Obituary of Vernon Lorne Peterson

Vernon Lorne Peterson (August 5, 1936-October 30, 2023) of St. Thomas, Ontario passed from Earth to be with his Saviour and Lord of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of steadfast faith and generosity of spirit that will be remembered by the many lives that he touched. In everything Vernon did, he exuded the love and kindness of Christ. Vernon was the beloved husband of Phyllis Ann Peterson for 67 years. They were high school sweethearts and soulmates and he will be dearly missed by the love of his life. His family was his pride and joy. He was the compass and heart of his family. He always put his family first and he led and taught through example to love and follow Jesus. Vernon was always giving to others and placed everyone else’s needs above his own. He was the epitome of selflessness and he mirrored Christ in all that he did. He served as an elder, as well as chairman of the missions committee for many years at Faith Baptist Church and was a faithful member of their home church, Eastwood Baptist Church. Vernon was a devoted disciple of God and a prayer warrior. He took every opportunity to glorify Christ and witness to others. Vernon was a longtime valued welding specialist for General Motors Diesel of London, Ontario. He traveled to over 30 countries during his employment with GM – repairing diesel locomotive engines and teaching nationals. He loved his job and always came home from his travels with many stories. During his retirement years he developed a hobby of lathe work and created wooden bowls that he would gift to family and friends. He cherished spending time with his family and found such immense joy in the addition of his great grandchildren in his later years. Vernon is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Ann Peterson and loving daughters, Patricia and Jacqueline (Mike). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Peter (Jori) and Ashley (Mitch), as well as his precious great grandchildren, Adalea, Elise, Cosmo, and Felix. Also surviving are his brothers, Malcolm and Gary, and sisters, Naida, Mavis, and Barbara Ann. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Freda Peterson; his sisters, Shirley and Thetis and brothers, Carl and Lloyd. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 18th at 2pm with a reception to follow at Eastwood Baptist Church, 400 Wellington St., St.Thomas, Ontario, and officiated by Pastor Steve Kim. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to express their sympathy do so with a gift to either of the following: ● London Health Sciences Foundation Cardiac Care in support of cardiac research and education ● Hondura – Casa Hogar with the Fellowship National Ministry Centre. http://lhsf.ca/campaign/cardiac-care http://www.fellowship.ca/HondurasCasaHogar