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Alan Petersen

October 8, 2012

It is with great sadness and empty hearts that we announce the passing of Alan Petersen, aged 57. Alan passed away peacefully with his wife, Margaret and his children, Brian and Lauren by his side.

Alan was born in Victoria, BC to parents, Aksel (deceased) and Birte Petersen on April 30/1955. He graduated from Oak Bay High School in 1973.

After meeting his wife, Margaret in 1986, he moved to Aldergrove BC. He completed his degree in Psychiatric Nursing with high honors, and went on to work at Corrections Canada, until he was diagnosed with ALS.

Alan enjoyed hiking, fishing, kayaking, walking his dogs, and above all, spending time with his family and friends. He was willing to help anyone in need, and participated in the Terry Fox Run every year. Alan was an active Scout Leader for many years. He shared a passion for acting with his son and never missed one of his daughters many dance recitals. He was a loyal Canuck fan even sometimes dying his beard blue to look like "Johnny Canuck".

Alan is survived by his wife Margaret, son, Brian, daughter, Lauren and his dogs, Tuxedo and Gerald. Mother, Birte (Victoria), Sisters, Vibeke (Martin) California, Julie (Dan) Washington, brothers, Paul ( Monica) , Richard ( Susan), nieces, Linda ( Ben ) Maryland, Madeline (Victoria), nephews, Michael (San Francisco), Garrett (Victoria) and James (Victoria), as well as many friends and colleagues.

Alan touched many lives in his own quiet way, and was as kind, giving and supportive man one could hope to cross paths with. The family would like to thank the special staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital ICU Unit for the superlative care. Also a special thanks to Dr. Caroline Yelles, Dr. Ann McNamara and staff, Dr. Richard Waiz and Dr. Don McDonald. I know Alan would not want us to leave out a huge thank you to Emily, you are an angel. Our family would also like to thank the many friends that supported us through the last days; we wouldn't have got through it without you. We are blessed.

"While the light fades from sight, and the stars gleaming rays softly send,

to thy hands we are souls, Lord, commend."

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the ALS Society of Canada.

A park bench and a tree will be placed, through the Township of Langley, by your donations to: Metro Vancouver Head Office, 4330Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8. Attn: Regional Park, 6th Floor, In Memory of Alan Petersen at Aldergrove Regional Park.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

I will miss Alan and our walks in the dog park. I am thinking of you all often. Love Yvonne

- Yvonne Bedard

I wish I had the chance to know him more, but how lovingly he was always spoke of made it obvious he was truly a wonderful person. All my thoughts to you as a family and Heaven now has one very special angel. Alexa

- Alexa Saylor

I had only known Alan as the "little" brother of my classmate, Julie, at Oak Bay High. I met him again, when years later he met and married my friend and colleague Margaret, with whom I worked at Langley Physio Clinic. Alan was the true embodiment of the word "gentleman". I will remember him for his kindness, his patience, quiet ways, and ever-present smile. He was a beacon of positive energy, kindness and honestly cared for his fellow human beings - leaving everyone he met better off for having known him.I share his family's sorrow at his passing and send much love and the hope that you know his spirit will always be a part of you. xo

- Megan HURN

I will always remember Alan as a caring, compassionate and giving man. I guess that's why he made such a great husband, father and nurse! Our hearts go out to you and your family. Love Jackie and family.

- Jackie Morrison

I don't even know where to start......you and Margaret were always there for me. I will miss you dearly and am honured to have met you. You were a wonderful Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Son and most of all a Friend.

- Kari Yelland

I had never met the man, but do know his daughter Lauren. If the qualities and traits he installed in you Lauren are any indication of the man I never met, then I am so proud to say I know both of you! I am honoured to be your friend Lauren and grateful your Dad will be present in you every time we talk.

- Troy Lucas

I was so saddened to hear from Howard of the passing of your beloved husband and father Alan. On the few occaisions that I had met him, he exuded a kind and gentle spirit which was immediately felt. Please accept my sincere condolences. Roslyn

- Ros;lyn Perzow

Alan, We will always remember you as a kind, gentle man. Others seemed more suited to work as a nurse in the prison. You found the perfect balance to deal with your patients. Where you truly shone, though, was at home as a father and a husband. We will miss you Alan. Love Don and Chantal

- Don and Chantal McDonald

I was saddened to read of Alan Petersen's death. I have warm memories of him him as a young child with a wonderful smile. We were neighbours, and I sometimes used to babysit for Julie, Alan, and Paul Eric. I want to extend my deep sympathy to Mrs. Birte Petersen, and to all the members of the Petersen family, in this sad loss. Sincerely, Joan

- Joan Climenhaga Millar

Our thoughts are with the Petersen family during this difficult time. Alan is joining a cast of many special Angels and will now be in caring hands where there is no pain.

- Annie Huus & Karen Gugulyn

Alan, You were a wonderful co-worker and the time we spent doing research was an exciting time because we never knew what challenges each day would bring. You will be missed by so many. To all your family, I extend my deepest condolences. Lauren and Brian, you were Alan's shining stars. He shared so many stories about you and I feel like I know you even though we have not met.

