Alexander Ward will be a professional musician because of Rob Petersen.
Ward’s dad, Peter — himself a longtime musician and music teacher — said there’s not a doubt in his mind his son grew to love classical music thanks to Petersen, who was hit by a car and died on the weekend in Kamloops.
Petersen, a music teacher and dedicated bike rider, was on his bicycle heading north on Springhill Drive in Upper Sahali at about 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, when a southbound vehicle made a left turn in front of him, causing a collision. Petersen was rushed to Royal Inland Hospital in critical condition and died a short time later.
Petersen taught music at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) school and St. Ann’s Academy.
“We are all grieving the loss of a remarkable teacher and admired colleague,” said Kelly Tries, superintendent of Catholic schools in the Kamloops diocese.
Petersen began his career with the schools in 1988 as a music specialist and classroom teacher.
In 2001, he took on a shared music-specialist position for both schools.
“Moving forward, the schools have put support in place for students, staff and families and we ask that you keep the Petersen family in your prayers during this difficult time,” Tries said.
Daniela O’Fee, who first started working with Petersen in 1991 — when the two created what was then known as the University College of the Cariboo Chorus and is now the TRU Chorus — said one of the many memories she has of Petersen is how much he loved to ride his bike.
O’Fee said Petersen just wanted “to make the world a better place through music,” calling his death a huge loss to the city’s musical community.
“When a teacher passes away, particularly a music teacher, it leaves a very huge gap in the lives of a lot of people,” she said.
Ward agreed, calling Petersen an amazing man with a true gift for teaching children music, harmonies and the joy of singing.
“He was an amazing choral teacher,” Ward said.
Bruce Dunn, conductor of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, echoed Ward’s sentiments.
“I knew he was out there doing wonderful work with children, which is what he’s always done. I am sad for the children he works with. All those kids had this fabulous opportunity to work with him.
“He leaves a dazzling legacy.”
In addition to the school choruses, Petersen also worked with the Kamloops Children’s Choir in the 1990s.
Kris Ruston taught alongside Petersen’s wife, Judy, at the Long and McQuade music school.
Ruston said he never worked directly with Petersen, but knew of his talents.
“I don’t know if a lot of people know about his original compositions, but the ones that I did get to hear were no less than amazing on many levels,” Ruston said. “He was an extremely creative and generous musician and I believe that his passing is a tremendous loss to the music community here in Kamloops.”
Many of Petersen’s students and colleagues took to social media to share their sorrow.
Local musician Nick Paskewitz, for example, thanked Petersen “for introducing me to music. You changed my life, sir. Wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without your guidance.”
Barry McCluskey, who now lives in New Brunswick, wrote about watching Petersen “as his hands pranced the keyboard, making it shake on its stand. Watching and hoping to be picked for a xylophone solo. . . . You are missed and in our lives, you will stand the test of time.”
Petersen started the Rising Stars Choir at OLPH, watching it expand to involve students from both schools. The choir has performed at many community events.
Carolina Covaceuszach, who taught with Petersen at OLPH, wrote “my heart is heavy as I tell my children that their beloved music teacher was tragically taken from us.
“Mr. Petersen, you are leading choirs of angels with your amazing talent.”
Both schools had a scheduled professional development day on Monday, Nov. 17, and classes resume on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
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