M.G. Daly Funeral Home Ltd. Maynooth, Ontario

February 11, 1958, to January 23, 2026

We are devastated and saddened to announce the sudden passing of the most loving and dedicated partner, father, grandpa, and big brother we could ask for. 

Survived by his partner Kathleen Kosloski; his children Tyler (Katie), Tamara (Scott), and Logan (Emily) Burns; his granddaughters Gracie and Isobel Burns; his siblings Colleen Chislett (Alan), Brenda McMahon (Brian), Michael Burns (Gisele), and David Burns (Kathy); and his dear “dump dog” Tully. Predeceased by his parents Leo and Lou (St. Jules) Burns. He will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family, and by even more friends.

Peter was a beloved partner, a cherished friend and a fervent travel and adventure companion to Kathleen. Their time spent living in and exploring Ireland and the south of France inspired their retirement dream of building on a forested lot and transforming it into their quiet and peaceful home - together. 

As a dad we could count on him for anything and everything: love, advice, encouragement, an honest opinion, a phone call just to catch up, a question about how to get his phone or iPad to work, and a smart-alecky text after a Habs win (or Leafs loss). We never had to question how much we meant to him - he had a special way of making it known. We hope he knows just how mutual that love and respect was.

Gracie and Isobel will remember Grandpa Peter as hilarious, playful, and loving - “too loving!” Some of their favourite memories with Grandpa include road trips to Sudbury, having fun on the SkiDoo and quad; family tractor rides; building toboggan hills; singing Johnny Appleseed before holiday meals; Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; stealing his e-reader from the bathroom, hiding it on him, and waiting for a text to ask where they hid it; and a kiss on the cheek after buckling in your seatbelt (YUUUUCK!).

He was happiest enjoying their dream property near Bancroft with Kathleen; spending time with his kids and their families (notably: family trips to Sudbury, visits to Ireland, hockey road trips, beach days at Papineau Lake, and “Gracie and Izzy Days”); at the family hunt camp; at Good Friday flapjack dinners; tending to “small bonfires”; boiling sap with his cousin Jim; and on beach walks in Ireland. 

Peter proudly served on the Cavan-Monaghan Fire Department for 18 years, including 7 as Captain. His tenure included numerous years as a member of the Peterborough County Search and Rescue Unit and teaching at the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy. He was a mentor to many young firefighters as they embarked on their careers.

He enjoyed a 30+ year career at OPG as an operator at Darlington and as a training technician and lead instructor for incident command and firefighter training at Wesleyville. 

Peter spent numerous years coaching his kids’ hockey teams. Most of his players will remember him as the coach who would show up to the rink in shorts until that year’s first snowfall, and likely wearing his fur hat.

We are grateful that he passed peacefully with his beloved Kathleen by his side. We would like to thank the emergency responders who tended to him. As an emergency responder himself, we know he appreciated your efforts. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to SickKids Foundation (https://give.sickkidsfoundation.com/fundraiser/peterburns/in-memory-of-peter-burns).

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring.

Arrangements entrusted to M.G. Daly Funeral Home, Maynooth. (613) 338-3259 (Condolence messages may be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or visit www.mgdalyfuneralhome.com).