Leslie Maureen Petter

John I was saddend to hear of Leslie's death. She will truly be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. She was a very special, classy woman.

John, I have not met you or Leslie personally. Know that my son, George, who is finishing his first year at Medway, mentioned that your wife passed last week. This struck me, because George tells me little of the day-to-day details of life at Medway. However, he did speak to me about Leslie.. The very fact that Geo remembered this, and that he shared this with me says so very much. Please know that George and I are thinking of you. My older son, Sam, graduated last year from Medway. The Phillips family sends our sympathy and hearth-felt thoughts to your family. Take good care.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family John on the loss of Leslie. The funeral today was a wonderful celebration of Leslie's life. She was loved so much from so many people that she has touched in her life, we will all miss her.

Dear Ted, Barb, Jeff and Marnie, I am saddened to learn of the loss of Leslie. It was only a few days ago when I was browsing the SCI reunion site that I came across an old team photo of which Leslie and I were a part of. Immediately I smiled as it brought back some great memories of growing up. We spent a lot of time together at practices, tournaments and in classes. I always looked up to Leslie and especially admired her skill on the basketball and volleyball court. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude were infectious. She led by example. She was a beautiful person who touched the lives of many. I feel honoured to have known her. I hope you can find strength in knowing how much she meant to so many people. Thinking of you. With love, Jackie and family.

Ted, Barb, Jeff, Marnie and families I was shocked and saddened to hear about Leslie. Such a strong, vibrant woman with great leadership skills. I will always remember her fondly, as a neighbour, fellow team player, and person of honor. May the strength of your family and friends help you through this very difficult time. My thoughts are with you. Janeen & Family

I was deeply sadden to hear of the passing of Ms. Petter. She was an amazing example of excellence to us all. Excellent at putting her whole heart in to teaching, excellent at being a tough but loving coach, excellent at being overwhelmingly positive force, excellent at being a role model for all her students, and most certainty excellent at living a life that made a difference in the world. The majority of my favourite memories from my years at Medway link back to Ms. Petter and Mr. Michielsen and the hundreds of hours spent in gyms across Ontario. Thank you Ms. P for being an excellent female role model in a world that is sadly lacking. Your legacy will continue to give me (and many others) an example of excellence to strive for.

Dear John So very sorry to hear of your great loss. May your memories keep you strong. Love Josephine

Dearest John and family: Oh, what a beautiful ceremony yesterday for such a dear, dear friend. Thank You both for the many cherished memories over the years at the Transplant Games. I always have such a huge smile on my face when I see you both in photos ... and I ALWAYS WILL. With love and tender hugs, Todd

In life Leslie ran gracefully and with determination like the wind. She touched many lives and all those who met her will cherish the moments they shared with her. Now she will fly gracefully amoungst the angels and carefully watch over all those people she touched in her life time. Leslie is a special angel who will be remembered fondly for her courage, athleticism, kindness, gentle manner and beautiful spirit. She will be dearly missed by all. The transplant community has lost an amazing ambassador and treasured friend. Prayers, special thoughts and love are sent to John and his entire family and friends. Hugs, Margaret and Brian Benson

To all of Leslie´s family: I was saddened and shocked to hear that Leslie had passed on last Wednesday. I have spent a lot of time thinking about Leslie and the times that we spent together. There are so many happy memories and laughs that come to mind that I have been doing a lot of smiling. Jumping on the trampoline, walking to and from school, working at the pool, playing sports together, working in London together, the speech Leslie made at my Dad´s memorial service, the list goes on and on.... I hope that you too can draw on your memories to get you through the tough times. Leslie was a special person and she will never be forgotten! Love Tagyn

My heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Michielsen and the rest of the Petter and Michielsen family. I was very fortunate to have had the chance to be a student of Ms. Petter and coached by Ms. Petter and Mr. Michielsen. My life was forever changed in grade 9 listening to Ms. Petter's inspirational stories of the battles she fought. She was such an inspiration to everyone she came into contact with. The life lessons I learned on and off the court from Ms. Petter and Mr. Michielsen carried over throughout my college career as a student athlete and now in my career as a nurse. Thank you both for being a positive influence in my life. Ms. Petter will be forever missed by everyone who's life she touched.

