It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert “Bob” Peterson on June 25, 2025, in Victoria BC at the age of 95. Bob was a devoted husband, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Bob was born on December 20, 1929, in Duncan, BC. He was the fourth of five boys and one sister. He is lovingly remembered by his children Brent (Linda), Karyn French (Rick), and Lori Cyr (Mike); his grandchildren Cale, Shane, Layne and Nikila, six great-grandchildren and his surviving sister Eleanor Nemer-Kaiser, all of whom he adored deeply. Bob was predeceased by the love of his life, Joyce Peterson (2006), with whom he now reunites.
He served his community with distinction serving 30 years with the Saanich Police Department moving through the ranks from Constable (1953) to Chief Constable (1972-1983) and later as a respected member of the Parole Board of Canada. Bob was also deeply committed to community service as a proud member of organizations such as the Saanich Rotary Club, John Howard Society, G.R. Pearkes Centre for Children, the Greater Victoria Boys and Girls Club and Cadboro Bay United Church. Known for his gentle nature, Bob carried himself with honor, patience, and quiet strength. He was a man who always took time to listen and lend a hand, earning the deep respect and admiration of all who knew him.
Bob and Joyce travelled the world by planes, ships, trains and automobiles meeting family and friends along the way and creating memories to fill photo albums galore. It was at Briary Nook and then Somerset Cottage on Madrona Drive in Deep Cove (Saanich Inlet) that so many shenanigans and family memories were forged and never to be forgotten. From fishing derbies to afternoon tea on the seawall and quiet evenings enjoying spectacular sunsets, Deep Cove was a place cherished by Bob, Joyce and the Peterson/Hobbs clan.
The family is grateful for the loving and sensitive care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff at Heritage Woods. In lieu of flowers and at Bob’s request, donations may be made to MADD Canada or to a local charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at 2:00pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Peterson” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Holly Hunter
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Jill Walker Bob was a lovely man and had a very full life. I am thankful for the times we shared together. I am sending condolences to the entire Peterson family – and thanking Lori for keeping in touch.
Cherish all of your memories and the special spent together.
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Jino Kim Thank you for sharing this, and it’s been wonderful working with Robert last decade.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Mike Gower I grew up down the bay from the Petersons’ place on Madrona.
It’s a wondrous thing to ‘age in place’ near another family through a half century of neighbourliness. I have decades of memories, stretching back to the 80s when Jamie Stephens and his family lived next door to them. Bob and Joyce always seemed tolerantly amused of the hijinks we got up to.
Later, I got to know them as an adult and gained a deep appreciation for their way of nurturing community. They were always welcoming and happy for an impromptu visit.
Their grandkids and some of my younger cousins enjoyed the same summer friendships in the 90s that I’d experienced years earlier. After Joyce died, I got to know the second generation better, especially Karyn, when Bob invited them to spend more time at Somerset Cottage. It’s been sad not having a chance to float in the bay together these last years, catching up on family gossip — and sadder still not seeing Bob.
Your write up perfectly describes the man I knew. Calm and gregarious. And always ready for a funny anecdote. Rest in peace, Bob!
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Bill Turner Bob Peterson was a mentor to me in my police career. I rode with him on patrol my first day as a teenage auxiliary when he was a Corporal and then as a Sergeant. He was the NCO in charge on my first shift as a Cadet. Later he became the Chief of Police. Bob was such a great example of good leadership and a good friend. He was wise, firm, compassionate with the public and cared deeply about the growth of his officers. He lead by example and would never ask us to do something that he would not do himself. He often suggested opportunities for advancement and learning and at the same time he was always open to new ideas and suggestions from us. If we came forward with an idea, Bob would support our efforts to implement that idea.
When I was building our house and the members of my shift were on site helping, Bob (who was at the time on another shift) showed up to help lift the beams. Bob was a man who cared about this community and he made a huge difference to so many in so many ways. He left a positive mark.
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Nancy Harwood Uncle Bob’s passing marks the end of an era — he was the last surviving spouse of the close-knit cousins of my own beloved Dad.
More than 70 years ago, I had my first-ever sleepover, at Auntie Joyce and Uncle Bob’s. While memories are dim, the kindness they showed to a nervous little girl away from home for the first time has stayed with me all these years.
My other enduring memory is of Uncle Bob’s remarkably deep and resonant voice. I hear it still.
Uncle Bob’s love for his family and yours for him will survive his passing. I trust you will all find comfort and peace in that love, and in knowing he is with Auntie Joyce again.
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Leon and Colleen Politano What a beautiful tribute to your lovely, dad, grandad, uncle.
Our most sincere condolences.
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Leanne Edington I will forever cherish my time spent with Bob and getting to know his wonderful family. He will genuinely always be in my heart. Sending you all my deepest condolences
Leanne Edington
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Barbara Harwood Bob was the epitome of a gentle, gentleman. He was courteous and caring to everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him. Times spent on Madrona Drive were times to remember;Joyce’s fabulous blackberry pie and the laughter which echoed round the cove. The family welcomed me when I married Joyce’s cousin Allan and I extend my deepest sympathy to them. Karen always called me “Auntie Barbara”, and that raised a few eyebrows at some more formal meetings in the City of Victoria. Hugs to you all.
Barbara
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Steve Yelick Bob Peterson was the perfect friend to young and old, always there to help and listen. He loved the his family deeply and their friends as well. I had many wonderful visits with he and Joyce and now they are together again. This brings joy to my heart because they were always a team and you can’t speak of one without mentioning the other.Good people RIP.
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Dennis and Stana Couzic from Down Under Our condolences to my University family. Cherished memories of a life long friendship including visits that spanned both Australia and Canada Bob will be remembered for his thoughtful dignity with kindness and generosity towards the Couzic family.We tell many friends to this day about his salad bowl gift to Joyce on their wedding anniversary and the moving of the house in Hobbs Road.We will be with you in spirit as you celebrate the wonderful life of Bob as he is reunited with Joyce.
What a decent and superior man and a kind and steady presence. He led, mentored and volunteered in many capacities. In over 50 years I always felt honored and delighted to know him. Due to eventual geographic distance I did not get to see Joyce and Bob nearly as often as I would have liked but I am grateful to have seen Bob at Heritage Woods within the last few years and was tickled to find him as quick witted as usual. The planet was fortunate to have him for so many years… Much love.