It has been a month since the passing of Peter Godsoe, one of Canada's foremost business leaders and philanthropists, and an irreplaceable member of the Sinai Health Family. Peter served on the Mount Sinai Hospital Board of Directors for many years and his remarkable generosity cemented Sinai Health's place at the forefront of geriatric care.

Throughout his illustrious career at Scotiabank, Peter climbed the ranks from teller to Chairman and CEO. Under his guidance, the bank flourished, becoming the second largest Canadian bank. A trailblazer in advocating for diversity and inclusion, Peter was also a beacon of support for women in leadership roles.

The visionary impact of Peter and his beloved wife, Shelagh, at Sinai Health is immeasurable. They funded Sinai Health’s first hospital-based chair in geriatrics and enabled the program to expand exponentially during the first 10 years of its existence. In 2022, their gift of $15 million celebrated that incredible first decade of achievement and anchored the next decade of progress for geriatric care at Sinai Health - and beyond.

Peter Godsoe, Dr. Samir Sinha, and Shelagh Godsoe

However, Peter's legacy extends beyond corporate success and philanthropic impact; it resonates in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, encouragement and sage advice. In this tribute, we share reflections from just a few of the many individuals who were fortunate to personally know him - and whose lives were made all the better for it.

"It's hard to put into words the tremendous impact Peter had on our community and our country. While his achievements in business were significant, I believe his lasting impact will always be his unwavering commitment to helping others. Peter was a philanthropist, generously donating to Sinai Health and many other causes close to his heart, a dedicated colleague on the Mount Sinai Hospital Board of Directors, and a tireless advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in all areas of life, which I know changed the paths of many for the better. To me, Peter was a trusted and dear friend who I will miss greatly."
Lawrence Tanenbaum, Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), Vice-Chair Sinai Health System Board of Directors

"Peter was my mentor. He treated me the same from when he was my loan officer to when he was CEO. He helped me from the very beginning. More than that, he believed in me. But I am not alone, he believed in so many of us and helped us to get started in business. Until the last few years, we would have our regular lunches and I would leave feeling so much wiser and truly loved. I can't believe that we have lost his wisdom and I hope we have all retained just a little of it."
Brent Belzberg, Founder and Senior Managing Partner of TorQuest, Past Chair Sinai Health System Board of Directors

“Peter Godsoe was unforgettable, a visionary and dynamic leader. During my tenure as Chair of Sinai Health System, he was instrumental in navigating the negotiations to amalgamate with Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital. This was a pivotal moment in our history and Peter helped to make it happen. His incredible business acumen and generous spirit were a gift to Sinai Health, our community and our entire country.”
Jay Hennick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colliers International Group Inc., Past Chair Sinai Health System Board of Directors

“Peter and Shelagh Godsoe have not only played a pivotal role in putting geriatrics on the map at Sinai Health, but their extraordinary support has been instrumental in establishing Canada's largest geriatrics program, improving the care of older adults in Toronto and beyond. Peter's visionary leadership and boundless generosity has left a lasting legacy, ensuring that Sinai Health continues to stand as Canada's leader in providing exemplary care for our aging population.”
Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health, and the Peter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Geriatrics at Sinai Health

“My respect and admiration for Peter Godsoe was without limits. As a visionary business leader and philanthropist, Peter was generous with his time, talent and treasure. In particular, he was a true friend to Mount Sinai Hospital where he served on the hospital board for many years and his transformative giving helped to propel their geriatrics program. Peter has left a deep impression on me personally and an indelible legacy on Sinai Health and Canada.”
Gerry Schwartz, Chairman and CEO, Onex Corporation

“Peter Godsoe was a unique individual who everyone respected and admired. He was a model of talent, generosity and kindness. He made a great difference in the lives of many people through the organizations he supported. Sinai Health had a long and valued relationship with Peter, which benefitted the hospital in countless ways - he was a true friend and supporter of our mission and aspirations. His counsel was invaluable with a lasting impact.”
Joseph Mapa, Former Past President & CEO, Sinai Health