- Molly-Ann Nicol

My dear beloved brother. We were so close as children—we didn't fight, as some sibs do—we giggled, climbed trees, shared Legos, and collected blackberries shoulder-to-shoulder like the best of friends. In our twenties we had such good times—hiking, fishing, dancing, playing music and entering sandcastle competitions together. We lifted each other up, eager to take on the world and dive into creative pursuits. Along with Richard, we landscaped the Quailwood garden, turning raw land into flowers, a waterfall, and a pond. You had team spirit in spades and were as loving and giving as anyone I've ever known. Almost too carefree at times, but Margaret provided the grounding and encouragement you needed to really blossom to your potential. A family man to the core, you set the standard for fatherhood very high—your children meant the world to you, you believed in them and treasured them in every way. We began community work together, at a very young age, holding out tin cups for children in Africa and shivering in the vestibule of Eaton's to collect money for handicapped children, especially those with lung and muscle disorders. Though we went our separate ways, you remained active in scouts and fundraising for cancer, and I in volunteer-tutoring children and adults with learning disabilities and technophobia, both of us thinking of each other as we contributed in whatever small way we could. I will never forget your gentle ways, your enthusiasm for everything we did together and apart, and the love you continued to share with unwavering dedication as we grew older. I couldn't ask for a sweeter, more generous-hearted brother and consider myself fortunate to have been born at the same place and time. Soar with eagles and know that I will be thinking of you whenever I hear the wind and see the stars shining above, for you lit up many lives and will forever shine in my heart.

- Julie Petersen

How I will miss you Al. He was my knight in shinning armor a few times and always there to lend a helping hand whenever I needed him. He was always just a phone call away. The most wonderful caring man I have ever had the honor of knowing. He was the greatest father and husband only one could wish for. I pray you are at peace now Al but remember we are all here missing you. When I see that star twinkling above I will know that it is you still watching over all of us. Luv Linda McIntosh

- Linda McIntosh

Alan, you were such a kind, gentle man. You were always so helpful with anything our sorority ladies were doing, whether it was helping with the kid's parties, our social events and fundraisers. You loved to dance with all the girl's, you didn't care if you were the only husband on the floor with us. We had such fun during those years. We are thinking of your family and wishing them peace in their time of sorrow.

- Tim and Sam Taylor

So sorry to hear of Alan's passing - our thoughts are with you. Debbie & Roger Young

- Debbie & Roger Young

It was amazing with how Al touched so many lives. I only knew him at work, but he always had a smile on his face and knew how to make people feel comfortable. He was truly an amazing individual and it is not often you come across an individual who cared about everyone the way he did. He will be missed by so many. May he continue to look down and smile on us all from above. Rest in Peace Al.

- Kirby Yablonski

Our love thoughts and prayers go out to Margaret,Brian,Lauren and all of Alan's family and friends.Alan will be missed by so many for his calm,caring and understanding ways.

- Jack and Margie Morrison

Al was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He always brought a smile to my face at work. He was always happy to lend an ear. He was non judgemental, always objective and very positive and a lil quirky which I appreciated. When I heard of his diagnoses I wanted to let him know how much he meant to me, but I respected his privacy. I now offer to his family my condolences and how much I will very miss seeing him at work but am so thankful for having met Al and the snippets of time we had together. His smile will live on in the many movies he was an extra in. I will always point at the screen and yell "Al!"

- Kristin Jenner

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Margaret,Brian and Lauren at this very sad and difficult time. Alan leaves many wonderful memories for everyone who was fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

- Jack and Margie Morrison

I went to Oak Bay High School with Alan. Back in 1975, when Alan was a Park Naturalist in Manning Park, I worked on a highway widening project through the park for the Ministry of Highways. Using my car, Alan and I used to drive home to Victoria every weekend together. When our summer jobs ended, we continued our friendship, and I even lodged at Alan's home on Higgins Street (in Victoria) for a time. We lost track of each other for a spell, but when he later became a realtor in Victoria, our paths crossed again and our friendship was renewed for a short time. I'm very much saddened to learn of Alan's passing. I will always remember Alan as a genuinely enlightened soul. Alan was very kind, gentle, and generous. He had an unparalleled appreciation and respect for the natural world. I'm positive he must have been a wonderful husband and a treasured dad. I lost my wife to cancer earlier this year, so I know exactly what Margaret and the children are going through. Now is a time more than ever when you all must look after each other, and try to focus on all of Alan's positive influences on all your lives. Although Alan's life ended far too soon, it's obvious his life was meaningful, and was enriched with lots of love and happiness. My sincere condolences go out to Alan's entire family. Rest in peace my friend.

- Chris Blaney

So sorry to hear of Alan's death. As a childhood friend of Julie's I have many fond memories of Alan and ....Paul and Richard. Most of the time Julie and I were trying to hide from them. Alan must have been our favourite as we tried to avoid him the least. Seriously though my condolences to all of the Petersen family. Love from Liz

- Liz Wickstrom Munn

Dearly missed and always loved. The Mortons

- Kelly Morton

Al, You were the most gentle & fun-loving man I have ever worked with at RTC. You never failed to lift the spirits of both colleagues & inmates alike & this should be a comfort to your much-loved children. Boy, there never was such a proud father! You are sadly missed & I hope you are walking dogs & fishing the most fabulous rivers in the next life. B x

- Bev Jameson

Dear Marg, Brian and Lauren Our thoughts are with you at this time. Allan was a kind, gentle and caring man and he will be missed. Rand and Lynne

- lynne andrew

It is with great sadness that I am writing this after hearing of Alan's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Margaret, Brian and Lauren. Hold tight to your many treasured memories as they will help you through sad time. I remember Alan as a quiet, kind and gentle man who loved life and his family very much. The picture of Alan playing his harmonica is exactly how I picture him now; playing for all to hear.

- Boyd, Sandy and Colton Beatty

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