PETERS, Ronald J. March 6, 1942 - April 6, 2013 Dad was born on March 6, 1942 on his parents' farm near Aberdeen, SK. He passed away surrounded by his family at home near Ste. Anne, MB on April 6, 2013 after a short, intense journey with pancreatic cancer. Dad had a happy childhood, and a working life that included pastoral work, social work, serving in various elected offices, and – his great love – farming. His title always mattered less to him than his relationships. He strove to live with integrity and compassion, and he earned people's respect and affection for it. Dad had a desire for justice that ranged from ensuring the scoreboard was correct at high school volleyball games to railing against the inadequacies of Canada's criminal justice system. His early career experiences in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan fuelled a lifelong passion for justice for aboriginal people. While Dad often lamented his own failings in working for justice, he never stopped urging himself and others to pursue it. Dad approached life with curiosity. He wanted to understand what made people tick, and he was slow to judge. He read widely and loved deep, probing conversations. He tried hard to be open to other's feedback and to become more self-aware. He was tirelessly curious about his kids' and grandkids' pursuits, and spent many hours at recitals, sporting events, and other activities. In the last several years, Dad and Mom enjoyed travelling with their truck and trailer, including a 2008 trip to Newfoundland they had dreamed of since their marriage in 1964. We're sorry Dad never got to pick cherries in BC. It was on his bucket list, and something he and Mom had planned to do this July. Dad was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth (Thiessen) Peters of Aberdeen, SK. He is survived by his wife Doris (Klassen), and his children and their families: Terri Peters and Darren Oleksyn of Calgary, AB; Pam and Albert Peters-Pries and their children Benjamin and Matthew of Blumenort, MB; Jody Peters and his son Noah Chelsom and partner Tara Faris of Saskatoon, SK. He is also survived by his four sisters and their spouses and families. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held April 13, 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB. Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Prairie Wind Mennonite Church, designated for "Kenya sand dams".Arrangements byBIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030