Emerson was a true champion and friend to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.  As one of his teachers and coaches at GCI - I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have coached and taught such a kind, positive and wonderful human being. 
Seeing Emerson pursue his dreams after high school of running his own fitness business and being a husband and  a father was a joy to watch.  My sincerest condolences to Charlotte, Vali and the Petri Family.  
Love Ms. T

I had the pleasure of knowing Emerson in high school — although we weren’t “friends” per se, we shared several classes together over the years and he was always incredibly friendly and kind to me (and everyone else, for that matter) and loved to make people laugh.

To his friends and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

My sincerest condolences to Emerson’s wife, daughter, yet to be born child and his entire family. I had the pleasure of teaching Emerson and working closely with him on GCI Fashion Shows where he spearheaded “The Funny Boys”. I was so impressed by his constant positivity and warm smile. On several occasions I would greet him in our community and he always took the time to have a good chat with me. I will cherish the wonderful memories of this amazing man!

The best trainer and friend. You are so missed Em.

My fondest memories of Emerson was when he was just a little one at the YMCA. He always wore a bow tie for picture day and had the biggest smile. He loved his parents beyond...when Nancy came to pick up Emerson ran to her and gave the biggest hugs! When Alvin came Emerson smiled ear to ear waiting for Daddy to say something funny to Tonya and I. One day I reconnected with Emerson as an adult at the business he built. I felt so proud that I had once been a part of his life. Emerson touched my life so long ago as a child and I never forgot him over the years. You will be greatly missed by the proactive community. You inspired those around you by sharing your energy and kindness. I will miss you Emerson.

We are so sorry for this unexpected loss.   We always saw such a happy Dad at the market at the market.  Praying for and   wishing  you all the necessary strength  for the future.    Keep the family ties close and draw near to God the one who knows all our needs also in this way.    
Love Pete and Mary VB

We had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Emerson when he connected with the Coping Centre. His compassion for those who had lost someone loved inspired him to do several fundraisers with his team for the Coping Centre.
He made a huge donation to this world with his encouragement and care for others. One of the legacies he has left us is how he changed us by knowing him.
We saw Emerson just a few days before the accident when he drooped of the funds raised at Yoga in the Park.
He has left an indelible mark on all our 💞 
Glenn and Roslyn and the staff at the Coping Centre

I extend my profound sorrow at the passing of Emerson who I taught for several years at St. Andrew’s Public School and who was a leading member of our concert bands. Emerson was an all round student who was adored by faculty and students alike. His zest for life, optimism and energy were a beacon of light for all who knew him. 

His light will be sorely missed in the coming years but he will always be remembered with love.

I didn't know Emerson well, but I will always remember my first day at GCI. I was new, didn't know anyone and was terrified to be in a new school for my last year, and as I walked through the hallway, I heard some one say "hey" to me, Turned around to see Emerson. He was the first person to introduce himself to me, I think he could sense I didn't know where to go and kindly helped me figure it out. I have forever remembered that kindness and began to realize as the year went on that he was the guy who always made everyone feel welcome and just wanted to put a smile on every face. 

My condolences to his family and friends for their loss of such a bright soul. I will always remember his kindness.

Our sincere condolences. Thoughts and prayers

Emerson was a few years older than me but always well known across all grades as the friendliest guy at GCI.

Recently, my dad started training at Proactive and got to know Emerson too. On August 7th, my dad was telling me a story about how action-focused and inclusive Emerson is, inviting my dad to last minute pickleball tournaments and activities. My dad (a homebody) marvelled at what an action-packed life Emerson had, telling stories of doing house chores with his daughter on his back to get an extra workout in. I laughed and told him that he was always that positive, active guy and just how nice a person I remember him being from high school. Later, we spoke about how the most popular person in school was the kid who said hi to everyone. Remembering our earlier conversation, I said Emerson was that guy in our school. 

Just the next day, we were completely shocked to hear about Emerson’s passing. It doesn’t quite seem fair. My deepest condolences to his family and friends for your devastating loss. Please know that he will continue to remind us all to be kind, positive, good-natured and action-focused through his memory. Sending love and thoughts in this trying time.

