Obituary of Edwyn (Ed) Petersen

November 16, 1934 - East York, Ontario
January 26, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

We are saddened to share with you the passing away of Edwyn Petersen, on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the age of 87 years after a considerable time in hospital.

Edwyn was born in Toronto, Ontario on November 16, 1934. He and his first wife and their children moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1977.

Edwyn studied theology and history at Waterloo and then taught history until his retirement. He pioneered the introduction of computer studies at the high-school level and even offered introductory courses to the public. After retiring from teaching, he spent hours on the road between Alberta and BC as a book distributor and went on to write his own collection of short stories, “A Tale of Two Heroes.”

He was a lifelong Christian and a member of Knox United Church in Calgary, where he often helped out with social gatherings. 

Edwyn relished history and education, but also enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping. He was an avid reader and especially liked historical fiction. He owned a farmstead in the Muskoka region of Ontario in the 70s and considered it one of the highlights of his life. He also relished Tim Horton’s coffee, which he liked to drink while socializing with friends.

In his retirement, Ed went on several trips to different countries.  His most memorable vacation was with his son Mark when they visited his other son, David (Mandy) in Malta, after which he participated in an archaeological dig in Israel and toured Petra, Jordon. 

He will be most remembered for his educational drive in the fields of history and computers, and his generosity.

Edwyn is survived by his two sons, David (Mandy) in Malta and Mark (Lori) in Calgary; step-grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Ed also has a sister-in-law, Elsie Petersen and her family in Hamilton, ON.  Edwyn was predeceased by his parents, Annie and Harold, and his brother Roger. 

Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.   Anyone wishing to honor Ed’s memory is encouraged to make a donation to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society, or Knox United Church (Calgary).

In living memory of Ed Petersen a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.