Peter Davies came to Canada in 1968 from the UK to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry at the University of British Columbia. Unsure of what to expect, he was welcomed at the Vancouver airport by volunteers helping international students settle in. That kindness stayed with him.
He fell in love with Vancouver’s natural beauty and the freedom he felt in Canada, free from the rigid class system of Britain. What began as a two-year plan turned into a lifelong journey. He completed his PhD, married Lucille, a fellow immigrant, and eventually moved to Kingston in 1977 as an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University.
Peter found Kingston to be the perfect place to live and raise a family: close to nature, with a strong sense of community. He feels deeply grateful for Canada’s values—public health care, real democracy, and inclusion—and says, “We embraced life here. Kingston gave us every reason to stay.”