Coach Michielsen, I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of your wife!! Although I didn't know you as a couple, I have known you both individually, and my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family! I will always have the memories of Ms. Petter in biology class, and how courageous and strong she was as she struggled with the hurdles that she faced in her path! Please know that my prayers and warmest wishes are with you and your family during this difficult time! xo

Our deepest sympathies....she will forever be woven into the fabric of those magical Inverhuron's sunsets...I will remember her strong yet gentle spirit. Sincerely, Mary-Theresa and Randy Hiltz and girls

Ted, Barb, Jeff and Marnie, I thought of Leslie last week as I was perusing the activities for the Stayner Collegiate 50th reunion. She was part of a list of people I looked for in our graduating class. I was saddened to learn of her passing and my condolences go to your family. My heart lightened as I read the condolences from others and realized that the drive we saw in Leslie as a classmate never left her. She has touched many people's lives and it a comfort to know that she was a light if only for a brief time.

Ted, Di and Family: Our deepest sympathies in the loss of Leslie. You were deeply blessed to have had such a wonderful angel in your life. I can only imagine your pain and pray that you can find comfort in knowing what a difference she made in so many lives. Her memories will live on forever in all the hearts of those she loved and touched. Remembering always our happy times together in Collingwood, Love and hugs from our families to yours.

John, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Leslie was a special person who possessed a fighting spirit since I met her at UWO. She was a genuine person which made her such a strong role model as a teacher and coach. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Dear Coach Michielsen and family, I want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of a truly amazing woman. I have always known that you and Ms. Petter were two of the greatest coaches and teachers I ever had, but looking back upon my time at Medway, I realize just how blessed I was to have had the privilege of growing up with people like you to guide me. I will fondly remember Ms. Petter standing in her gym clothes and clapping her hands at me to move faster or jump higher on the court, and I will never forget the many wise words of advice she gave to me off the court. Wherever she was in that school, there was an energy that was truly infectious...and I know that her words and her spirit will live on in all of our hearts. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

To the Petter Family, Many good times are remembered in Stayner. Leslie always seemed like she would never run out of energy, maybe she just used it up faster than the rest of us. I have enjoyed reading about her endevours since I last saw her, she had positivley impacted in the lives of SO MANY.( I just started a job at a High School, I will think of her often.) Wonderful people are taken from us, to often. We must remember that we where blessed to have know Leslie. Thru her generosity and kindness, she will continue to share her inspiring spirit. Lorri

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John, Barb and family To our extended family. Our deepest condolences on the passing of Leslie. I was lucky enougth to meet her at Dad and Barb's wedding but have also heard time and again what a wonderful person she was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dean and Tracy Stoltz. Comox, BC.

Rest in peace ms. Petter, you will be greatly missed. You are an incredible women and such an inspiration. I'll always remember grade nine gym class with you. You had such a strong impact on all of the students and I'm sure we will all cherish the great memories we had with you.

John, I watched the video again (that Maria Andoff mentioned) that you made for the Michielsen reunion in Belgium. It also made me laugh and cry. Leslie is so sweet in that video. I'm glad I have that to enjoy. John you are so often the clown with your great costumes. But I know that you also have a big heart and I know that Leslie was someone who helped you to open up that big heart. She was always so sweet and kind and welcoming. I loved seeing the two of you together - you the comedian and Leslie the straight one - and I think she was the rock. I've heard that you were also a rock for her during this difficult time. I know this last year must have been very difficult for you both - but I have also heard that it was a very beautiful time of open hearted connection. That is a precious gift and it inspires me. I can't be there for the memorial ceremony. I would love to sing the song for Leslie. I think she liked it: At the twilights ending In the fields where the rainbows open You know we all expect to see you When to dust we fall and the earth repeats it's passage There will still be love. Honey don't cry Baby don't cry We all come together in the bye and bye That's what we're dreamin' of Honey don't cry Baby don't cry We all come together in the bye and bye Pull to the heart of love. Love and Hugs from Elisabeth

