Leslie PETERSON

PETERSON, Leslie
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Leslie R. Peterson on April 14, 2015. Les' integrity and vision helped shaped BC into the province it is today. His story began in 1923 on a farm just outside Viking Alberta with his parents Margaret and Herman Peterson. Dedicated and passionate about education, Les worked part-time to fund schooling from Camrose Lutheran College then McGill University. He served in the Canadian Artillery from 1942-46 and furthered his education at the University of London and UBC. Les was called to the Bar in 1949. Then in 1950 he founded the law firm Peterson and Anderson and married the love of his life, Agnes Rose Hine. Their son and daughter; Raymond (Sherry) and Karen; along with their children; Erik (Tania), Severin, Krista (Jesse), Lars, Todd; and Les' sister Lorraine (Mal) and her children Shirley (Paul), Alan (Janice), Carol (Moe) will forever be heartened and inspired by Les. Les served BC for over 17 years as the Minister of Education (1956-68), Minister of Labour (1960-71) and Attorney General (1968-72). During this time he opened over 100 schools, created BCIT and SFU and administered judicial independence for the Provincial Court of BC. Les returned to Boughton & Co. in 1972 and from 1987-93 he served as the Chancellor of UBC where he tapped the heads of over 36,000 graduates and equalized opportunities for students of any financial means. Les also impacted many through leadership positions in charitable, religious, business, and political associations including the Freemasons and Shriners. This inspiring leadership coupled with his selfless and hard-working nature earned him the Order of Canada and BC, and honorary doctor of law degrees from SFU and UBC. Thanks to Lions Gate Hospital, North Shore Hospice, Dr Annette McCall, caregivers Cecilia, Lenie and Akrum, Reverend Don Johnson and our good friend Jim Webster for all their care, love and support. A private family ceremony will be held followed by a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Les' name.