Emerson was so amazing, this is such a shock! My heart goes out to Emerson's family, extended family, and the many (dozens) he touched through Proactive Fitness. Emerson's energy was absolutely contagious! I felt "pumped up" each time I engaged him in conversation. What I loved most about Emerson though, were the following: (1) He truly cared for others' wellbeing - and wanted to improve/transform people's lives through fitness, and (2) He so consistently shared positivity (a "can-do" spirit; so important to instill hope in those who feel/felt that their situation [e.g., their personal physical health] was beyond improvement. So glad I got to know Emerson! He will forever be remembered by me - and many others besides.  With my deepest sympathies - Darrell Bierman

I first met Emerson at his outdoor bootcamp at Domm Park.  Nicole found him online and asked me to drive her.  I couldn’t sit and just watch, so I gathered the courage to participate.  Emerson had a way of making everyone feel included and capable.   Eventually moving to Dickson Park, I remember after the Fall Fair I didn’t know if I was rolling in mud or horse manure - but nobody cared.   It was pure fun with amazing people who were all drawn to Emerson.   It was a true family affair.  Emerson was a true ‘light’ and his passing is a great loss.

Emerson 

Across Galt, 
the sounds of broken hearts 
echo off the river. 

Seeping through the cracks of the train bridge, 
and the limestone building where we once stood. 

Belly laughs in cream coloured hallways, 
silly dances under Tassie’s stage lights,
your name on the back of a golden jersey. 

Just kids. 

Now, 
in the heat of an August morning, 
Dickson Park sits quietly across the river.

Rubber tires are still,
grass unmoved by footsteps, 
as eerie silence seeps into the morning light.

Shadows remain, 
from grind and sweat, 
that built this community. 

We had something to gain,
on weathered bleachers, 
your voice booming from the speakers, 
my heart lingers. 

My heart cracks and breaks, 
for the community you made. 
Where there used to be people, 
I sit in silence and remember you. 

Full of life, laughter and light,
I remember you.  

As the river flows, 
your memory moves -
through the veins 
of our community. 

Forever changed by hopes and dreams, 
you’ve made all the difference.

Alvin Nancy and Miles

May the loving memories of Emerson inspire hope and comfort in your hearts. May God's love uplift you and hold you close during this challenging time. Our thoughts are with you.

Barbara Milbrandt and 
Alicia Carefoote

Dear Nancy, Alvin , Miles, Charlotte and Vali ,
            I share with you two everlasting  memories l have of Emerson.  Like so many have said, Emerson always had time to say Hello along with a little or long chat. 
             Two weeks ago on Saturday morning downtown l saw  Emerson and he introduced me to you Charlotte and Vali. As we were crossing the road and got to the corner , Emerson stretched his arm out to tickle Vali and said "let's go and run run run", and Vali giggled. 
            And that's one of Emerson 's message about life , " live it with enthusiasm,  joy and keep moving...."
                            Sister  Vera Komar

I first saw Emerson run his bootcamps in our small park behind our house, I remember thinking - wow I hope one day I can work up to that level of fitness. That day came and Emerson made it possible. Even though we moved away there was a huge hole left in our hearts, not only from a community perspective that Emerson built in Cambridge but also from a fitness motivation perspective. He truly changed so many people’s lives in such a short time.

Emerson, thank you for changing our lives. You will be missed.

This is one of my favourite videos of Em and me working out in the studio in Alv and Nancy's basement in 2016. The look on Em's face cracks me up every time. Man, did we ever have some laughs in that little studio. I am so thankful for all the videos we took and that I kept them all! The best decision I made in my life was finally overcoming my nerves and contacting Emerson after seeing his ad on Kijiji  in 2015. He immediately made me feel right at home, and we instantly became friends. Em had no idea how he changed my life in so many ways. I am forever blessed to have been able to call him my best friend during those years - even once life got hectic and we went our separate ways, Em made an effort always to check in and reach out. He was a remarkable person, and I feel such a profound sense of loss. Heaven has no idea how lucky they are to have gained someone who was already an angel to so many here on earth.  Rest in the sweetest peace, my dear friend. I love you.

My most favorite and cherished memories were bootcamp evenings with Alv and Em. So many laughs and good times, rain or shine he was out there and enthusiastic every time. Emerson just had a way about him that engaged every single person that was there, he made everyone feel welcome and important. There was something so special about his aura. He will have everyone doing bootcamp up in heaven, no doubt!  The angels are about to be shredded !! :)

This is heartbreaking and such a loss. A truly good person gone way too soon. Emerson was one of the kindest, most encouraging people ever. A gem of a human who just wanted to spread positivity and love, and who managed to make his gym so welcoming, fun and accepting. May we all try to spread love and happiness the way Emerson did. Sending so much love to his family during this impossible time.

