​It is with great love and sorrow that we (Garry Peterson, Nicole Peterson, and Carole Conlin) announce the passing of Dr. Louis K. Peterson: Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Scientist, Mentor, and long-term Lions Bay resident.

Louis K. Peterson, who died peacefully at the Berkley Care home in North Vancouver, British Columbia on June 7th, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of intellectual brilliance, enduring public service, and deep devotion to family, friends, and community.

Louis was born in his grandfather's house in Sandness, Shetland, on August 12, 1935. He grew up in a croft, a small rented farm, in Dale of Walls. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable curiosity about the natural world and an insatiable appetite for learning.

He left home to attend high school at the Anderson Educational Institute in Lerwick, Shetland, before leaving Shetland to study chemistry at the University of Aberdeen. He earned a PhD in Chemistry in 1961 from his dissertation 'Synthesis of inorganic high polymers,' which laid the foundation for decades of chemistry research and teaching.

Following his PhD, Louis travelled from Scotland to spend three years in Los Angeles, at one of the top chemistry departments in the USA. There he worked with Prof Anton Burg at University of Southern California, met people from around the world and enjoyed sailing at Long Beach and exploring the mountains and nature of California.

Louis returned to the UK to work at the University of London, where he met his future wife Jill MacDonald. Louis and Jill were married in 1964, and in 1965 they emigrated to Canada, seeking new horizons both intellectually and personally.

Louis had taken a job as a founding member of the Department of Chemistry at Simon Fraser University. His research mainly focused on organometallic chemistry, and later shifted to analytical and environmental chemistry. It was in the laboratory and classroom where Louis truly came alive. Worked hard to interest high school students in chemistry, visiting many high schools. He was a patient and generous mentor who believed science should be accessible to all

Louis was an early pioneer and a significant contributor to the development of Lions Bay. Louis and Jill moved to Lions Bay in 1967, when the community was still young and rough-edged. In 1969 they were joined by their son Garry, and in 1970 their daughter Nicole.

Louis and Jill, raised their family amid the forest and fog of the coastal mountains and became key actors in the life of the young village. Louis and Jill, were instrumental in establishing crucial early community initiatives, including starting the first playschool in the village, a challenging endeavor that involved meeting provincial requirements and building children's furniture with fellow residents. Louis also started a cubs and scout troop, which began in his basement, and Louis and Jill helped organize the landscaping of the Lions Bay entrance in 1967.

Louis was also involved in the formal governance of Lions Bay for decades. He was a member of the Water District, and then was subsequently a member of Lions Bay’s first elected Council in 1971. During this time playing a key role in the village's transition to a municipality. He was also a part of the establishment of the fire department. His efforts, and encouragement and gentle organization of the many early residents helped lay the foundations for the nature-loving village that exists today.

Louis raised his children in Lions Bay after his wife Jill passed away in 1978. He raised his children to enjoy the nature around Lions Bay, taking them skiing, sailing along the coast, and on trips around BC. He urged his children to hike in the mountains, swim at the beach and enjoy nature. He also frequently took them and their friends out on his motorboat to explore Howe Sound, fostering in them a deep love of nature.

In 1992 Louis married Carole Conlin. Louis and Carole shared not only a loving partnership but a deep commitment to public service. Together, they sustained and grew many of the social and environmental initiatives Louis had helped launch decades earlier.

Louis remained a constant presence in the civic life of Lions Bay for over 50 years, and he knew many of the people. After Louis retired from SFU in 2000, he walked the village in 2001 for the Canadian census, visiting every house, and talked with many people in their gardens and kitchens.

Louis co-founded the Lions Bay Community Scholarship Foundation, and helped establish the native plant garden, and organized community events. He was one of the co-founders of the Lions Bay Seniors Social Circle. A quiet workhorse, he was known for fundraising with handwritten letters, selling sea-soil from his truck to fundraise for the Scholarship Foundation, and lending his wisdom and experience to any community group that asked.

He also worked outside Lions Bay. He also brought his scientific sensibilities and love of plants to become President of the West Vancouver Garden Club, and he served as President, Program Chair, and librarian for the Vancouver Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, as well as President of the BC Council of Garden Clubs

In 2019, Louis was named “Lions Bay Citizen of the Year”, an honour in recognition of his lifetime of volunteerism and stewardship. He never sought recognition, preferring instead to do what needed to be done—thoughtfully, thoroughly, and with good humour.

Louis is survived by his loving wife Carole, who was his steadfast partner in life and community; his children Garry and Nicole; his step-daughter Annette Thompson; his daughter-in-law Line Gordon and and son-in-law Harondel Sibble; as well as his two adored grandchildren, Freija and Torsten Peterson Gordon. He also leaves behind his niece Louise Johnson, and his brother Leslie Peterson, and many dear friends, students, and neighbours who were touched by his kindness, good humour, intellect, and unwavering generosity.

He was a man of many talents, scientist, gardener, carpenter, organiser, and mentor. Above all, he was a person who built and nurtured connections, whether among molecules or among people. He taught us to give more than we take, to care deeply, and to remain curious about people and the world.