To Dear Leslie, A shining star fell from the sky today It took a slow path on the way To Heaven. It shone so bright for 47 years Now it's awash with all our tears Our thoughts and prayers take off in flight Following you on this sad, sad night Our memories will always remain And we will learn to laugh again For that is what you would want Leslie's cousins, Samantha and Melanie join Wayne and I in our heartfelt love for her and John and for her family. Leslie and John shared their life and happiness with us when they came to visit us in Australia. We will remember you and love you always "Tessie Mo".

John we can't tell you how sad we were at this news. Leslie was a mentor to all of her family and friends whether cancer survivors or not. Such courage is a rare and beautiful thing. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers many hugs and blessings, Tom and Lesley

To a teacher that made all the difference in my life. There are few teachers in my life that made a huge impact, but Ms.Petter was one of those. She changed my life and I will never forget what she did for me. She helped to encourage my own voice and taught me about true strength. She was a role model, a confidante, and one of the strongest and happiest women I`ve ever known. Her mood and smile was infectious and she carried herself with such confidence. I will always admire her and consider her to be a role model. I hope to be one tenth of the teacher she was to me. I`m sure she will be missed by all her students and coworkers. She was an extraordinary woman and I feel lucky to have her impact my life. It was because of her gym class that I decided to continue on with gym all the way into grade 12 (longer than all my friends). Her energy made it enjoyable and she was always considerate of the girls in the class that never got the ball passed to them, encouraging the boys to send the ball our way. She would always take time out of her day to talk to me if I ever had a problem, even if it meant that she was sacrificing her lunch. I will always appreciate what she did for me. She will be dearly missed, but will always remain in our hearts.

Thinking of you at this sad time...may all your memories be cheriched within your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Petters, and Michielsen families, Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Leslie. We all remember Leslie growing up in Stayner, and my children were taught by her Dad, Ted... Our thoughts are with you..... Valerie, Allen, Laura, Karin and Sarah Bradey

All of our best wishes and thoughts go to Barb Petter and all of the family and friends of Leslie. We pray and know she lives in your heart. Joan Humphreys Glenys Hamilton

Dear Ted, Diane and family, We are very sorry to hear of Leslie's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. John and Sheila Green

Dear John, I can't put into words the terrible sorrow that I feel at this time. I have only known you and Leslie for a very short time but from the very beginning it was not hard for me to consider you as another son and Leslie as another daughter to be very proud of. I have walked down the path that you are about to embark on and I want you to know that I will always be here to help out if you stumble along the way.

John We are so sorry to hear of Leslie's passing we know she fought a long hard battle.Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time Bill & Nancy Bieber

Dear Petters and Michielsens We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to your families with the loss of a truly great person. As fellow teachers, we know the impact Leslie had on the Medway community and with her friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken and Julie

Caring thoughts to all of you who are close to Leslie. Leslie has left an impact on so many people, some of us who may have only known her on a smaller scale. I have fond memories of watching Leslie (and Jeff) play basketball at Western when I was in high school. I also had the opportunity to get to know her calm and strong presence when I played some PUC basketball with her over 20 years ago. Safe to say that Leslie is an example to us all of how to live a beautiful life.

Dear Ted & Di and family. We were so sad to learn of Leslie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy & Bob

Ted, Barb, Jeff and Marnie: It seems like yesterday that we were gym rats shooting hoops in the SCI gym or bouncing on the backyard trampolene but time can be a cruel enemy. To cut short such a positive influence on youth as Leslie was is especially harsh. You must be incredibly proud of the effect she has had on so many students and others who have battled this awful disease. My thoughts are with you all. There's a basketball team in heaven that just got a whole lot stronger!

Coach Michielsen, I am so sorry to have heard this news. Coach Petter was an inspiring role model, whose voice I still often hear. The two of you will always be a couple who encourage others through your love and strength. I'm thankful for every moment that I was able to learn from each of you, and wish you all the love and support of the communities that the two of you have helped establish during this difficult time.