Heartbroken.

I’m so sorry to hear of Emerson’s passing. I’ve known Em for many years, going back to when he first started training people out of his parents’ basement. We quickly became friends, and his spirit and energy were truly infectious.

Em always enjoyed the music people brought to play while working out. Because of my age, I often had old rap or rock on my playlist. He never once complained—just went along with it. To this day, I’m not sure if he actually liked it, but he always made me feel like he did.

He pushed me to limits I never knew I had—something no other trainer had ever done. Even after I moved away from Cambridge, we never lost touch. Through social media, he would check in, ask how I was doing, and always wanted to know about my health.

Em was a fantastic person and a true humanitarian. His kindness, encouragement, and zest for life will never be forgotten.

You will be missed my friend. 
Christopher Nelson

So sorry to all the family for the loss of a truly amazing person. He loved and care for everyone and was a great  support to the community. He will be missed by many❤️

Mary Anne (France) Gordon

Through so many formative years, Emerson’s presence was a constant source of joy and comfort in my life.

I will never forget racing him at recess in elementary school, laughing uncontrollably  on the bus rides to and from middle school, or our basement group hangs in high school where we’d confidently order Twice the Deal pizza like we were feeding an army.

I’m so grateful to have known him, and even more grateful to have called him my friend. My heart goes out to all his loved ones and friends during this difficult time. Rest peacefully Em 💛

I remember when I first met Emerson. It was highschool and we had gym class together. He ALWAYS put me on his team no matter my ability to perform. He was a ray of sunshine and the nicest man you’d ever meet. When he opened his first studio location after bumping into him at GCI he convinced me to come join his classes in the heart of Galt. He always motivated me even when I thought I had nothing left to give. His memory will never be forgotten, and I know Charlotte will do a fantastic job of keeping his memory alive. Rest easy Em 💙💛

Emerson changed so many lives for the better. He will be remembered for his passion, his energy, his loving and generous nature. He will be incredibly missed. 💚

I met Emerson in middle school, and we formed a lasting friendship during those formative years — one that, thankfully, endured across time and distance. Emerson had a profound impact on my life. He was kind, positive, and fun-loving, with a rare gift for making everyone he met feel special and empowered. I will always treasure my memories of Em, from our many group hangouts in Alvin and Nancy’s basement to watching him build an incredible business and community at Proactive. My heart goes out to the Petri family, Charlotte, Vali, and everyone who knew and loved him during this painful time. Rest in peace, Emerson — you will always be with us 💚

Emerson radiated light, passion, joy and love. I had the privilege of meeting him during birthday celebrations and at the wedding of his brother, Miles, and my sister, Anna. I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared countless laughs, delicious sangrias and unforgettable moments with him. Heaven has undoubtedly gained an amazing angel. Emerson will be forever cherished, missed and honoured. Rest in peace, Emerson. 💚

I met Emerson coming off an injury I sustained while working out at a previous gym. It was also during the pandemic and he welcomed me into Proactive. Emerson was easy to talk to and I could see he’d made a place where different abilities were welcomed. I can say I was at my fittest while working out at Proactive, but it was his friendliness and big heart that I noticed most. Emerson could light up a room, make you believe in yourself when you didn’t feel it yourself. He was one of those electric people you gravitated towards and felt comfortable with instantly. I know his loss has affected so many and I see his community legacy staying with us for many years to come. He will continue to spark memories and positive feelings for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I’m sending love and hugs to everyone who has been touched by his loss.

An unimaginable tragedy has taken not only a true hero and leader,  but a loving son, doting father and husband, and cherished brother.  We are all better people for knowing Emerson. Our thoughts and support go out to his family.

I have been with Emerson since 8th grade and he never failed to put a smile on my face or work me as hard as I possibly could so I could become the best version of myself. I owe a lot to him for my development as an athlete and person. You will be so missed. Even though that you’re gone, your kind spirit and our secret handshake lives on forever.

Remembering Emerson like this… dancing on the bleachers. Energetic, silly, and one of a kind. There’s just no one like Emdog 💚

I have only known Emerson for a few yrs but in that time our friendship grew we met many times on the Walter Bean trail and at the Monogram coffee house and at Dickson Park opposite my home and when he was holding his workouts ,he always made sure he would say hello and give me a big smile , i shall miss seeing him   RIP my friend....Michael...

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Emerson John Petri

20 octobre 1994 – 7 août 2025

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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