Hello Bev and cherished daughters, we  are in New Zealand and just now learned of Peter’s passing.  It is with shock and sadness that we receive this news while remembering the wonderful family times at the  Beav; kids’ ski racing, fabulous dinners introduced by your signature melted Brie recipe,  and  staggering with the kids up Lazy Loop for slides down Boomer under the stars. We had sadly lost touch with the move to Denver but have always treasured the friendship our families  shared. As Peter transitions into the next phase, he  leaves an enduring legacy of the importance of friendship and kindness to all.  Bev, our family sends our love and condolences, and we hope our paths will join again someday soon.

My condolences to the family. I did not know the whole family, but I worked at Haliburton Scout Reserve in 1967 and 1968 while Peter also was there. My memories of “ Zurawell”  are fond and I am sorry to see a good man down. Dave Sanderson

Dear Beverly, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie,

I will always remember Peter fondly, not just as a colleague and collaborator but as a true friend and great mentor.  Peter and I were an odd team working together to manage the region for the firm.  What we discovered was that we complemented each other very well and as a result, were instrumental in helping the firm come back from some difficult times.  It’s a sign of the type of person Peter was, never giving up and always striving for the best.  I will miss Peter dearly as he and I grew to become close friends.  But I am comforted by the memories that he leaves and the impact he has had on my career.  Peter’s legacy is more than the wonderful projects he worked on, it is in how he helped shape all of us to be who we are today.  It takes an amazing person like Peter to do that and I will be forever grateful.    

Deepest condolences,   
David Chow


The Birritteri family extends our deepest sympathies to Beverley, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie.  

The news of Peter’s passing comes with much sadness, grief and a longing by many who wish for more time to enjoy Peter’s companionship, guidance and sense of humor.  I had the pleasure of working with Peter in Denver over the last 14 years.  During that time we worked together on many exciting projects and we grew to be close friends.  I will personally miss our daily catch ups, planning sessions and the stories he shared.  

When we moved from Toronto to Denver, Peter and Bev always went to great lengths to make our transition as easy as possible.  We are grateful for the guidance you have given and for the time we shared together.

Peter has left us too soon but his memory will carry on with us.

Sal, Nancy, Isabella, Samantha and Leo.


Peter had  a gift of lighting up a room with his presence. His positive and very fun approach to the BV weekends showed in his happy children and adoring wife. How lucky were Jeff and I , Brendan and Macgregor to have shared many memorable ski seasons with all of you.
We are very sorry for your sadness.

Peter Zurawel had been a dear friend of our family for 39 years. My wife Purcell and Bev Zurawel met at a post natal exercise class and hit it off immediately as did Peter and I when we met just a few days later. Their first child Lauren and our son Curtis were like brother and sister. Over the years there have been countless get togethers despite the fact that our destinies took us to different parts of the country. The years and distance did nothing to dim our friendship. Their other two daughters, Ashley and Hallie became like daughters to us and indeed, one, Hallie is our Goddaughter. So we are linked forever. Our hearts go out to Bev who has lost her partner and to the girls who have lost their beloved father. Peter was smart, fun to be with, a great provider and a loyal friend. He will be missed forever.

Dear Beverley, 
We were all very shocked to hear of Peter's passing. 
My sincere condolences to you and your girls.
Peter was a fine professional and was always willing to collaborate and assist in the transportation projects on which we worked.
He had an excellent, dry sense of humour and will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues at IBI.
RIP,  Peter

David Hatton

Beverley,  

I was saddened to read in the Globe and Mail this morning the passing of  Peter.  He was a great friend to myself and my brother, Keith,  through high school.  Always a smile on his face and a hearty laugh.  Memories of the those days are full of antics that probably drove our teachers to early retirement.  

My deepest sympathies to yourself and your daughters.

Thank you for posting in the Globe.

