Paul Petersen

PETERSEN, Paul Karl… (b. 06 January 1952)

Peacefully, early on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London, Paul passed away with Derek by his side.

Soulmate to Derek S. Butt, of 21 years (as of July 25). He leaves behind his former wife Laura, his two boys  Mark and Carl, his grandchildren William, Hannah, Lily, and Chloe, and his remaining brothers and sisters, and their families. Also a brother-in law, Alexander, and his son Nicholas, and Derek’s parents Darrell and Kathleen, and Dagmar (dec.)

Paul grew up on a farm, just outside of Barrie, Ontario.  He was good student in school, focusing on Music and Languages.  A rarity today, Paul went to work for “Hydro”  almost right out of high School, after a few part time jobs. There, he quickly found his niche, took courses, and quickly rose through the ras4443ks working most of his 30 year career for the IESO, as a systems operator, doing load prediction and computer modeling of hydro needs, as well as writing prediction software for the same, which was his forte.  He loved music, and tinkering with all manner of electrical devices, and later found a love of travel.

Paul lived a many faceted life.  He married Laura, and they raised two sons Mark and Carl in Burlington ON. He played organ for Brant Street Baptist for many years and amassed a huge collection of scores and book music, a collection he held onto throughout his life, along with his Korg keyboard, and his Aunt’s accordion (she had been a missionary in SA when he was young).

After his sons left home, he and Laura separated amicably as Paul became aware that he was “two spirited” and that, although he never regretted being husband and father, his disposition to that role was over for him, although he was supportive and cared for his grandchildren greatly.

In 2003, as he approached retirement, Paul met Derek and found in him a different kind of soulmate.  A second strong bond of love, and kind of family life pursued, as he and Derek  made a new life together in London, ON., and traveled, gardened, rode their motorbikes, entertained new friends, and family, all the while Paul supported Derek’s career as a high school teacher. This second chance at love, was something he thought he’d never have again, nor in that format, and mostly his greatest fear was that he would lose his first family – he did not, and his boys, and their children, remained an integral part of his life, as they accepted his choices, and were happy that he was happy!  Derek joined Paul in retirement, 8 years ago, celebrating it with him on a 31 day cruise from Germany to the Panama Canal, and they had just celebrated their 21^st anniversary in the ER of Victoria Hospital, on July 25^th. 

Paul we all loved you, in so many different ways and roles, and you will be deeply missed.  Rest in peace knowing you live on in all of our hearts!

Expression of sympathy can be left digitally via the webpage of A. Millard George Funeral Home in  Wortley Village, or with Derek (falccros@gmail.com). Donations in memory of Pa­ul may be made to the charity of your choosing ,(with his preference being that it be grassroots and local).

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com