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ROBERT DONALD "DONNY" PETERSEN

1947 - 2021

ROBERT DONALD "DONNY" PETERSEN obituary, 1947-2021, Scarborough, ON

BORN

1947

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Pine Hills Cemetery and Visitation Centre

625 Birchmount Road

Scarborough, Ontario

ROBERT PETERSEN Obituary

PETERSEN, ROBERT DONALD "DONNY" Born April 17, 1947, Toronto. Passed away suddenly at his computer (always writing), on December 12, 2021, at his home in Oshawa, with Danielle by his side. Attending York University studying Urban Planning, he quickly knew that a desk job was not for him. Instead, he opted to join the YMCA's outreach programs in and around Rochdale in downtown Toronto. He developed a passion for Harley's opening Heavy Duty Cycles (1974-2010). This was his 2nd shop but definitely the "fun" one. Donny won awards both here and in Europe for his bike designs. Writing "Techline", a column in American Iron Magazine from 1992, he went on to author 21 books. He was most proud of the 8 volume book series, "Donny's Unauthorized Technical Guide" detailing the history/mechanics of the Harley Davidson, winning him the International Book Awards for 2012, 2013 and 2014. Donny travelled the world on these bikes accompanied by his brothers on every continent. His love for the outdoors ranged from hiking to mountain climbing (Kilimanjaro and Everest), to boating and fitness; taking up boxing at 60. Proud member of Hells Angels, Toronto Chapter. Much love, loyalty, honour and respect. He leaves behind his beloved Danielle, his sister Susan, niece and nephews. Predeceased by parents Gunner and Marie and brother Mike. Cremation to take place in the New Year. A Funeral and Celebration of Life to follow in the Spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Dec. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT PETERSEN

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94 Entries

Tim Atanasoff

June 28, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Tiffany Smith

May 11, 2025

Still so fresh in my mind, always a gentleman and ready to share a laugh and knowledge .

Crash

May 10, 2025

Forevermore in my heart, always on my mind,,, RIP my brother till we meet again

Robbie Woodford

May 10, 2025

Your always on my mind, forever in my heart.. till we meet again....RIP brother

William Russell

January 20, 2024

Down in Fogerty's Cove

Rick Rossel

May 27, 2023

Sincere condolences to family and friends of Donny. Always a gentleman and knowledgeable man who would offer advice and help for all who asked. Lots of respect for Donny, you will be missed.

Frank Dupont

February 21, 2023

Hey Da Don, Mr. Petersen it´s Frank DuPont and still think of you every time I open a tech book or a Donny´s true tales book, I am so HAppy you chose to take me somewhat under your wing when we first met in 2018 at one of your book shows and then the bike show at the international centre, you laughed at me as you and one of your brothers ( I won´t say his name) new I wanted to support any way I could so I got Donny for president shirt and some custom autographeds books from you . And you helped me put away my bike the proper way later on which I will never forget you riding it and giving me a tip on a better exhaust system for it.!!! You are one HELL of a SOLID man and I adored everything you stood for including the 81 MC you were ever so proud of.!!! MLH&R to All 81 and Donny forever as you are so very missed Da Don.!!! Mr Petersen.! Thanks for letting someone that loves the club but is not part of it get to know the Don.!! MLH&R to all 81 .

Bobby Burke

September 22, 2022

Donny and my cousin Paul Neilsen and myself all grew up together as kids and teens. I think of him often since his passing. So sad to see everyone passing lately from our old neighbourhood on Mt Pleasant area in Toronto. We had many good times and I'm sorry he's gone. His family must be devastated as I am.

Tom Lennox

July 22, 2022

I just learned of Donny's passing. He was a good friend throughout our school days at Eglington Public School and North Toronto. I moved to BC 32 years ago and lost touch with so many people that I deeply regret. He was a unique individual and I am so impressed by all his accomplishments.

