Peter Bowyer: retired Program Manager, Canadian Hurricane Centre

Peter Bowyer worked with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for just under 32 years before retiring from his position as Program Manager of the Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) in 2012. The level of dedication that Peter brought to his work each day has helped to raise the CHC’s profile on a global stage.

Peter worked in a number of capacities since joining the Meteorological Service of Canada in 1981. He says that knowing their work would influence high-level decision makers and citizens alike kept him and his colleagues motivated and on their toes. Over the span of his career, Peter has observed staggering improvements in weather technology such as numerical forecasting models and telecommunications. He is grateful for the challenges and experiences that have given him continuous opportunity to expand his skills and knowledge.

Peter’s greatest memory from his time at ECCC was when he was working as a marine weather specialist. While working in the forecast office, the Coast Guard patched through to him the Captain of a vessel nearing their shores that was facing freezing spray. The crew required a split decision whether or not to continue to shore. Under Peter’s guidance, the vessel headed for warmer waters to wait out the wind and spray. It was almost a week later when he received a call from the Captain to personally thank him for saving their lives that day.

One of Peter’s proudest accomplishments was his time spent as Canada’s spokesperson on issues related to tropical cyclones. Peter has also delivered teaching and training through the CHC at all levels, and is the writer of several books and scientific journals that continue to provide expert insight within the weather community. In recognition of his contributions and commitment to ECCC, Peter was awarded the 2004 Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society’s Andrew Thompson Prize in Applied Meteorology.

To learn more about Peter’s work with the CHC, please visit: Canadian Hurricane Centre: Helping Residents Stay Safe Since 1987 – Canada.ca

Here are a few random facts about Peter:

• What was your first job? Grocery clerk at Food City.
• If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Toast.
• If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? Mind control, time travel, and flight.
• What's your favourite zoo animal? Monkeys.
• What's your favourite holiday? Christmas.
• Do you love or hate rollercoasters? Both.
• What's your favourite movie? Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Nearing 18 years as a church pastor.

See more people