I met Leslie a few times and I can remember her smiling face the most! Very relaxed and enjoying a laugh or two. Paul and I have felt that we have gone through this experience with Di and Ted keeping us informed of her progress, ups and downs along the way. Our hearts are heavy with love and with feeling for your pain and loss. We love you Di and Ted and our sympathy goes out to John, Marnie, Jeff as well. Take care of each other, love Sue (Di's sister)

John, the Michielsen family and the Petter family, on behalf of the family Van Bavel from Belgium we offer our condolences . We wish you all the strength needed at this sad time

John, Although I know that no words can ease the loss that you feel, please know that my sincere wish is that your memories provide you with comfort and that your family and friends provide you with support and strength.

John & Ted (& Marnie)..... This is so unreal, so unfair, and so unbelievably saddening. Leslie was such a wonderful woman, and I was blessed to be welcomed by her as part of your world. You have inspired me to remember to enjoy the simpler things in life... and that each day is worth it, for some reason or another. Your humour and love as a couple will always remind me that life is bigger than I know, and love is a choice. Looking ahead, I don't think a single Mustang game will go by without my thoughts returning to her. She so selflessly opened her heart to those around her, sharing her spirit and positivity with ease. I hope some of her spirit remains with you, and helps you in the next stage. Love to both of you, Beth (& Glenn)

Coach Michielsen, I'm so sorry to hear about Leslie's passing. My condolences and good vibes to you and your families in this very tough time.

Dear Ted and Di, There are no words to comfort you but know that our arms are around you. The thing we remember the most is "The Gift of Life" that Leslie received from Marnie some 20 years ago. Leslie didn't waste that gift; she lived and treasured every minute of it. God love her.

Ted, Diane and Family: We recieved the news of your tragic loss from Lum Hamilton by e- mail this afternoon. We wish to send our sincerest condolences at this tragic loss and to tell you our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kerry and Shirley Pembroke, Ontario

Leslie was a true inspiration to both of us and it is so unfair that she was taken so early. She helped mould us into the individuals we are today and had a huge impact on us when we really needed it. She was a great teacher, coach and friend and we both feel very fortunate to have had her in our lives over the past 16 years. Her positive outlook on life, her energetic and happy nature and her wisdom will be greatly missed. Coach Michielsen, our deepest condolences for your loss. We are very sad that we are unable to be there, but know that our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.

Ted, I was very sorry to hear of Leslie's death. I have some idea of what you're feeling, so I know that there's little I can say to ease your grief. I remember her as an excellent student and athlete. It was a privilege to teach her. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Jeff , Marnie , Barb , Ted and Diane ,Our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time of loss . We are very sorry to hear the sad news of Leslie's passing . We hope you are able to use all of your great memories together with Leslie to help you through this difficult time . Brent , Nicole , Guy and Diane Welsh Stayner

Ms. Petter was an inspiration to every student she met. There wasn't a day that went by when she didn't have a smile on her face and a pep in her step. Mr. Michielsen, my heart felt condolences go out to you and both of you families. The love you shared for one another, is that to be admired by everyone who had the privilege to have known both of you. I know that heaven has a new guardian angel up there, and that she's smiling down on you making sure you live everyday to its fullest. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. Nicole Bulanda & Family

John, We shall remember Leslie as a woman with a gentle heart, a genuine smile and a charming personality. We pray that God will give you strength to find peace during this time, and heal your pain by recalling the cherished moments you shared with her. May her memory be eternal John and Contessa Papanastassiou and family

Sad news came via Facebook and one of Leslie's high school friends...we are deeply saddened by your loss. Love and prayers for each and every one of you who were touched by Leslie, an angel on Earth.

