Dr. John Peters

Wes of St. Paul, age 52, passed away on February 19, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Winnipeg , Manitoba in 1958, earned a medical degree and completed residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Manitoba . After fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Vermont , he relocated to the Twin Cities and began a successful orthopedic practice at Aspen Medical Group in St. Paul . He was a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Foot and Ankle Society.

He was active serving others at his church as a deacon and later as the head of the board of elders. He participated fully in life, particularly enjoying skiing, hiking, biking, reading, and gardening. He was a gifted woodworker who was always working on a project. He took great joy in his two sons, and spent many hours cheering at soccer and football games, tennis matches, and cross-country/track meets, or sitting at the kitchen table helping with homework. As a father, he was always available for advice, which he gave in a calm and loving manner.

While Wes held himself and those around him to high standards, at his place of work and at home, he could be characterized by gentleness, humility, wisdom, and compassion. His life verse was Micah 6:8. He was at peace with his Creator and his illness, but will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Survivors include his wife Lois of 31 years; sons Andrew and Kevin; mother, Frieda Peters; siblings, Sharon (Leonard) Sawatzky, Bryan (Carolyn) Peters, and Jerald (Jennifer) Peters; nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father John. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to Dr. Thomas Ducker and the staff at the St. Paul Cancer Center for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Chapel Hill Church , 4888 Pilot Knob Road , Eagan , MN with a reception to follow. A memorial service will also be held in Winnipeg , Manitoba at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission : Moving Mountains or caringbridge.org.