Robert Byron Peterson (1937-2021), former Chairman and CEO of Imperial Oil, passed away peacefully in Aurora, ON, on the morning of Thursday, January 21st, 2021, in his 84th year. He was the husband and love of his life to his beloved wife, Yvonne and devoted children Daniel (Dan) and daughter-in-law Jane Peterson, and son, Thomas (Tom) and daughter-in-law Colleen Peterson. A much loved and admired grandfather to Rebecca, Robert, Nicolas, Riley, Matthew and Joshua, Robert derived joy in emphasizing education, while watching them pursue their dreams. Robert will also be sadly missed by his surviving sister, Betty Bystrom and her husband Raymond. Robert is predeceased by his sister, Linda Pellatt.
Robert joined Imperial Oil in 1960 and remained with the company until his retirement in 2002. His career took him to many locations in Canada and the USA ending in Toronto as the Chairman and CEO of the company.
As a youth sports coach, mentor and eventual CEO of one of Canada’s most prominent companies, Robert delivered a constant message of leadership, ethics, governance and social responsibility. He was known for his ambition fed by his enduring preparation and thoughtfulness. Among several distinctions, he served on the boards of the Royal Bank of Canada, the Conference Board of Canada and was a 2003 Inductee in the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame.
Opportunity for education meant everything to him as without it, Robert and Queen’s University (‘59 BSc, ‘61 MSc) would never have found each other. While growing up in Saskatchewan, Robert was awarded a scholarship to Queen’s that he and his beloved Yvonne continue to pay forward with the Robert B. Peterson Queen’s Entrance Scholarship established in 2003.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Alisha Kassam of the Stronach Cancer Centre and all the wonderful staff who gave extraordinary care to Robert in his short stay at the Southlake Regional Health Centre. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Stronach Cancer Centre or similar of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, Ontario. On-line condolences may be left at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com
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