To Barb, Ted, Jeff and Marnie, we are so saddened by your loss. Leslie is one of the outstanding student/athletes that we had the pleasure of teaching at Stayner Collegiate. I first met Leslie when she was a ten year old, when, much to her father's concern, she was passionate about gymnastics and had little interest in shooting hoops. She demonstrated the focus and the desire to be the best that she could be, a quality that followed her through a variety of pursuits throughout her life, a quality that I'm sure she transmitted to her students when she became a physical education teacher and coach. Leslie's warm personality and enthusiasm for life touched all of us and she will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and students. Barb, Ted, Jeff and Marnie, our thoughts are with you. Take strength from your fond memories of Leslie; a life well lived, but much too short.

Dear Barb, John, Jeff, Marnie and all the rest of your families, we are so shocked and so sorry for the tragic loss of your wonderful daughter, wife and sister Leslie. As others have said, words just can't express the sadness we feel for you, and we wish there was more we could do to ease your pain. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers and we will see you soon. God bless.

Ted, Barb and families - Gabe and I were very sorry to hear about Leslie's passing this week. Although we haven't seen lots of folks since high school, we have managed to keep updated on people from there and so were sadden when hearing about Leslie - she always had a smile ready - we hope that your memories of her help to ease your pain a little bit each day - and that you will continue to cherish her in your hearts and keep her with you in spirit always. May God keep you in his arms during these tough days ahead.

Dear Ted, Barb, Jeff and Marnie, We received an email this week from Karyn Mitchell telling us of Leslie's passing. We were deeply saddened to hear this news and that she had to endure more battles with cancer. We remember how she so bravely fought and conquered her first battle with cancer. We have not seen Leslie for a number of years now, but still remember very clearly what a kind and special person she was. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families.

Dear Ted, Barb, Jeff and Marnie, We received an email this week from Karyn Mitchell telling us of Leslie's passing. We were deeply saddened to hear this news and that she had to endure more battles with cancer. We remember how she so bravely fought and conquered her first battle with cancer. We have not seen Leslie for a number of years now, but still remember very clearly what a kind and special person she was. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families.

To Barb, Ted & Di, Jeff, Marnie and John- I am so sorry, sad and shocked to hear the news about Leslie's passing. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Life is so unfair sometimes.

Hi Marnie, It's your old friend Lisa, just wanting to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Even though time has passed and distance has come between us over the years, I wanted you to know that the memories, the stories and the adventures are really never that far away. When I heard the news about Leslie it really made me sad, she was a great person, had a great heart and obviously endured everything that came her way. I remember how difficult it was when Leslie was battling cancer 22 years ago and I can only imagine how difficult it was to watch her battle again. I was sharing some stories with my husband about Leslie, I was telling him about how two pre-teens use to give her a run for her money when she was at home and kind of the person in charge. Remember when we got the basketball stuck behind the back board of the net attached to the garage and we were giving Leslie some "lip and attitude" only to find out that the person we were "dissin" was the ministers wife who lived beside you...funny memories and good times even though Leslie probably didn't appreciate some of our antics of youth! Take time to remember all the things that your sister stood for, all the memories of her from the early days to the present. It's very cliche but the memories really will slowly help the healing process that you are going to endure. I know that your sister appreciated the help/gift that you gave her 22 years ago, she was a special person who came from a special family. So sorry for your loss.

To Ted, Diane, Barb, Marnie and Jeff If you read through all of the condolences that people are writing, there is one thing that really stands out, that is the impact that Leslie has had on so many people at so many different stages in her life. The people from Stayner are saying the exact same things as the people from London, old friends are saying the same things as the new friends, what a fantastic legacy she leaves behind. I am one of the lucky people who have had the pleasure of knowing The Petter family and during my youth, you guys really were my extended family because of my friendship with Marnie. I am blessed to have known Leslie, I remember her first battle with cancer and the article that appeared in Chatelaine (I hope that is the right magazine) about her courage to face cancer head on. She is a role model for many as well as an inspiration, I can only imagine how much she will be missed. Words can not fully express my sympathy.

The London high school community lost one of its bright lights with the passing of Leslie Petter. Her influence extends far beyond the Medway community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends through this difficult time.

