Whistler marks passing of historian, author, and long-time resident Florence Petersen

August 29, 2012: Whistler, BC – It is with sadness that the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) acknowledges the passing of long-time resident and Whistler historian, Florence Petersen.  Petersen passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2012.
 
Petersen first came to Whistler as a young woman in 1955, and had lived in Whistler full-time since 1983. Petersen was an accomplished author and historian, and was the founder of the Whistler Museum and Archives. She had been working on her latest book for the last three years about Whistler’s pioneers with the help of the Whistler Museum and had hoped to publish it in the next few months.

Petersen was honoured with the Freedom of the Municipality at a ceremony during a special council meeting on June 4, 2012. This is the highest honour a municipality can bestow, and Petersen was one of only three female recipients of this award.

Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said, “Florence was a lovely person and her contributions to our community will be sorely missed.”

The municipality has lowered the Canadian flag to half-mast to mark Petersen's passing as recognition of her Freedom of the Municipality designation.

A celebration of Petersen’s life will be planned and the date will be publicized.