Bob Strand

Dear Bev, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie
We were so saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. We have warm memories of Peter on the ski hill, helping with the race program and being just such a kind and warm person. We send condolences to all of you and big hugs as well
Bob & Donna Bourne

Dear Bev, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie

It was with great sadness that we heard of Peter's passing.  Linda and I, and our girls extend our deepest sympathies. 
Peter was very special, as a colleague and a friend. He was intelligent, creative, diligent and insightful. He applied his many skills to transformative projects ranging from the CN Rail lands in Toronto, to the roll out of large scale communications projects that have been the foundation to the digital age,   to the design of  public transit projects that transform cities. He certainly left a  legacy on the world we live in. 
No matter what the challenge he always had  'can do' attitude, coupled with a wonderful sense of humor. I recall him regaling us with delightful stories about his 2 bachelor uncles and their farm north of Toronto. 
He was also caring...and thoughtful  sharing mementos of the Rockies or Broncos. 
And there was always the reminder to celebrate Ukrainian Christmas....
We have lost a great professional, colleague and friend. 
And although he will be missed he has left us with so many wonderful  memories. 

Scott, Linda, Jennifer, Lauren, Lynsey


It is a testament to Peter's great personality and warmth that so many of us from long ago camp days feel Peter's passing so deeply.
Though it has been over forty years since I last saw Peter,  his joy of life and love for people had allowed us to reconnect.  I regret that were not able to see each other and have a visit.
My heartfelt condolences to Peter's  family. 

So sorry to hear about Peter's death. Even though we hadn't seen each other in many years, Peter and I were friends at Haliburton Scout Reserve. We also hung out when I was finishing high school and he was at Humber College. He had an old re-built Chevy and we went many  weekends to visit another camp buddy at Trent University in Peterborough. These trips with Peter were always great fun, helped me tolerate the rest of high school and find out that university was really interesting. Without his camaraderie and generosity life would have been very different, less fun, less successful. I am eternally grateful to Peter for his friendship and send heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sincerely, Bob Heaman

I remember Peter for his love of family and friends, his pride in his work and his commitment to volunteering his help at the Beaver Valley Ski Club, no matter what the task.  A fine man, who will be remembered fondly by my husband John and me, as well as by many of his other Beaver Valley friends.  

Dear Beverley, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie,
Peter's passing came as a shock. He had sent me a text from the hospital and it has taken me a few days to digest the loss.
Peter was my long term IBI  partner going back to those early days in Toronto when we were a small firm.
 I moved to California and Peter to Colorado. Peter was an architect and I was an engineer. We started working on light rail projects in our respective regions which evolved to a  mainstay practice of the firm. Working with Peter was a pleasure. He could wear many hats,  was smart, eloquent and totally dedicated to his clients.
We both recently retired and kept in touch on a regular basis, discussing a wide range of topics, while sharing some physical challenges as one tends to do as one gets older.  There was never  a pip squeak of a complaint from Peter.  Beverley and his girls were his pride and joy.
I will miss that dry sense of humor.
 My heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Alistair



Beverley, Lauren, Ashley, and Hallie
 
I am so shocked and saddened to learn that you 
have lost your beloved husband and father, Peter.

Reading your message this morning has stunned me. I wish that I were close enough to share a hug with you!
 
I am thinking about your family and hoping that you find 
some comfort as you remember all those good times that
you shared. He was always so proud of you. His mom, Stella would share with me some of your accomplishments and 
then, I heard from Peter directly over these later years. 
I was happy to get to know him and all of you through his sharing.
 
I felt that Peter and I developed a friendship over time. I am so happy to have gotten to know my second cousin, Peter!
I knew him as a youngster and then, as our lives became so busy, we were not in touch except through Stella. Our family is quite small and although we did not see the Zurawels often, 
we felt connected to you.
 
I feel your grief as I remember Peter. The photo was taken in 2010  with Stella.

My deepest sympathy .
Stay strong.
 
Fondly, Sonia




Dear Bev 
Laura and I were so saddened to hear of Peter's  passing and send our thoughts to you and the girls . Peter was a thoughtful, talented, generous and fun man and shared those qualities with many many people - including the Dark's . He was taken too soon and will be missed 
George and Laura 


Cathy & I share many wonderful memories of Peter with other members of BVSC particularly Peter’s successful fireworks based request for more snow one year in early January. 

