THE HON. JAMES SCOTT PETERSON, PC, BA, MA, LLD.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" (Maya Angelou).

Jim Peterson was raised in London, Ontario, the eldest son of Clarence and Marie Peterson, and was the beloved brother of David Robert and Andrew Timothy. He leaves his brothers behind, along with his in-laws, Mary Anderson and Shelley Peterson, and his nephews and nieces; Ben, Chloë, Adam, Andrew, Krystyn, David, and Jessica; and most importantly, the love of his life, Heather Johnston. They met in high school at age 13, immediately fell in love, and formed a life-long bond of steel. They were kindred spirits and inseparable. Hand in hand, they walked the halls of higher learning and the corridors of power. Together, nothing was too large a challenge.

Jim was a shining star in every endeavor throughout his life. He was the best hockey player, the best debater, the best water skier, the best student, the best looking, and the best friend a person could have. He was Valedictorian, president of the Student Council, and graduated from Western, Columbia, and McGill University with a doctorate in International Law. Jim taught at the Faculty of Law at U of T, and consulted for the United Nations Development Organization in Malaysia and Sudan.

As an international lawyer, Jim helped orchestrate the defection of acclaimed Soviet ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov in a high-profile 1974 case at the height of the Cold War, and they remained friends for life.

Jim became a highly successful lawyer, but in 1980 he heeded the call to public service, which had been instilled in him as a child. Peterson was first elected to public office as a member of Parliament for Toronto's Willowdale riding in 1980 and retired from politics in 2007 after a formidable career, holding the offices of Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions in Jean Chretien's government, and was the Minister for International Trade in Prime Minister Paul Martin's cabinet in 2003. His legacy included Criminal Code reform to protect women victims of assault, building bridges with our trade allies around the world, and tackling difficult and nuanced financial files. After he left politics, he joined Fasken LLP as counsel.

Jim loved spending time on his farm planting trees, in his workshop helping a neighbouring kid build a birdhouse, or throwing a ball for his dog, Duffy, who he deemed too adorable to train. Jim was humble, big-hearted, and kind above all else; one of those rare people who truly wished everyone well. Since his death on Friday, testimonials have been flooding in from Prime Ministers past and present, associates, staffers, friends, and the countless people he helped, about the incredible impact he made on everyone around him, and the country he loved. He saw the good in people and accepted their quirks with affection. Outgoing and humorous, he enjoyed the people around him and let them take center stage, cheering them on and making them feel appreciated.

Jim will be remembered for his love, humour, and his thousands of thoughtful, supportive acts. He was the best of us.

The family is planning a celebration of life in September.

Arrangements entrusted to Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, Orangeville.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com