Peter Rezba

July 21, 2022

RIP Donny

Dave Bradley

July 21, 2022

I knew him through HD cycles...he was full of stories and knowledge...

Danielle Brown

July 21, 2022

What a loss. You were a big deal in Scarborough when I was growing up. My grandfather really liked you . Mention Scarborough and everyone knew you. You will be missed. Now you ride forever. ML&R

Billy Rocker

July 20, 2022

I met Donny through his fellow HA Tommy Griffin, who has also passed on, as we played and partied at Karla's Roadhouse on Kingston Rd. Good times! Super intelligent man.

Shawn Rodie

July 20, 2022

I knew Donny from the early eighties when he used to work out at Golds GYM. He helped me get my bike painted at "Heavy Duty Cycles" and I used to see him at Port Dover every year where we would discuss writing articles. Great guy and always willing to help. Donny was a giant in the motorcycle community. He will be missed.

Sharon Butler

July 12, 2022

Donnie was my neighbor & we had many laughs together , you are missed my friend ever day. Until we meet again xo

Steve s

May 22, 2022

I lived above his bike shop he was probably one of the nicest people around R I P Donny be missed

Jill Denovan

May 14, 2022

Jill Denovan

May 14, 2022

Jill Denovan

May 14, 2022

I met with my dog at Bluffers Park. Donny walked his dogs, Huey and Beau, from home on Chine Drive to and from Heavy Duty Cycle on Kingston Rd. He was always very good to me. I captured this pic of him and 'his dogs'. I was in Freshmart, Sunderland, Ontario a few minutes ago and it came up in conversation that Donny had passed away. I am in shock and very sad to hear this. Walk and Ride in freedom Donny. May God bless your wife and loved ones as they grieve your passing. Huge Hug, Jill.

Maria

March 27, 2022

You left a lasting impression, many will miss you.

Dan McGhee

March 2, 2022

Danielle, I am truly sorry to hear about Donny

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss, and my thoughts are with you and the entire MC family at this time of great sadness. May you find the strength over the coming months to support one another, and your memories help to push away the pain that you are all feeling.

We never really loose the people that we love in life, as they will always live the rest of their lives in our hearts.

GBNF

Sheldon Sumners

February 21, 2022

I remember Donny when he worked on my first Harley
at Heavy Duty Cycles in 1992. He really knew his trade
so well.
My Sincerest Condolences

Cale Hermitte

February 7, 2022

Cale Hermitte 33 minutes ago (edited)

Donny was a mentor and a dear friend/brother. I was honered big time when he wrote a chapter on me in The Life of Donny "The Stories I can tell #3 " Chapter 11 and 13. Title 'Jailbreak" (Buy his books guys you won't regret it !!) I love you Brother and will see you on the other side, untill then ride on to the ends of the earth on that Victory you so loved. Oh ya Donny, you will always be remembered by me and everyone you touched, in their hearts not with your mitts lol !!!

Robert Burke

February 5, 2022

I grew up with Donnie in the Mt. Pleasant area as teens. My cousin Paul Neilsen was always by his side back then. At one point he was my youth counsellor at the YMCA on Eglington near Yonge. Im so sad to hear of his passing. My condolences.

DC

January 26, 2022

Thank you Donny, for sharing so much knowledge, to so many of us, that would have been lost without your help.Ride Free Forever.

Mike Irvine

January 22, 2022

My Condolences to all his family and friends.
I really looked up to him like my uncle Carmen Neill they both stood for brotherhood I was wishing that one day I could meet him.
Again sorry to the Family

Dan MacDonald

January 20, 2022

Met Donny in 91 worked out together for a year or two always expected to see him again.I´ll just wait for my chance to catch up to him later. R.I.P. Donny

Steve Roberts ( Sherlock.)

January 14, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. From an older Indian Motocycle rider .

Raneeta Pawlowski

January 14, 2022

Thank you, Donny, for sharing your life with us with pictures and informative writing. God bless you, RIP.