I had the good fortune of working with Peter on a number of projects at IBI Group, through the Ottawa office. Peter was always a great colleague, with a sense of humour and a dedication to his work. I particularly enjoyed seeing him at IBI Director meetings. He will be missed. My condolences to Beverly and his family. I hope in time that the good memories will sustain you.

Diane Phillips 

Dear Beverley, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie,

We are very saddened by the loss of Peter. We have such lovely memories of our families sharing life's special milestones - weddings, birthdays, baptisms and confirmations. When the children were small, despite everyone's busy lives, we always managed to make time to get together in Toronto, in Wilberforce or in Milton. And we will always remember Peter as the talented, young architect who designed the unique place that has been our home in the country for so many years.

Much love to you from Bob, Margie, Georgia and Patrick 

My sincere condolences to the family. I have so many fond memories of him as a kind-hearted father to his girls. While we grew apart when the family moved south I remember fondly how kind he was at all the BSVC apres ski parties while we kids were running around no doubt being completely annoying! 

Much love to Ashley, Hallie, Lauren and of course Beverley. I cannot imagine the pain you are in but I am sending you all my love. 

Bev and family,
I was sad to hear of Peter's passing.  My condolences to all of you.

I first met Peter after returning to work from my mat leave in June 1995.  He had returned to IBI Toronto during my absence. 
 He and I hit it off immediately.  We had the opportunity to work on a few projects together.  He proved to be a great colleague.  I always appreciated his thoughtful input and insights.

He was also a friend.  We would share stories about raising daughters, taking care of elderly parents, the long commute and of course there would be a few laughs interspersed.  He was a warm and caring individual and very supportive.

With deepest sympathy,

Audrey Jacob (IBI Group)

I have many fond memories of Peter, Bev and their three daughters from our time together at Beaver Valley Ski Club. From family get-togethers after skiing, late nights waiting for the adults to finish meetings in relation to BV’s strategic plan to fireworks as they set off to new adventures in Colorado, I will remember Peter as being patient, kind and genuine. Always kind, always generous and always a family man, Peter will be fondly remembered by many of us. Sending Bev and their girls lots of love and light.

Kim 
XOXO

I was so very saddened to hear of Peter's death.  Peter was great friend and colleague and I will miss him dearly! 

Bev, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie, my heartfelt condolences to you all.  Based on Peter's commitment and nurturing of his friendship with me, I have no doubt that your hearts will be filled with all of your memories of him as a loving, caring, supportive and inspiring husband and father.  

I have fond memories of the times we spent together while we were studying architecture and of the many invitations to share a meal with the Zurawel family during those early years and the hours of invigorating conversations that the inevitably delicious food and great wine induced.  I was honoured to be invited to your wedding and even more so, to be asked to be godfather to Ashley.  

Peter worked at maintaining our friendship over the years and despite the physical distance between us later on. I always looked forward to re-connecting with he and Bev whenever we were able to be together at an OAA conference.  I will miss those get together's greatly!

While my heart aches for his loss I will cherish the memories of times we had to work and play together.  Rest in Peace my friend, gone too soon, but never forgotten!

Julie and I send our love and condolences to you Bev, and your lovely daughters, Lauren, Ashley and Haley. We are greatly saddened to receive this news, but have many fond memories of Peter and times when our families were together. Peter was a great friend to me and others at the Scout Reserve in the late sixties. He had a big personality  and sense of humour that was matched by his kindness and sensitivity to others. You always liked working with Peter no matter the task because you knew you would get the job done and have fun doing it.  In later years it was always a treat to get our growing families together in Haliburton. Fun times on the water have given us all fond and lasting memories.  May these and other recollections help to sustain you and your family in the days ahead. Peter was one of the best.