John, I just got to know you and Leslie briefly when you fundrasied and ran the Virginia Beach Rock n Roll Half Marathon in 2004 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. I was so inspired by the spirit and generosity you both displayed and the beautiful partnership that you had. I still have the "thank you" sign Leslie made for me. As with others, I don't have the words to express the sadness and sympathy I feel for your loss. Leslie overcame so much and fit more into her life than 20 other people put together. All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time and the years ahead.

Leslie, Thanks for being a great cousin. Thanks for teaching us to swim. Thanks for being the perfect role model. Thanks for calling out "Hi!" and waving to us, no matter where you were, or what you were doing. Thanks for reminding us to value every moment and to cherish our friends and distant family. We were so proud watching you represent Canada in the Australian Para-Olympics...All this week in the early morning sky over Melbourne, we can see with the naked eye, a phenomenon that last occurred 96 years ago. Four planets, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury & Mars will emerge from behind the sun & align with the more distant planets, Uranus and Neptune. We know that when we look up at the sky tonight, there will be a new star that will be shining even brighter. We love you Leslie. Our heartfelt condolences to John, Barb, Jeff, Marnie and Ted.

We are heartbroken at the news of Leslie's passing. You must be so proud of the incredible impact she had on so many people during her lifetime. She was truly an inspiration to others.

Ms. Petter was a wonderful teacher and simply a wonderful person. It didn't matter whether you were a star athlete or not, she treated all of her students with respect and inspired them to reach their full potential. I will always remember her as my favourite Gr.9 teacher who helped me realize my love of science. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Ted P and John M Stella and I have such fond memories of those days so long ago at the "Nancy" and the "Di". Leslie was a wee tyke then . She was such a strong staff member at MHS. Her memory will forever be alive in the hearts and minds of the staff and students she so deeply touched. Bless you Bud and Stella Jackson

Ted P and John M Stella and I have such fond memories of those days so long ago at the "Nancy" and the "Di". Leslie was a wee tyke then . She was such a strong staff member at MHS. Her memory will forever be alive in the hearts and minds of the staff and students she so deeply touched. Bless you Bud and Stella Jackson

Jeff, We were very sad to hear about Leslie's passing. We had the honour of knowing Leslie as a great student-athlete at UWO. Leslie was so courageous in her battle with leukemia just after graduation, and she inspired us all. We enjoyed keeping in touch with Leslie through our work relationship and always was proud of how hard Leslie battled to make a difference. Our deepest sympathy to your family.

Ted, Di, John, Jeff and Marnie...You have my heartfelt condolences and my prayers in your time of sorrow

I was so sad to hear of Ms. Petter's passing. She was such a strong woman and made the best of all the health challenges she had faced. Both my sister and I remember fondly our time at Medway playing basketball for Ms Petter and Mr. Michielsen. She was such as an excellent role model as a female athlete, teacher, and coach. My family has been so happy to stay in touch with the Petter family over the years. Thank you for coming to my soccer games in university and for all the drop ins at my parents house Mr. Petter. We will be thinking of you and Mr. Michielsen often during this difficult time. Allison

Coach Michielson, I am so sorry to hear about Coach Petter's passing. She was an inspiration to so many of us, and I know I still think of you and her both when I try to channel good coaching, teaching and mentoring characteristics. My heart goes out to you and everyone else who will miss her. I wish I could be there to express my condolences in person, and I am deeply sorry to be too far away to do that, but hope that you will know how many people, near and far, are sending their support and love your way.

John, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I ran into Leslie this summer in Niagara on the Lake and it was so great to see her wonderful smile again, she was such a beautiful person. My thoughts are with you and your families.

