Peter Dufresne’s love of life and dry sense of humour remained with him until the end – just ask any of the doctors and nurses who spent time with him. Peter celebrated two birthdays since his diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in 2022. He passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the age of 71 at the Sault Area Hospital.
Peter was born on Feb 5, 1953, in North Bay, Ontario and moved to Sault Ste. Marie when he was 15. It was here in the Sault that Peter met his wife Jennifer, his best friend and the love of his life for the past 51 years.
Peter is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and the other love of his life, daughter, Melody (Brooke Cooper), bonus grandchildren, Jack and Gryphn Cooper, and his sister, Janet (Sy Raza), who will always think of him whenever she hears James Taylor. He is also remembered fondly and survived by brother-in-law Jim McLeod (Bronny), sister-in-law, Judy McLeod (Lionel), and his many nieces and nephews. Peter will, no doubt, be “meeting up for coffee” with those who went before him: his parents, Jean-Marc (Mac) and Rita Dufresne and his brothers Mark (survived by wife, Dawn) and Paul.
To all of Peter’s many friends, neighbours, work buddies, golf buddies, and the Flower Pot Cove community, know that your friendships meant the world to him. The social connections he built wherever he went, but especially in his community, gave him profound joy, knee-slapping laughs, and a deep sense of purpose.
And to the many healthcare providers who helped Peter navigate this challenging journey, especially Dr. Mohammed Rassouli and Jennifer Robinson, RN, of the Algoma District Cancer Program (ADCP), Peter always spoke so highly of you and the level of care you gave him. Thank you, also, to Peter’s brother-in-law, Dr. Sy Raza, for all his advice and support, but mostly for shovelling all that snow! We cannot thank you enough.
Cremation has already taken place. Memorial contributions (payable online or by cheque) to the ARCH Hospice or the SAHF - Algoma District Cancer Program (ADCP) would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Dufresne family may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com