Dave and Julie

There are many precious memories of being with Peter Bev and the girls...gathering after skiing at the cottage on the lake, fireworks in the BV parking lot, working on solutions for the BV expansion and an amazingly wonderful visit to Colorado, where Peter and Bev treated us like dignitaries!
Peter was always so very kind, generous, positive and welcoming; a dedicated family man!
With great fondness 
Anna and Ken


Helen and I send our thoughts to Bev and the girls. We were friends with Peter and Bev for over 45 years, raising our kids in Riverdale Toronto, spending  great summer times at their cottage at Farquhar Lake and having many a meal together as families.
Peter was a great friend, very outgoing, always positive full of humor and good will...a fellow who never forgot a person’s nam. 
I worked with Peter as a partner at Carruthers Shaw Architects and then at IBI Group. Peter was an excellent team leader and motivator and was a very good friend.
We kept in regular touch every year updating each other regarding our kids, travel and plans for the future.
We will greatly miss him.

Allen and I together with Bev and Peter spent so much time together during our university days.  We even lived next door to each other after our marriages.  You were both so dear to us, and even though we have not seen each other in many a year, our friendship thrived through pictures and news of the kids.  To think of Peter no longer with us is almost unfathomable, and as much as love from friends far away can sustain you, Beverley, Lauren, Ashley and Hallie, ours is on its way to you all.   May his memory bring you strength in the days ahead.     
Mariam and Allen

The Zurawel’s and the Hornsby’s met many years ago at Beaver Valley Ski Club in Southern Ontario, Canada.

The Zurawel Girls and the Hornsby Girls were in the racing program and parents spent many hours planning and volunteering at the many races and special events that Beaver Valley hosted.

Peter was an advocate for fun, competition and fair play.  His humour, kindness and love of good times was infectious and we enjoyed many great times in his presence.

Memories of Peter will be held close to our hearts and hope that Bev., Lauren, Ashley and Hallie will find comfort in knowing and remembering the many great qualities that were so endearing to so many.

Peter has been a friend, partner and a colleague for several decades. We have worked together in Toronto, Hartford, Chicago, Denver, Edmonton and on several of the National Park Service jobs - including the Grand Canyon. Peter approached everything he did with dedication, creativity and passion. He loved to tell a story, to win a job, to laugh and was always a gracious host when we would travel to Denver to visit. 
We will miss Peter and wish Bev and the family the strength to carry on. Remember the good memories and the Peter we all loved. 

I knew Peter at a younger age during our time together at Haliburton Scout Reserve in Ontario. He was a kind, funny and generous man who helped all around him laugh. Later when I was involved in another enterprise he reached out and supported my enterprise in a generous and typically-Peter manner. A lovely man. The world is a little less bright without him in it. I never had a chance to meet you, Bev, but am sending my support and love from Victoria, BC. Go well, Peter. 

Peter and I, and many others, had the privilege to spend many summers as teens, working at Haliburton Scout Reserve. Peter made many life long friends at the camp through his humour and kind and gentle nature. Although separated by great distance as Peter left Canada for architectual  opportunities in the US, he kept in touch with many of us. 

As I forwarded the news of Peter's passing with his former friends and colleagues from the late 1960's and early 1970's, many had a Peter story or memory to share. I pulled up a picture from the late 1960's of a bunch of us "posing" with the camp truck. Peter is second from the left in the cab.

Our thoughts are with you, Bev, and with your family. We will miss him.

My condolences to Peter's family on his passing.  Peter was a good man and a great person to work with and for.  I worked for IBI Group for a number of years and had the opportunity to work with Peter in Denver over a number of months on a transit project.  My time in Denver was only made better by Peter's great company and good guidance....!  These memories include great lunches in the office when we were all working hard and also a barbeque at his home to take in the 2006 World Cup Soccer finals and meeting his family.  A prayer today for Peter and his family.
Erick McEvoy

Dear Bev,
Peter was a wonderful man, kind and decent. He made the world a better place. His passing is a great loss. Louise and I send our deepest sympathies. My God bless him.
Dale Eisler

OBITUARY

Peter Edward Zurawel

March 25, 1951 – January 1, 2020

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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