Peter Trefle Harnois, DDS, 68, of Burr Ridge, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Dec. 25, 2024.
Dr. Harnois practiced dentistry in the Hinsdale community for more than 40 years. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan, he was a much loved member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and a Hall of Fame swimmer. He went on to graduate from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. He was a superior clinical and cosmetic practitioner dedicated to his patients' health, happiness and confidence. Through his local practice, he touched the lives of countless patients and gave them new opportunities through their dental health and smiles.
He lectured internationally, training other dentists in minimally invasive techniques and emerging dental technology. His lifelong passion was making dentistry accessible, comfortable and approachable for patients and clinicians alike.
Peter was a man of endless energy, passion and dedication to the ideas, realms and people that he loved. He was so at home in nature, birdwatching, traveling to the coasts, the mountains, biking, walking - experiencing all that the outdoors had to offer. He adored different worlds, especially the comics formative during his adolescence, and was delighted to witness the explosion of the Marvel universe on the silver screen. He had a boundless imagination and gave his children, family and friends access to the incredible worlds that he could see.
He worked tirelessly to take care of those he loved, and everyone in his orbit felt his support. He gave without thought, and there are innumerable lives bolstered by his generosity and kindness.
Peter is survived by his children, Grace Harnois, Madeleine Harnois and Patrick Harnois (mother Elise Harnois) and Isabel Harnois (mother Beatriz Chalas Harnois); and his siblings, Carol Potter, Libby Harnois and Robbie Fast.
A celebration of life open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Katherine Legge Lodge, 5901 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale. All interested in remembering him are welcome.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
