Former Live at Five, ASN meteorologist Peter Coade dies at 82

Bruce Frisko remembers former colleague Peter Coade, who passed away over the weekend.

A well-known meteorologist in Atlantic Canada has passed away at the age of 82.

Peter Coade was born in Halifax, but his career, which began in the ‘60s, took him across Canada. He eventually returned home to Halifax in 1990 and began a 17-year tenure with ATV (now known as CTV Atlantic) and Atlantic Satellite Network (ASN), eventually working as the evening weatherman for Live at Five.

“He was among Canada’s first TV meteorologists, a trailblazer in the tradition of his mentor (CBC’s) Rube Hornstein,” said former CTV Atlantic Chief Anchor Steve Murphy.

Peter’s son Graham Coade said his dad was dedicated, passionate and loved weather.

“[He] spent his whole life telling people what to wear.”

Peter was awarded a Guinness World Record for the longest career as a weather forecaster. In June 2013, he marked 50 years as a meteorologist.

Peter finished his career with the CBC.

‘Knew the science of weather very well’

Murphy worked with Peter for many years and said he has so many memories but one that stands out is Hurricane Juan in 2003.

“Peter forecast the storm very early on and warned of its potential impact days ahead of time. While some were caught off guard when Juan roared ashore from the south, our viewers knew it was coming. Peter and I were on the air doing live coverage until the last of the power went out,” said Murphy.

“He drove me home afterward and we narrowly escaped getting smacked by a falling light standard.”

Murphy said a few months later, Peter was among the first to accurately forecast the magnitude of the massive blizzard that’s become known as “White Juan.”

“Peter knew the science of weather very well, but he also knew our region and the way systems act when they get here.”

Sense of humour

Longtime CTV Atlantic Anchor Bruce Frisko worked closely with Peter and has fond memories of him.

“Peter was a great friend and colleague, and an unforgettable character. While quite shy and reserved on TV, he was hilarious in person – although many of his jokes couldn’t be published here!” said Frisko.“Weather was one thing he never joked about, though. He took pride delivering accurate forecasts to every part of the region.”

CTV Atlantic Chief Anchor Todd Battis agrees.

“I had the great pleasure of working with Peter for many years at a couple of networks. We all know his passion for weather, but I’ll remember him best for his sharp sense of humour,” said Battis.

“He was a pioneer in broadcasting meteorology. Audiences in the Maritimes were lucky to have such a trusted voice working for us all.”

Murphy also recalls how Peter could make everyone laugh.

“He also had a tremendous, sometimes saucy, sense of humour, which was, as he said, a tremendous asset for a weather forecaster. I’m going to miss his jokes, that chuckle and the twinkle in his eye,” said Murphy.

Frisko remembers another funny habit of Peter’s.

“For the longest time, he brought a briefcase to work, but every time he opened it, the only thing inside was two packs of smokes! He eventually quit and became quite smug about it!” said Frisko.

Family man

Graham said his dad was a family man who loved his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He described his dad as friendly and approachable.

“He loved chatting with folks,” said Graham in an email to CTV News.

In his retirement, Graham said his dad “loved sitting around a roaring campfire surrounded by friends, family and lots of dogs... Playing washer toss, BBQing and drinking beer.”

Frisko said Peter talked about his family often while they worked together.

“We always knew what everyone was up to,” he said.

“I didn’t see him very much after he left the station but he did email from time to time and we’d occasionally run into each other. The last time I saw him in person was at a popular Nova Scotia campground, where he was a regular. We stood on the road and chatted for more than an hour. It was great to catch up, but I regret not finding time to see him since.”

Graham said his dad had advanced Alzheimer’s before he passed away.

“The Atlantic region has lost a great meteorologist and broadcaster,” said Frisko.

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