Mr. Michielson - I was so sorry to hear about Ms.Petter. She was a wonderful teacher that inspired all the students she taught-including myself. She was always there if you needed an opinion, an idea, or a friend. My condolences to you and your family. Allyson

Dear Ted and Diane, We are so very sorry for your loss. Unfortunately we never met Leslie, but we heard about her incredible strength and courage from you, Diane. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Barb, Ted, Jeff and Marnie, I was so deeply saddened to hear of Leslie's death. While I had not seen her in 5 or 6 years, that visit during a Western ladies basketball game was such a wonderful experience, remebering the many good times going to school in Stayner together. As I have read through the condolences above, it is obvious that she touched many during her too short a time on this earth. My thoughts and prayers are with your during this difficult time. Willie

John, We are deeply sorrowed about your loss. I am so glad that I saw you and Leslie during the boy's season at Medway. It was very moving to have a hug with her and listen to her upbeat recovery plans. She was a very classy lady and will be sadly missed on the athletic scene. Out thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Rick and Linda Lauzon

To my dear sister Di and wonderful brother-in-law, Ted. I didn't know Leslie or John but yet I feel I did because over the years you have shared memories and pictures of fun, loving times you spent with them both..and I thank you for that and especially this past year from the minute Leslie was diagnosed, you sent updates and pictures which were of an amazing woman's courage and always positive outlook on life....what an inspiration she was and will always be to so many who knew and loved her. My deepest love and sympathy to you both and the family... love your sis ...Keatha

Mr. Michielson and family, I am so sorry for your loss and the loss that everyone will feel while we miss and remember Ms. Petter. She was such a positive influence, not only on the basketball court and in the classroom, but in our daily lives. She was an incredible woman and one that has certainly been a model for how I would like to carry myself and live my life. I am sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way as we take time and reflect how she touched our lives.

Dear John, We are very sorry for your loss. We got to know Leslie during the Transplant Games over the last couple of years. She was so sweet, with a very nice smile On behalf of all the athletes of the Quebec delegation we offer our deepest sympathies! Gaston & Diane Martin Regional Director, CTA

RIP Leslie, you were a great volley-ball coach, a great person, and you will be missed terribly. I'm so sorry for your loss John.

Dear John and family, We are saddened to hear of Leslie's death. Words always fail us at a time such as this. Please take some comfort in knowing that we are thinking of you and praying that the beautiful memories of your life together will be a source of healing the pain and loss that you are experiencing.

Dear John and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a loss for the world of education and athletics as well. I had the opportunity to work with Les on occasion and always was amazed by her insight and passion for working with young people. I have always had the greatest of respect for Les as a person, educator and coach. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Barb Ted Jeffery Marnie and Families. I am so sorry to hear of Leslies's passing. Found a photo today of Leslie taken in Mom and Dads back yard in 1967 and it brought back memories of all the babysitting I did at the Petter house. They were great kids. Even though I have not seen Leslie since she was little she seems to have been full of life as she was then. My thoughts and prayers I send to all of you. Pauline Lovelock

so sorry to learn of Leslie's passing-our hearts go out to you Ted and your family--what an amazing person you raised and nutured--she gave so much to so many-keeping you in our thoughts----with love--mac and nancy

John, Barb, Ted, Marnie, and Jeff (and all of Leslie's family)- We are so saddened to hear about Leslie. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Leslie made this world a much better place. Her smile will never be forgotten. Wishing you may find some peace in the days ahead. With love, Deborah and Dale

John: Leslie was many things to many people: a successful coach, a respected teacher, a good neighbor, a champion of causes, a world traveler, and a devoted and loving member of the Petter and Michielsen clans. But to us, she was "our Leslie" - an extraordinary friend who enriched our lives for the past 18 years. Wherever our travels took us, Leslie never missed an opportunity to see the sunrise, to hike a trail, to wear a funny hat, to swing a club, or to dance with reckless abandon. Thank you John, for sharing with us. What a gift that turned out to be! We will help each other through the days ahead and I suspect we will often rely on our memories of Leslie to guide us in the right direction. She lived the way we all should. She squeezed the life out of every day, she expressed her love freely, she treated people fairly, and she faced challenges bravely. Now Leslie is a woman at peace, and we are all better people for having known her. And to the Michielsen and Petter families, we are going to say what you already know: Leslie cherished her family. Happy memories of her will carry you forward. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of her big life.

Diane, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Leslie. I know that she fought a brave fight and that you were with her in spirit, which was very evident when we had our conversations while out walking. I am thinking of you and your family at this time of hardship. Remember the good times.

