Smith, in a photo from his 1993 book, A Multitude of the Wise.
Peter Smith, professor emeritus, Greek and Roman studies, died on Aug. 29 after suffering a massive stroke some 10 days before. A native son of British Columbia and Victoria, Peter had deep roots in this community and his friends and contacts are found in all parts of the Victoria community.
Peter was one of the founding faculty members of UVic’s predecessor, Victoria College. He built the department of classics (Greek and Roman studies), which he chaired on more than one occasion. Under his humane and watchful eye it flourished to become one of the premier departments in Canada, if not North America. He also served the university with distinction as dean of fine arts.
Peter was legendary as a teacher, and as a scholar and translator. His work had a grace and polish that made him unique. An admirer and former student, Michael Chase, said of Peter: “He was one of a breed that I’m afraid may be on its way out; he did not publish mountains of material, but was a superlative and deeply inspiring teacher.”
Peter was also the university’s unofficial historian. His books include a history of UVic, A Multitude of the Wise: UVic Remembered, as well as Ghosts on the Grade: Hiking and Biking Abandoned Railways on Southern Vancouver Island, and Wings Across the Water, Victoria’s Flying Heritage 1871-1971.
The department mourns the loss of Peter. He was active in so many things right up to the day of his stroke. Departmental colleague Michael Chase described him as “unfailingly courteous and kind to all and sundry. He supported and advanced the cause of the university and the department throughout his life as a professor on this campus and without ceasing all through his retirement until the moment of his passing. We shall miss him dreadfully.”
The above tribute was contributed to The Ring by colleague and friend, Dr. Gordon Shrimpton, chair of Greek and Roman studies.
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