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| Peter UnderwoodPhoto by Jeff Harper, courtesy of The Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, N.S. |
Nova Scotia Environmentalist
Peter Christopher Underwood, a deputy minister in Nova Scotia, lifelong environmentalist and one of the founders of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, died after a short illness on March 26, 2012.
He was born March 13, 1952 in Greensborough, N.C. to Margaret and Charles Underwood. The Underwood family has deep roots in Pictou County, but Margaret and Charles moved to Halifax early in Peter’s life and he lived in Halifax most of his life thereafter.
Peter was a scientist, an artist, a visionary and an adventurer. He urged those he loved, in particular his wife and children, to reach for the stars. He was known as the “fun-meister” to his children’s young friends, fun that taught life skills that will sustain us through this loss.
Peter earned his BSc in Biology and Chemistry from Dalhousie in 1973. He was then invited to the State University of New York at Stony Brook to participate in one of the first interdisciplinary programs in Ocean Studies. He earned his Masters of Science and married Mary Jane McGinty-Underwood in 1976, in Nassau, Bahamas.
He earned his Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie in 1980, articled with what was then Stewart McKeen and Covert, and was admitted to the Bar in 1981. It was in this year that Peter became a father to Charles Christopher Underwood, and they were inseparable. Peter left the practice of law and returned to his first love, the sea. Peter researched for the Dal Ocean Studies Program, traveling extensively and developing a unique perspective in international ocean, environmental and resource management issues.
In 1986, second son, Jonathan McGinty Underwood was born and he brought great joy to the family. At the time of Jonathan’s birth, Peter was invited to join the Provincial Government as policy advisor, an occupation that required less travel and offered more security for his young family. This was the beginning of Peter’s service to Nova Scotia.
Peter was the youngest and the longest-standing Deputy Minister in the history of the Province. He loved Nova Scotia, cherished its beauty and recognized the boundless potential of its resources, if properly developed and managed. He was a fierce but sensible protector of the environment, keeping an eye on his personal impact on the environment as well as the larger issues.
One of his career highlights was representing Nova Scotia at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1990. Conscious of economic development as well, Peter championed aquaculture, tidal power, and sensible, effective environmental regulation. The Environment Act was entirely overhauled when Peter was the Director of Policy with the Department of Environment. Peter caught on early to the interdisciplinary approach, and Nova Scotia was the big winner.
Peter was Deputy to 13 Ministers, and he was loyal to each of them. Peter was by no means all work. His genius extended to music as well, a gift from his father. Peter loved to perform and brought joy to many friends and colleagues and to his entire extended family.
He shared his love of sailing and skiing with Mary Jane, Jonathan and Charlie, and took pride and pleasure when Jonathan’s and Charlie’s skills surpassed his own. Peter lovingly restored his antique Roue and shared wonderful times with family and friends sailing on the Halifax Harbour.
Peter and Mary Jane McGinty were married for 35 years. They were inseparable companions. Son Jonathan is presently living in Halifax, and Charles is living in Newport Beach Calif., where he has managed to turn sailing into a career. Peter smiled at that thought. Peter leaves siblings, Lisa Underwood, Halifax; Cynthia Thayer, Maine; and Robert Underwood, Toronto. He leaves many in-laws who adored him and will miss him.
He also leaves best friends, John Crace, Roy Redgrave, Tom Purves and Brian Gilbert. Now there will be fish for the rest of you. Nieces and nephews are Thomas Saad, Robin Saad of Maine; Amy Underwood, Toronto; Sarah Underwood and Joshua Underwood, of Halifax; Alexandra Lobsiger, of New York; goddaughter, Amy Reitsma.
Peter celebrated his 60th birthday on March 13, 2012. His birthday wish was for a long life for those gathered. We will miss him.
Service to be held in St. Matthew’s United Church, 1479 Barrington St. at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31st. Reception for family, friends and colleagues to follow at the Saraguay House, 360 Purcell’s Cove Rd. Dr. Ivar Mendez treated Peter during his illness. Dr. Mendez is doing important work and is deserving of our support. If you wish to make memorial donations, please consider the Ivar Mendez International Foundation. ivarmendezfoundation.org
(Thanks to the Chronicle-Herald in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for permission to reprint this obituary.)
Peter Underwood, a Founder of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment
In 1988, Peter Underwood, working closely with his friend and colleague Art Longard, helped to form the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment (GOMC).
“Today we mourn Peter’s passing but also celebrate his many actions to improve the stewardship of the Gulf’s natural resources,” recalled David Keeley of Jefferson, Maine, another founder of the GOMC. “Peter was instrumental in writing the 1989 Premiers and Governors Proclamation that formed the Council.”
“What made this so amazing is that it was a time of incredible controversy between Canada and the US. The World Court in the Hague was wrestling with where to draw the maritime boundary in Georges Bank. The two countries had active trade conflicts over fish, potatoes and lumber crossing the borders,” said Keeley.
“Despite these seemingly insurmountable conditions Peter stood fast. He rolled up his sleeves and helped to author the first 5-year Action Plan that charted the course for cooperative management in the Gulf of Maine.” After that, he represented Nova Scotia on the Working Group for nearly 10 years.
“He came to meetings with big ideas and incredible passion. And in the evening entertained us with his violin and fiddle. He told stories, visited with our families and became a dear friend to everyone involved with the Council,” said Keeley. “We miss him greatly and will remember him forever.”
N.S. Premier Extends Condolences on the Passing of Peter Underwood
Premier Darrell Dexter was saddened to hear that long-time Nova Scotia civil servant Peter Underwood passed away Sunday, March 25.
“This is a great loss, and I want to express my sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,” said Premier Dexter. “Peter dedicated years of service to this province at the senior level. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known him.”
Mr. Underwood worked in the public service for more than 25 years, serving as deputy minister with the departments of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries and Aquaculture. He was instrumental in developing the province’s natural resources strategy, among other key initiatives in the resource sector.
His most recent appointment was leading multi-department policy and organization al initiatives for the Executive Council Office, working with senior officials throughout government. Until recently, Mr. Underwood led the team working on the merger of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College with Dalhousie University.
