Obituary for Peter Fraser Strawson
Peter Fraser Strawson, beloved by his family and friends and a pillar of his community, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 14, 2022. Throughout his professional life, personal life, volunteer work, and participation in a number of events and activities over the years, Peter left a lasting impact on the lives of many people, both in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and beyond. He will be fondly remembered, and greatly missed, by many. A born storyteller, those who knew Peter will remember his zest for life, his kindness, intelligence, fierce sense of honour and justice, his easy smile, and his mischievous sense of humour.
Blessed as partners since 1956, Peter and his wife Marion enjoyed spending time with their family, building community, entertaining, welcoming strangers, travel, and a wide variety of cultural enjoyments. Many friends will recall fond memories of their annual holiday bowling parties at Playtime Lanes and Bentwood Drive.
Peter had a strong work ethic, known professionally by many thanks to his long career as a Chartered Accountant. From his beginnings at the tax office, various accounting firms, McKellar Hospital and Headway Corp. he eventually started his own practice – Strawson Fukushima Enstrom, a firm he was proud to lead for many years until his retirement in 1999. Interested in politics and how he could make a difference in his community, some may recall his frequent letters to the editor in the Chronicle Journal.
Outside of work and home, Peter had a variety of interests and hobbies and loved to be active outdoors. Peter delighted in providing tours of Thunder Bay, his hometown. He loved the wilderness and enjoyed outdoor adventures in Quetico, throughout Canada and Europe. He would always laugh (and shudder) when recounting his near-death experience of being bounced out of a raft on the Tatshenshini River. Over the years his recreational pursuits also included hockey, curling, cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, canoeing, playing harmonica and sailing Lake Superior with Captain Crunch. Peter was a long-time singer with Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus and Cantata Singers and St. John’s church choir.
Peter had a strong sense of moral responsibility and was a devoted volunteer, happily giving time and support to organizations including the Community Cupboard at St. John’s Anglican (Gathering Table), board membership for The John Howard Society and others. He was a volunteer for Hospice Northwest, refugee assistance programs, and others. The photo pictured here shows Peter having a ball at the 2022 Ethnic Food Picnic, hosted by the Tapestry Network (a local women's group cofounded by his daughter Laura.)
A devoted caregiver, he cheerily responded to emotional and practical needs of family, friends, newcomers and community members in a most kind and generous way.
Peter is survived by daughters Laura Fralick (Philip) and Leslie Sheriff (Fazal), son John Strawson, granddaughters Katherine Erickson and Ingrid Sheriff. He was predeceased by wife Marion, daughter Melanie, parents Richard and Catherine Strawson, brothers Richard Strawson and Edward Butler, and sisters Marjorie Campbell, Louise Martin, Peggy Traer and Nancy Dynes. Family from across Canada plan to gather at a later date to relive and share some wonderful memories.
Peter offered his condo for Ukrainian refugees but didn’t live to see the day so, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ukrainian Emergency Relief, Syrian or Yemen relief charities (or any charity of your choice). Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com
Blessed as partners since 1956, Peter and his wife Marion enjoyed spending time with their family, building community, entertaining, welcoming strangers, travel, and a wide variety of cultural enjoyments. Many friends will recall fond memories of their annual holiday bowling parties at Playtime Lanes and Bentwood Drive.
Peter had a strong work ethic, known professionally by many thanks to his long career as a Chartered Accountant. From his beginnings at the tax office, various accounting firms, McKellar Hospital and Headway Corp. he eventually started his own practice – Strawson Fukushima Enstrom, a firm he was proud to lead for many years until his retirement in 1999. Interested in politics and how he could make a difference in his community, some may recall his frequent letters to the editor in the Chronicle Journal.
Outside of work and home, Peter had a variety of interests and hobbies and loved to be active outdoors. Peter delighted in providing tours of Thunder Bay, his hometown. He loved the wilderness and enjoyed outdoor adventures in Quetico, throughout Canada and Europe. He would always laugh (and shudder) when recounting his near-death experience of being bounced out of a raft on the Tatshenshini River. Over the years his recreational pursuits also included hockey, curling, cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, canoeing, playing harmonica and sailing Lake Superior with Captain Crunch. Peter was a long-time singer with Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus and Cantata Singers and St. John’s church choir.
Peter had a strong sense of moral responsibility and was a devoted volunteer, happily giving time and support to organizations including the Community Cupboard at St. John’s Anglican (Gathering Table), board membership for The John Howard Society and others. He was a volunteer for Hospice Northwest, refugee assistance programs, and others. The photo pictured here shows Peter having a ball at the 2022 Ethnic Food Picnic, hosted by the Tapestry Network (a local women's group cofounded by his daughter Laura.)
A devoted caregiver, he cheerily responded to emotional and practical needs of family, friends, newcomers and community members in a most kind and generous way.
Peter is survived by daughters Laura Fralick (Philip) and Leslie Sheriff (Fazal), son John Strawson, granddaughters Katherine Erickson and Ingrid Sheriff. He was predeceased by wife Marion, daughter Melanie, parents Richard and Catherine Strawson, brothers Richard Strawson and Edward Butler, and sisters Marjorie Campbell, Louise Martin, Peggy Traer and Nancy Dynes. Family from across Canada plan to gather at a later date to relive and share some wonderful memories.
Peter offered his condo for Ukrainian refugees but didn’t live to see the day so, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ukrainian Emergency Relief, Syrian or Yemen relief charities (or any charity of your choice). Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com