Frederick Norman Petersen

Norm Petersen, 78, of White Rock, passed away on November 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 4, 1946, in Mission City, B.C., son of Leo and Lily Anne Petersen. He grew up on their farm in Maple Ridge, and loved fishing, boating and the outdoors. He attended BCIT, receiving certification as an electrician.

A respected tradesman Norm was a proud IBEW Local 213 member. Over the years he worked for the Vancouver School District, in small and large electrical companies, and spent his last years as an industrial electrician contractor with Schneider Electric in Richmond. He acquired many certifications over the years. Upon retirement in 2006 Norm was a part time “A” Foreman technical specialist at a colleague’s Accurate Power Group Ltd.

Norm had many talents and enjoyed learning new skills. He was a master sailor, had pilot licenses for both small airplanes and helicopters, and excelled at woodworking, photography, and barbecuing. He built special containers for camping and boating, and outings in the canoe always involved a cookout with real chinaware!

He became a father at 41, and adored our daughter, Brittany; Norm was also a caring stepdad to Eden and David. He was immensely proud of all their achievements, attending orchestra, piano and dance recitals and school commencements. He enjoyed family boating and camping adventures on local lakes, in the Okanagan, and amongst the Gulf Islands. He appreciated the companionship of our dogs and cats, even taking our last dogs on boat holidays.

His greatest adventure was 6 weeks in Australia in 1998. Norm, Britt and Diane explored NSW and Queensland, climbed Ayers Rock in Uluru, and visited Tasmania. Back in Canada, Norm worked at Schneider and sailed with the Harrison Lake Yacht club. In New South Wales Diane taught high school English and Britt attended elementary school. We ended the year down under with 8 magical days in New Zealand. We toured the North Island in a motor home, camping on beaches and enjoying the friendly culture. When Britt and Diane flew home Norm spent his last day sailing around Auckland harbour in a tall ship, a mariner’s dream come true.

Diagnosed with diabetes in 2015, Norm deteriorated rapidly. He went into residential care in 2018 after a serious physical and mental decline. He was fortunate to reside at the Czorny Alzheimer’s Centre, his home for over 6 years. We are grateful for the staff’s attentive compassion for him and for our whole family.

Norm is survived by daughter, Brittany Petersen, wife Diane Petersen, daughter Eden Bishop and son David Bishop. We greatly appreciate the kindness and understanding of stalwart friends during the years of Norm’s long journey. There will be no formal service. This spring and summer Norm’s ashes will visit his favourite places in one last adventure.