Thursday, February 13, 2025
After I graduated from McGill University in June of 1970 with an undergraduate degree in Science with a Major in Mathematics, I pursued an M.B.A. at the same university. As well as obtaining a wonderful education, I also made friendships that would last a lifetime. One of these friends was Peter Mickelsons. Peter was probably the coolest guy in our M.B.A. class. He drove a Volkswagen "Beetle", and all the "w.a.g.s." (wives and girlfriends of the students) noticed Peter at any of the social gatherings that took place at the Grad Centre down the hill from Duggan House. In our second year of M.B.A. School, we had to write a thesis, which occupied most of our time. One day in the spring of 1972, myself and another student, Don Mardell, decided that there was more to life than school, so we hatched a plan to venture off to Europe (once our studies were complete). Don left first and I travelled with Peter. The three of us had made a vow amongst ourselves to meet up at the American Express Office in Munich at 1 p.m. on October 1, 1972. When I arrived there on October 1, Don was waiting for us. Where was Peter? We turned around and who did we see driving towards us on a fancy motorcycle? Peter Mikelsons! Again, the coolest guy around! The three of us headed toward the Hofbrauhaus, the legendary Munich Munich beer gardens. I can't say I remember much from that day, but the rest of trip was filled with many fond memories. As so often happens, people drift apart. I moved to Ottawa and eventually reconnected with Pete when he was working in the Federal Government. We would often meet for lunch, and we attended mutual birthdays parties and the like. Although his university volleyball years had had an impact on his body, you would never know it by his continued sports activities. He always had a big smile for everyone, and was always interested in how I and my family were doing. Peter was a true gentleman. His faith in God sustained him. He was very proud of his Latvian heritage. He loved his family beyond measure. He will be sorely missed.
