At one point in the evening, Peachey reflected on the collaborative work that he and others did in the Waterloo region, as they made efforts to transform the justice system. Peachey participated in conversations that led to Community Mediation Service, the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, Community Justice Initiatives, Police-Based Victim Services Program, Circles of Support and Accountability, and Network for Conflict Resolution. “We put a lot of effort into trying to change the world,” concluded Peachey.
Peachey completed an MA (1982) and a PhD (1986) in Psychology, both from the University of Waterloo. While completing his MA, Peachey worked with Grebel Professor Conrad Brunk to develop Community Mediation Service in 1980—the first such program in Ontario. He was the Coordinator of the program 1980-85.
As a student, Peachey showed a passion for active peacemaking. He played a key role in a Symposium on Non-Violence hosted at Grebel January 14-17, 1975, featuring Gene Sharp as a keynote presenter. The impetus for this symposium helped to lay the groundwork for what would become the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Grebel and soon after, in 1977, an academic offering in PACS with UWaterloo’s Faculty of Arts.
Peachey taught at Grebel as a PACS adjunct instructor between 1982 and 2000, offering courses such as “Community Conflict Resolution.” During this time, he worked to establish the Network for Conflict Resolution, which emerged from a coalition of community-based conflict resolution agencies across Canada in 1985 and he served as the Network Coordinator until 1995. In 1992, the Network became affiliated with IPACS and was located at Grebel until 2002.
Peachey now serves as the Executive Director of Global College at what he called “the other UW” in Winnipeg. He is Coordinator of the Human Rights Program, and previous chair of the Joint MA in Peace and Conflict Studies between University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.
With his extensive contributions promoting peace in the church, community, nation, and world, the impact of Peachey’s work is immeasurable. His drive to educate and dialogue is commendable and embodies the ideals and mission of Grebel. For that reason, Peachey was named Grebel’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Service Award Winner.