A celebration of Louis’s life will be held in late July or early August 2025 (we will let people know). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Bay Community Scholarship Foundation https://www.vancitycommunityfoundation.ca/give/donor-advised-funds/lions-bay-community-scholarship-foundation-fund a cause that reflects his love of Lions Bay and education.

Ovil ( Buff ) Oldridge

Alas Buff has left us.

I miss him greatly walking down our street with his dog Bailey.

You could hear him whistling or singing and always delighted to have a fun conversation.

His career was most interesting and when he left the US on his way to Europe in WW11 as he passed the Statue of Liberty he said “ If I return I promise to make something of myself “

At the end of the war he was on General Eisenhower’s Staff and saw plenty of Europe.

Upon his return he studied for Psychiatry and for 20 years taught at UBC.

After retiring he spent many years with the Correctional Service visiting various prisons with the Province.

He was always a familiar face at the Remembrance Service on November 11th in Broughton Hall and meeting old friends on that occasion.

Although he left Lions Bay earlier this year we somehow always expected to see him walking down the street again.

He will be sadly missed.

Tony Cox. Member of the Lions Bay Historical Society

Maria Justine Morden-Schlatmann

Obituary - Vancouver Province, October 25, 2017

With deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Maria, beloved wife of John (d. 2004); mother of Michael (Kim), Richard (Lesley), David (Lani) and Amanda (Craig); and loving Oma to Lawrence, Grant, Samantha, Christina, Alicia, Isabel, Maya and Marcus. Born November 9, 1935 in Haarlem, Holland, passed away peacefully surrounded with love. Our thanks to all the staff at Lions Gate Hospital at Emergency and 7 West and Amica West Vancouver. Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Friday, October 27, St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 2347 Inglewood Avenue, West Vancouver, BC. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada or Diabetes Canada.

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​I considered Maria a dear friend. What struck me most, was Maria's zest for life, her strong opinions, and her ability to be kind to everyone, accepting of everyone, even if she didn't agree with you.  There was no grass growing under her feet that's for certain. Maria was aware of the complications that this world brings and the challenges for woman in particular.   She was sympathetic, tough, straight forward and always was able to laugh.  

Her no nonsense approach to life helped save a birds' life once, when I showed up at her door with a little sparrow fighting to stay alive inside a box that a local workman handed me in hopes I could save it, she said  "So you brought it to me did you ducky?" Well, he's no good. He's not going to make it,  it's that simple.  (after a short pause) The only way he'll make it is if you set him down and leave him alone.  Leave him on my front and we'll see what happens to the little fellow, he just might surprise us."  And he did - by the time we finished our tea, he rallied and flew away. 

Maria always laughed and she was a good sport.  I will miss her.  I would bring her to my kids concerts and plays and events.  It was always delightful to have Maria around.  

Thanks for your friendship Maria.  I'm so happy for the memories we were able to create in such a short period of time.  Rest well.  

Karen Jeffery     

My Reflections on the passing of my friend Rafe Mair!

With the passing of Rafe Mair we are once again reminded that it is the moments and memories that move us to a place of reflection. Rafe was a Canadian citizen larger then life. He moved to Lions Bay with his beloved wife Wendy and their dog Clancy and later Chancy. Our Village by the sea were integral parts of his walks to Kelvin Grove beach, his rides to the Cafe on his new wheels, his chariot. Rafe looked forward to his numerous trips on the C12 bus and his adventures to dine with friends. 

His relentless firing off of e-mails to folks around the globe made him a believer and a steadfast man that never shied away from controversy. Conversations with Rafe were never dull.

Rafe and I shared many quiet, wondrous and at times comical moments. 

As our friendship ripened over time, we became the unique neighbours at the Townhouses.

His passion for the protection of Howe Sound, his outspoken view on the Pacific Salmon and fish farming were always in his repertoire.

His beloved chocolate labs, dogs in general, politics, political views, books, Sir Winston Churchill,  classical music, Baseball, fly fishing  and travels to many destinations blended well with his taste for simple foods and his favorite chicken wings. Above and beyond Rafe was a B.C. boy, ever so proud of his heritage.

Rafe left us with his books to reflect of his time growing up in Vancouver, the many topics laced with his passion that were close and dear to his heart. 

The committed friends and neighbours shared their gifts of time. Their visits are a testimony of the care and love they shared with Rafe. They showed up at his door with home cooked meals, with baked treats and coffee to go with morning glory muffins. A kind young lad would be on Rafe’s speed dial. Anytime Rafe needed technical support for his lifeline to the world, he would arrive at his door and fix his ipad. Although his body failed him, Rafe ‘s mind stayed intact and sharp with names, places, stories and dates for all the years I knew Rafe.

My last image of Rafe is in his private hospital room at Lions Gate. Sitting in his wheelchair with a warm blanket draped over his shoulders. The room had a view of the Lions. I pointed out the framed picture to Rafe. As he looked at me, he quietly said; ‘Trudi, I’ll be home soon!’ Which home he was referring to, will remain a mystery.

We all knew Rafe's last chapter would come to a close. It never quite prepares us to say goodbye and to deal with the loss and grief of yet another wonderful and unique member of our Lions Bay family.

To the circle of friends who were there to share Rafe’s last Season and his impressive life; “thank you!”

"Rest in peace my friend"

Trudi Luethy 

Member of the Lions Bay Historical Society