Your mother and father were our neighbours in Schomberg.  Your  father and  I stayed in touch until this past autumn when I left Canada for a winter elsewhere.  

Both of your parents were exceptional people for their kindness, creative talents and were the type of people who one wished they could have known forever.  

Peter’s optimism, humour, quick wit, perspectives and kindness were always what set him apart from any other person for whom I have ever known.  He always had such a comforting ease and was always very interesting.  I recorded one of our last conversations.  He  had great stories and a great laugh to accompany each story!  He never complained nor lamented about anything, no matter what others would perceive as a challenge.  His resilience was amazing,  and he was an incredibly positive person!  

 Although I will miss our  conversations, I am happy that he left this world peacefully and surrounded with the love and care that he deserved.   I, too believe that the timing was Divine.  He was such a faithful husband to your mother and once she was gone, his soul knew that it was time to join her in the afterlife.  

I do not think that there  will be anyone so special, so quick witted  and still so stylish with the way that he dressed and carried himself.  The last time that I saw him a few summers ago, he, John and I met at a local airport.    I appreciated each minute of that visit.  

I am so privileged to regard him as an important role model in my life.  In the years to come,  I will enjoy reading his wonderfully written, uplifting annual updates.   I have saved them all each year.  

Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute.  In his modesty, I knew nothing about his many achievements.  
 
He and your mother will always have a special place in my heart!  Sending you all condolences.

I live in Norway, the native land of Pete’s father.  My father Odd was Pete’s first cousin. Every year, my father received a long, charming and very interesting Christmas letter from his cousin Pete. In Canada. 

I found out that Victor (Peter) had passed away when my sister and I after the death of our dear father last Autumn took a closer look at the two small scenery paintings made by Pete’s mother Agnes. Ellen and I grew up with these beautiful  scenery paintings hanging on the wall. Now we discovered that on the backside of one of the paintings was written (in Norwegian): Merry Christmas 1924, Happy new year 1925. Agnes, Kjell and Pete. 
Strange! Was our father’s Canadian cousin Pete already born in 1924? we wondered. We searched and found - the obituary of our grand old Canadian relative.
My sister and I send our deepest sympathies to our second cousins Brian and Andrew.

Tone Styrmoe
Porsgrunn, Norway

I'm a long time friend of Peter's eldest son Andrew. I knew Peter as my friend's dad. It took a long time to get used to referring him by first name; to me he was Mr. Styrmo.  It didn't take long to realize that he was a knowledgeable man.
Peter helped me on a project around the mid 1980's. I had this idea that I wanted to build pocket doors into a studio space, but had no idea as how to approach it. I still can't remember how Peter got involved, but he ended up building the frame for two doors, and gave heavy assistance on installing them. To this day, they are in perfect working condition. Incredible!
Peter, a great and giving person, I'm sure that there's a long list of people he's helped over the years. 
I have a great deal of respect for Peter.
My sincere condolences to his entire family; he will be missed.

I reconnected with Diane (my cousin) and Peter when I volunteered at Bloomington Care where Diane was.   Actually,  thanks to Liz Adams,  I learned that Diane was there and I started to volunteer and eventually work there.    Peter and I would communicate about Diane and life in general,  and my husband Bob and I  started to meet at Swiss Chalet for our "chicken and chat" lunches as we called it!   The time with Peter always went so quickly as he was never short of  enjoyable stories about his flying days which he loved,  and his life growing up!   It was a happy time for all of us with lots of laughs and stories  and we will miss this lovely, kind man!                                                     
Bob & Linda Vince

Diane and I met at Kingcrafts in King City in the late 1970's.  In 1980 a few of us decided to meet for lunch once a month in each other's homes to discuss art and enjoy each other's company.  The membership grew to nine.  Peter brought Diane as long as possible and also picked up any of us who no longer drove.  Because of age and loss of members we now meet at restaurants.  Peter also drove some of us to medical appointments in the last few years. 
As our membership diminished, Peter helped to continues meeting, our last Art Lunch was in May of 2023.  We were planning to meet the last the last of January 2024.
One of his favorite saying, "We are all in this together".

To Peter’s family and friends it was very sad to hear of Peter’s passing… he was a special man, a gentleman, a friend to many and indeed, A Man For All Seasons who lived a full long life… in addition to his good company we especially enjoyed listening to his life stories, and what a life he had with Diane. His dedication to her right to the end  is one of the memories we can cherish. Peter was greatly respected and admired by his many pilot friends at the Buttonville Flying Club and he will be terribly missed.  It was our privilege to know and share time with him. 
May He Rest In Peace. 
Sean O’Ryan, Friend.

Dear Andrew, Brian and families,
I worked at Old Fort York in my high school days. Diane and Peter were still 'single' back then.  Diane was an artistic co worker and Peter an excellent "boss".  Our trio of musicians spent many New Year's Eves playing for the mess functions that Peter organized for the Queen's York Rangers at Fort York Armoury. After I married Jane, we commissioned Diane to paint a Monet like work to hang in our living room. We treasure this painting as well as others we purchased over the years . We would drive to their lovely home in Aurora where we enjoyed wonderful visits. Peter was always at the door with that memorable smile. We will treasure our memories of your dear mom and dad.
We regret that we are unable to attend the Celebration of Life tomorrow. 
Sincerely,
Jane and Gino Falconi

I am saddened to hear the news of Peter’s passing. I always enjoyed his Christmas letters over the years and was surprised that I didn’t get one this year.  I planned to give him a call.
My husband George and I had a few cruises with Peter and Dianne and we arranged many lunches together over the years. George and Peter met at Old Fort York when George was a guide and guard there during university,  and  Peter was the Curator. George became curator when Peter went with Provence of  Ontario as Museum Advisor.
I enjoyed hearing Peter’s stories about flying with his good flying Buddy and making  a stop at little airports for lunch.
My condolence's to your families. He will be missed by many.
Ella Waters

Peter was a long time friend and we are sorry to read about his death. Wesley was a high school kid and met Peter when he was driving a truck. Years later because of their involvement with Ontario history, they met again and kept in touch ever since.. Diane T and Diane S met, as teachers , at Heatherbrae School in 1963 , became friends and kept in touch. Diane and Peter visited  our cottage and Diane painted views of the cottage and surroundings. Those cherished paintings still hang in the cottage and at our home. We always enjoyed Peter’s Christmas letters. 
Our deepest sympathy to his children and grandchildren. 
Wesley and Diane Turner

To Andrew,  Brian, Bill and Liz .
Deborah and I send our sympathy to you all.
As a young teenager my sister, Brenda and I visited their  beautiful log home in Aurora. We even went to Lake Catchacoma. These are memories we will never forget.
If we could all live to the age of 96!
Warmest regard,
Bruce and Deborah

OBITUARY

Victor "Peter" Norman Styrmo

September 1, 1927 – December 31, 2023

Thompson Funeral Home

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