ARTHUR GEORGE PETERSON -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ARTHUR GEORGE PETERSON 1949 - 2011 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Art Peterson, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. With family by his side, he passed away peacefully Monday, April 25, 2011 at Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora. Art fought a valiant battle with cancer, facing it with courage, dignity and what many described as an amazing outlook . He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Jan, and sons Ryan and Stefan. Art is survived by a large family and will be missed by all - his sisters Linda O'Connor (Russ), Arlie, twin sister Adelle Shewchuk (Larry), and brother Ken (Joy); seven brothers-in-law Dave (Pat), Rob (Judy), Rick (Linda), Ron (Lorna), Reg (Janice), John (Brigitte), and Graham (Elaine); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Art was predeceased by his parents Lincoln and Rhoda Peterson, and mother and father-in-law, Irma and Joe Schwartz. Art was born May 16, 1949 and spent his first years in Ashern, Manitoba, moving to Keewatin at age six. While Keewatin was Art's home during his school years, his special summer home was on his Uncle Leo and Auntie Runa's farm near Ashern. It was there that he worked hard, learned much, and had some great times with his Peterson cousins. After high school Art spent 10 years working on board freighter ships, travelling everywhere from Thunder Bay through the Great Lakes, up the coast into Hudson's Bay, into the Arctic Ocean and down the MacKenzie River. He had fond memories of these times and loved to reminisce about them with us. In 1981 Art married Jan, and they made their home in Kenora where they raised their sons, Ryan and Stefan. Art was employed as a custodian by the Catholic School Board, and he enjoyed his work. More than that he enjoyed his connection with the kids, and they in turn were very fond of their Mr. P. Whether family, friend or co-worker, Art's easy-going nature, acceptance of people just as they were, and readiness to lend a helping hand, were recognized by all. He was always busy working on a project or two around home, and loved to putter and visit in his garage with visitors. Generally a pretty quiet guy who loved to relax with a good book, Art could also get pretty passionate about his hockey. He enjoyed traveling, making three trips to Mexico as a young man. As a family man', Art happily traded in those trips for family trips across Canada. And, every summer he would usually manage to spend some time at Silver Bay on Lake Manitoba with his aunts, uncles and cousins. Special thanks to our family and friends for their love and support and to Dr. Vaudry, Dr. Fast, all the nurses and staff on 3E, and his CancerCare Manitoba and Gamma Knife medical teams for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Art's memory to Lake of the Woods District Hospital Palliative Care, 21 Sylvan St., Kenora, ON P9N 3W7. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at Brown Funeral Home in Kenora, followed by a luncheon/reception. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date. Brown Funeral Home 429 2nd St. S., Kenora, ON - 807-468-8633 www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 28, 2011