Mr. Michielson and family, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear the loss of Ms. Petter. My favourite teacher throughout highschool, she was such a positive influence to all her students and always had a smile on her face. She was such an inspiration to me to continue physical education classes throughout my four years at Medway. She will always have a place in my heart and will be greatly missed by many of her students she has taught throughout her years at Medway. Natalie Clark

Dear Mr. Michielsen and family, My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I have had you on my mind a great deal over the past three days wondering how you are, and hoping that the support of close friends is helping to ease the pain of saying goodbye. It is a rare gift to be able to influence and inspire so many with quiet confidence and a calming presence, yet to Ms. Petter, it came easily. To me, as both my teacher and my coach, she embodied the attributes of strength and grace and helped teach me to look for those things in myself. I feel lucky to have had her positivity and encouragement in my life and looking back, privileged to have a court side seat to the 'John and Leslie team' in action. Ms. Petter will be missed by so many, but I know her impact in this life will carry on forever.

Dear John and family, There are no words to truly express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Leslie has forever touched our lives and we wanted to share our memories with you. We met Leslie in August 1989, yes the year she had her transplant. We were only a few years older than Leslie and we were also faced with the diagnosis of AML. Michael was scheduled for a bone marrow transplant, the first in London and we were terrified. Then this very young, skinny, smiley faced, hat wearing young girl walked up our laneway. You can't even imagine the sense of relief we felt when we saw her, then when she spoke our fears seem to subside and we were able to face the fight of our life with courage and determination. For several years after their transplants Leslie and Michael counselled other transplant patients and attended a support group together, she even managed to get Michael to publicly speak to the students at Medway about their experiences - again calling on his courage (he is not a public speaker). For me, I will always remember how this complete stranger could make such a huge impact by sharing her experiences and providing unconditional comfort and support, she owed us nothing but gave us everything, she gave us hope. Leslie never knew that I felt the need to pay her kindness forward and so I had the good fortune of being actively involved in bringing Wellspring Cancer Support Centre to London 10 years ago, and I currently sit on the Board of Directors. When I tell my story, Leslie is always part of it. I remember all to well how lonely we felt until we met Leslie....she was our Wellspring. Michael and I attended the memorial today, we cried and we laughed. She will forever be in our hearts. Michael and Ruth

Dear John and Medway Community, Deepest sympathy for your loss. Leslie's positive outlook and constant smile were graceful and inspiring to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. She embodied courage and selfless dedication in all that she did. May you cherish all of the lovely memories. Best wishes always. Elaine Haupt

Dear John, Yesterday, May 11, Michael and I were celebrating our 43 rd wedding anniversary. We also got the news that Leslie closed her eyes forever. It was a very emotional day. I've been thinking of you and Tante Mit and family all day. I played your Michielsen Reunion dance video several times. I have it on my desktop because it is fun to watch. To me it demonstrates the close, strong and goodnatured bond you and Leslie have together. It always makes me laugh. You have some real Michielsen moves in your routine. Today it made me cry too. It is the last John and Leslie piece I have and I will cherish it. You and Leslie are a very special couple. Despite some tough hurdles you lived life with courage, enthusiasm, fun and obviously with tremendous love for each other. Love Maria Michielsen Andoff

Dear John, Coach, Di, and Family, Leslie touched so many people in so many positive ways. What fun we had in Florida! We celebrate her beautiful life with you. We send all of the love, strength, and hugs we have to you! Jo and Fred

Dear John, Ted and Di, Leslie was a hero and an ispiration to all who knew her personally and us, who unfortunately never had the privelage e to meet her but knew of her through your love and commitment. We send our sympathy, love and know the wonderful memories of her and her unwavering drive will provide you with the strength needed at this difficult time. Hugs, Barbara and Joe.

Our hearts and warm wishes at your sad loss, arohanui ki te whanau

Barb: Words can never express how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your daughter, Leslie. I pray that knowing you have the support of friends and relatives will help to comfort you at this sad time. Marg.