Inez Peyto

We are saddened to announce that a piece of the Bow Valley history has now passed away. Inez Lorraine Peyto, lifelong resident in the

Bow Valley, passed away peacefully in Canmore in her 100th year.

Born in Cabri, Sask., Inez moved to Exshaw with her father Oscar and mother Aagot Mattson, where Oscar found work at the Exshaw cement plant. The family grew to eight children; Melvin (Muff), Conrad, Alfred (Dutchy), Elsie, Florence, Marion and Lloyd.

Inez left Exshaw after graduating high school for a job in Banff, working for Mrs. Brewster. It was there that she met Stanley Hay Peyto, son of Walter Peyto, in 1941 and they were soon married. During the war,

Stan was stationed at several locations in Canada where Inez accompanied him until he was sent overseas. After the war, Inez and Stan together raised four children in Banff; Paul, Gordon, Judy and Jim. Sadly Stan passed away in 1984, her son Jim in 1975 and her daughter Judy in 1993, leaving her brother Lloyd Mattson and sons Paul (Susan) and Gordon (Jan) grandchildren Bonnie and Kelsey to carry on the Peyto name.

Still full of life in her senior years, but unable to move back to Banff due to the need to reside bylaw, Inez moved to Mountain Shadows in Canmore. Inez spent the last 15 years at the Canmore Seniors Lodges, where she was quickly nicknamed Cinderella since she was always returning after the doors were locked and she had to use the kitchen entrance to sneak back in.

Inez easily made friends wherever she went. Even at 99 she retained her excellent memory and had a quick wit that would make you laugh every time. She had a warmth that everyone wanted to be a part of.

If you had cold hands, no problem, she would hold them in her extremely warm hands.

She became active in her church, and found great strength within that congregation. She had so much love for everyone and everyone loved her. She is known as the best hugger in the Bow Valley. She never let you come or go without a hug. So many people are going to miss those hugs, including staff at the lodge that saw her daily and healthcare workers. There was always hugs for everyone!

Inez was active in a variety of interests until just after her 99th birthday when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which overcame her quickly.

As was her wish, Inez has been cremated. A celebration of her life for friends and family will be announced in the new year, the date will be posted on this website.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the charity or your choice

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.