GEORGE N. PETERSON

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

• I met George at a Remembrance Day service at Neil Bardel/Brookside cemetery. His story has never left me and every November 11th I think of him. I am sorry to find out he has passed away. His family had a legend and a true hero. I asked George how he survived his POW for so long. His reply was so moving,” at the worst of times you must have a vision”. I returned every year hoping to see him. I would have to have a conversation with him. The last service as cold as it was… there was George. We all could learn so much about sacrifice and freedom. Rest In Peace you so deserve. - Posted by: Loraine Stuart (Grateful Canadian) on: Nov 10, 2021

• Thank you for your service sir, rest easy. - Posted by: Hazel (Admirer ) on: Sep 20, 2021

• I would like to pass on condolences to entire family. It’s never a good time to lose a family loved one. - Posted by: Andy Bell and Kathy Bell (Friend of Pat and Arnold) on: Sep 19, 2021

• Our sincere sympathies to the Peterson and Alexiuk families for their loss. Linnea and Dennis Wilkins. - Posted by: Linnea Wilkins (Elianbsson) (Friend of his niece Geraldine.) on: Sep 17, 2021

• Our sincere sympathies to the Peterson family for their loss. Linnea and Dennis wilkins. - Posted by: Linnea Wilkins (Eliasson) (Friend of his niece Geraldine.) on: Sep 17, 2021

• My sincere condolences to the Peterson family for their loss. I met George in 1976 when we were both new members at Rossmere Country Club. We golfed together for many years at Rossmere, Falcon Lake and various tournaments around the province. On occasion, George would bring a bottle of his famous homemade crabapple wine to help keep us warm on the cold mornings on the golf course. Farewell my old friend, I will miss you. Sincerely, Larry Grant - Posted by: LARRY GRANT (Friend) on: Sep 16, 2021

• George Peterson is one of those rare people that leaves an impression by his presence. As one learns more about Mr. Peterson, the more impressed and humbled one becomes. It is an honour for anyone to have met him. As a Member of Parliament for 11 years, we would see each other at Remembrance Day ceremonies, military marches, memorial services, and of course Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). At these events he would speak of his comrades and express his gratitude for surviving the war when so many did not. He was a stoic man. He never complained. He ALWAYS remembered others' sacrifice. My grandfather was also a POW in the Far East. He was captured in Singapore and spent the rest of the war as slave labour on the Burmese Railway with all the associated torture and starvation. From time-to-time, the Japanese Imperil Army’s deplorable treatment of Commonwealth POW's would enter the media. George Peterson was able to provide a first-hand account to those who did not know what happened, or understand, or refused to accept the horrors that occurred in Asia to millions of people because of Japanese aggression. Remembering the past, honours those who experienced the horrors. Mr. Peterson's life also demonstrates hope for humanity. Although he personally experienced unforgivable events and pain imposed by the Japanese, Mr. Peterson would be the first to advocate peace and friendship with the Japanese people, even after experiencing the horrors. When someone with the experience of George Peterson can move forward and embrace our former enemy; his life becomes a symbol for all of us, and humanity can be filled with hope and happiness rather than pain and suffering. If the purpose of life is to make existence better for the next generation, George Peterson and his generation has achieved their purpose. My generation owes people such as George Peterson everything. We will remember them. The Honourable Steven Fletcher Attached is a link to photos of George Peterson from my personal collection. https://photos.app.goo.gl/jsEESsJZAxpbq17UA - Posted by: Steven Fletcher (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2021

• Rest in peace, Mr. Peterson. We Hongkongers would never forget your sacrifice and your effort to defend Hong Kong against Japanese Occupation. Thanks to you my grandparents could have survived during the war. - Posted by: Nicolas Leung () on: Sep 13, 2021

• We owe you that much for having the peace time in HK. May you rest in peace and blessings to your family and friends. - Posted by: Ambrose () on: Sep 13, 2021

• I first met George at the Hong Kong Veterans Association Annual Dinner in the 1990's. He was the best and fairest person I have ever met. Once I became a member of the Mb. & NW On Provincial Command on ANAVETS I saw him everywhere. I attended most of the functions that were put on by the many groups and associations to honor Canadian Veterans and I always saw him there. I looked forward to see him. He survived something that a lot of Soldiers did not and I had the highest respect for him. My love and respect for George will remain for the rest of my days. RIP George you can put those demons to rest now, thank you for your service my friend. Shoulder to Shoulder, Ronald G. Smith Immediate Past Dominion President of the Army, Navy Air Force Veterans in Canada - Posted by: Ronald Smith (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2021

• Sorry to hear of Mr. Peterson's passing. He was a wonderful person to meet and talk to. He was always willing to share his memories and experiences. I wish I could attend the funeral, but will be out of town then. - Posted by: H. Ross Campbell (We had met at the Army Navy) on: Sep 11, 2021

• George, yours was a life well lived. You had the honour and the burden of being the last remaining Winnipeg Grenadier who survived the atrocities of WWII Japanese POW camps. I thank you for your support in being awarded a HKV bursary for post degree studies in health. It was put to good use. "WE WILL REMEMBER". - Posted by: Patricia Simcoe-Rosenbaum (Zinko) (HKV family) on: Sep 11, 2021

• George Peterson served with my dad in the Winnipeg Grenadiers and also spent four years in a Japanese prison camp. He and my dad were very good friends. A number of years ago, my brother Dennis and I became volunteer members of the Grenadiers and were proud to wear the tie, grey trousers and blue blazer with crest to special occasions. (My brother passed away a few years ago.) Before his passing there was a special service we attended in Ottawa. My parents were invited but dad was too sick to attend so in his honor my brother and I attended. We chose to operate the hospitality bar and it gave us a chance to really meet the veterans. Mr Peterson was one of the men we really looked up to and his memory was remarkable. We could understand why our dad had so much respect for him. Dad lived till age 96 and Mr Peterson to 100. Considering what they went through ----those were tough guys! On behalf of my wife, Nenita and I we offer our deepest sympathy to the family. Very sincerely, Nenita and Bill Bell - Posted by: Bill BELL (friend) on: Sep 11, 2021

• George will be missed by many. He taught me many things as I served the HK vets. Best memory - when he responded in Japanese upon receiving the apology from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs for the years Canadians were POWs. - Posted by: Derrill G Henderson (through HKVA) on: Sep 11, 2021

• An old friend. Suffered many hardships together. - Posted by: Philip Doddridge (Comrades-in-Arms) on: Sep 11, 2021