem and Frances Toner. Educated at Fredericton High School, Peter attended St. Thomas University in Chatham, N.B., and was a member of the first graduating class in Fredericton in 1965.

He trained at CFB Shilo and was a commissioned officer in the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. He went on to complete a master’s degree in history at the University of New Brunswick, and he was a member of the original Department of History formed at St. Thomas University in 1967.

His doctoral thesis from the National University of Ireland, “The rise of Irish nationalism in Canada, 1858-1884,” established him as an important figure in the field of Irish-Canadian history. His career at the University of New Brunswick Saint John began in 1970 and culminated with his appointment as Professor Emeritus in 2008.

His academic writing was published in Acadiensis, the Journal of Canadian Studies, and the Canadian Journal of Irish Studies, among others, and his book New Ireland Remembered: Historical Essays on the Irish in New Brunswick, was published in 1988.

Peter is survived by his wife, Mary Darlene; by his sons, Patrick (Sharon), Matthew (Ashley), and Peter (Hilary); by his grandchildren, Charlotte, Jack, Harry, Mick, and Fionn; by his brothers, Clem (Jessica) and Bill; by his nieces and nephews and their children; and he will be missed and remembered by academic colleagues and former students. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Fran; and his 5 half-sisters.

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home at 160 York Street, Fredericton, on Friday, Sept. 25, at 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with words of remembrance at 6:30pm. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the J.J. Fraser Farraline Home Inc., or to a charity of the donor’s choice.