LeighAnn Smith aka BIG "D"s little sister

January 11, 2022

A bit of peace of mind whenever you get to your heaven Daryl will be there waiting for you buddy with open arms and that charming smile of his welcoming you . My sincere condolences to both families affected by such a tragedy. I´m truly sorry for your loss.

Hawk

January 11, 2022

I first met Don back in the 70s when I was rebuilding my 67 chopper. Don was the go-to guy for parts! No internet for after market parts for my custom Triumph. After several trip for parts Don interduced my to his secret vault full of Triumph parts. I was like a kid in a candy store! Most of my talks with Don came years later on FB messinger. Don was always one step ahead of everyone he was just that smart. R.I.P. Don!!

Philip Brent

January 9, 2022

I am very sorry to hear of Donny´s passing. I had known him for over 20 years and always found him to be an intelligent, considerate and eloquent human being who followed his path with unrelenting conviction. Many times, if I was out on the road with bike troubles, Donny always took a call, had a suggestion, had the time. We were born the same year and had lots in common to talk about. He will be missed.

Bill McGrogan

January 9, 2022

Gone way too soon!!! loved the times dropping in to HD Cycles, always great quality products and a great chat. RIP Donny

Matt The Catt Williamson

January 2, 2022

RIP Donny from your favorite electrician. A good man gone too soon.

Kyle Conrad Baschuk

January 2, 2022

Going to be greatly missed for his knowledge and writing .Great Man

Dave Lawrence

December 31, 2021

Fondly remembered by many Newfoundlanders
condolences to the family .

Janet Graham Fenemore

December 30, 2021

My condolences to the family, friends and brother's! I will miss seeing your posts and your vast knowledge on motorcycles, the books that you had written. Quips that you had posted showing your sense of humour!
RIP

Glenn Michael

December 30, 2021

It´s truly been an honour knowing Donny since 1975 when I met him at Heavy Duty on Gerard St.
All the years in the gym, riding, etc cause my memories to smile.
Solid and benevolent and with a death before dishonour attitude make this man worthy of emulation.
Donny with all these attributes you were constantly humble.
Thank you for your sincere friendship and as for your life
.... well done my friend.

Janine bourasss

December 29, 2021

My condolences to the family.. He will dearly missed

Linda Murphy

December 29, 2021

Legendary, Donny Petersen.
" Ride on Don." .Catch up with them, Rod has been waiting on you.
Your wish came true, my friend..Keep Smilin you made it all happen the way you wanted it to. ..in my thoughts Don. BLESSED Be.

William Vinkle / Donald Vinkle SR.

December 28, 2021

The world lost a great man and mentor to many of us . Sending our personal condolences to Donnie´s Family Brothers and friends
Donnie GBNF

Ron Szoczei

December 28, 2021

A very knowledgable mentor though always humble and willing to come alongside to guide. Truly a man among men. I'll miss our chats. Rest in peace, MLHR.

Hawk

December 28, 2021

A life well-lived. A true Icon in the biker community in Canada and around the World. R.I.P. Donny.

Wally Kozak

December 27, 2021

I will always fondly remember our high school days together . Hanging out at Davisville Park and the Mt. Pleasant Pool Hall. Trips to my cottage at Long Point and going to the local dances.Many good memories RIP Don !

Earle Vance. Shirley Glenn

December 25, 2021

Met Donny in 1993 when I bought my 93 Electric Glide Sport, which I knew I had to custom ,so off to Heavy Duty I went. As usual he had a lot of good knowledge on how to customize it to what I wanted ,he was always easy to talk to. Sold the bike in 2001 when I went back to Hong Kong but loved the bike he helped me custom.
The one story I remember ,is when I was standing out front of his shop with a customer/friend of his, unknown to me at the time he was the President of the Pair of Dice Riders, at that time Donny´ and my wife were inside talking , and he looked up and said "what do those guys have to talk about?" recognizing that we came from different worlds...we were taking about flying airplanes, a mutual interest it would seem, a funny memory for us.
Donny will be missed very much from all kinds of people.
Ride free Donny!
Cheers

Bill St.Germaine

December 25, 2021

He was a great guy as a kid hanging out with my brother Danny. I'd go for the ride when my dad took them to our cottage. Donny at 13 would bring his weight s. RIP

Ron Munro aka Dawg

December 24, 2021

R.I.P Brother it was a pleasure to know you and everything you stood for my condolences to his brothers world wide and Danielle and family he will be truly missed but never forgotten Donny your knowledge and wisdom was second to none thanks for all the support and good times shared MLLH&R "Ride free my friend"

Jesse

December 24, 2021

You will be missed, Donny.

Dave Hretsina

December 24, 2021

Donny will be truly missed by all that knew him, My sincere condolences to Danielle, brothers and family.

John Whittaker

December 24, 2021

Lots of fond memories of our deep conversations at Mustang Sally's on Kingston Rd.
R.I.P. my brother.

Gary Peck

December 24, 2021

For myself and all the members of Fairport Yacht Club, we will truly miss your enthusiasm and ready smile. Fair winds and following seas Donny

Lin & Vic Jefford

December 24, 2021

Deepest condolences to family, friends and brothers. A real legend, an inspiration and a life lived to the full. R.I.P. Donny

kevin brook

December 24, 2021

Great man, real gent, will be missed by many,
RIP Donny.

Lora Shaw

December 23, 2021

My heart will forever miss you thankyou for everything you taught me...

Sharon Louise

December 23, 2021

My sincere condolences to family and friends.

Greg Marr

December 23, 2021

deepest condolences to all of his family, be it blood or otherwise, he will be missed

Kris Klement

December 23, 2021

Take care brother. See you on the other side.
-Ferryman

David Vitale

December 23, 2021

A friend from the 60´s
RIP DONNIE

Johanna Christina

December 23, 2021

May Your Memory Be A Blessing To All... Rest In Power... #GBNF

Mike Pellow

December 23, 2021

No matter where we went,with you in attendance,it was always a SWASHBUCKLING adventure second to none,These experiences always included gut busting laughter, and I can't believe what I just did or saw expressions which will never be duplicated.I will always look back at our excursions knowing we gave it our best.I will miss you terribly Captain Don.

Tiff

December 23, 2021

Condolences to family and friends and of course brothers and sisters worldwide...GBNF RIP donny

Henry Snowdrifter

December 23, 2021

Almost 40 years of memories that will never be Forgotten Its Been An Honour ! may your memory live on Forever
MLH&R GBNF

Joan Baubie

December 23, 2021

Your spirit lives in your books. All your wonderful tales.
RIP

Kimberley Clohecy

December 23, 2021

Truly the biggest loss for all who knew him, Legend, Author, since 18yrs old I admired him like the big brother I never had. Loved his words, watchingvhis exciting life, the storys Ole(RIP), my best friend/soulmate would tell me about this man. So sorry for Danielle an his family an his beloved Angels, such a hurt for all. RIP Donnie.

John Higgins

December 23, 2021

My deepest sympathy for the family and brothers and friends of Donny
It was a pleasure meeting and knowing Donny

Concetto Campisi

December 23, 2021

RIP Donny you will b missed my friend . Angels Ride MLHR friend .

Trevor Fraser

December 23, 2021

From the Ghost Riders Lake of Bays we send our condolences

James Fraser

December 23, 2021

I met Donny back in PDR days ,always an older brother and patient,with young dudes

Rob Pratt

December 23, 2021

My condolences, to ask family, friends and to his club brothers.
MLH&R GBNF

tracee ..

December 23, 2021

RIP DONNY ....fly high ......

HC Poet Aalbers

December 22, 2021

I met Donny a few times after I purchased my first used Shovel in 1985. I used to love riding into T.O. to go drool over the new chrome, and get whatever I could afford at the time. Donny always had suggestions on what to put onto my FLHP to make the bling stand out. Rest In Peace Donny, and Ride In Paradise.
MLLH&R
Poet

Jill Stefani

December 22, 2021

My Deepest Condolences! RIP Donny

Dave Lehman

December 22, 2021

RIP Donny!!! I'm glad I had the honor to meet you. Condolences to all !!

Dan Reid

December 22, 2021

My deepest sympathies much love and much respect he was an amazing man and very proud of knowing him

Dave Brindley

December 22, 2021

My condolences to the family and his friends, brothers and and friends . We have lost a legend . L,H, & R . GBNF

Dolores Lee

December 22, 2021

Wishing family the strength to get through this hard time. RIP Donny...ride the clouds

T&D Knobelsdorf

December 22, 2021

Our condolences to family and friends.
May you Ride hard & Ride free with all the Angels in Heaven!

Todd Shulman

December 22, 2021

Although I first met Donny more than 35 years ago, I didn´t get know him until 10 years ago when we used to box together. He was an inspiration to me that you are never too old to learn something new. When I decided to get into motorcycling, he was my trusted advisor on what the right bike for me might be. His books inspired me to learn more about the mechanics of bikes. I am glad to have known him. May he Rest In Peace.

Jeannette niggenaber

December 22, 2021

Donny, so sad this happened to a strong healthy man. Golds gym was fun and was glad to know you. RIP

Bob PURCELL

December 22, 2021

RIP my friend, Great Life!!

Trevor and Lesley Emery

December 22, 2021

Condolences, Much Love & Respect to Donny's family, friends, and Brothers!!
GBNF

Ryan Fitzgerald

December 22, 2021

He was always called uncle Donny to me and I have fond memories of taking his wolf dogs for walks way back when he owned Heavy duty cycles. Luv ya uncle Donny Peterson.

Bill Pettersen

December 22, 2021

Sincerest condolences for your loss.

I will always remember that whenever Donny saw me he cracked a joke about me being the guy whose parents didn't know how to spell Petersen.

RIP sir. GBNF

donnie meeker

December 22, 2021

Sincere condolences...to Danielle and his people....Donny P a legendary figure ..GBNF

Mike and Cyndy Rourke

December 22, 2021

We have known Donny since 1988...This is a very sad loss to so many people including ourselves. We would like to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathy to his Brothers and to Danielle and his family and to his many friends. You will be so missed!!! Rest in Pease and fly free Donny!!

Scott Hughes

December 22, 2021

My deepest condolences to Danielle and the rest of Donny's family. Will miss our chats, your positivity, your knowledge and your wit. Your positive way of thinking and never putting anyone down made me think and made me respect you even more. To your many brothers in the club worldwide, my deepest condolences. He will never be forgotten.

Rick Warren

December 22, 2021

Sending my most sincere condolences to Donny's Brothers,friends and family.
R.I.P. My friend GBNF MLLH&R

Dean MacLeod

December 22, 2021

Condolences to Danielle and his family, and brothers from the MC.

Chris

December 22, 2021

May you have Heaven in your heart, Starlight in your soul and Angels all around you.....GBNF...RIP!!

dennis proulx

December 22, 2021

R.I.P DONNY PETERSEN

Linda Dufour

December 22, 2021

It was an honor to know to. Rest in peace Donny. MLLH&R

Kell Durant

December 22, 2021

Our Condolences to His Family and Friends,R.I.P Don.

Stan Cross

December 22, 2021

My sincere condolences to the family and friends

Mario St Aubin RLMC

December 22, 2021

R.I.P.my friend I´ll miss our chats and visits. My condolences to you all.We have lost a great person.

Showing 1 - 94 of 94 results

Memorial Events
for ROBERT PETERSEN

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Funeral services provided by:

Pine Hills Cemetery and Visitation Centre

625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, ON M1K 1R1