Sjouwerman, Peter Paul
Born Oct. 7th, 1933 – March 25th, 2020
It is with deep sorrow and profound appreciation for this rarest of people, that we announce the passing of Peter Sjouwerman. Loving husband to Grace (passed); Proud father to Katherina and Peter (Leslee), Opa to Jay, Martie and Ryleigh, Brother and Brothers-in-law, Sister and sisters-in-law nieces and nephews in both Holland and Canada. Born in Amsterdam Holland, Peter started Boxing at the age of 12. He won several Provincial Championships and included a National and Armed Forces Championships. He emigrated to Canada meeting his lifelong partner Grace and working as a Coppersmith to support his growing family. Peter started Coaching in 1976 at the Bramalea Boxing Club in Brampton. He trained many, many boxers including Provincial & National Canadian Champions as well as two Olympians (Dewith Frazer and Troy Ross) who went on to successful Pro careers along with hometown favorite, Buzz Grant.
Peter’s focus was in coaching Amateur Boxing and at the request of Boxing Ontario, took over the annual tournament that would be renamed the Brampton Cup. Peter and Bramalea have run this tournament for over 30 years, investing time, money and care. Eventually the annual Brampton Cup has become the largest Boxing Tournament in Canada hosting over 500 Boxers from Canada and abroad. Peter became more than a Coach to the literally hundreds of boxers and families he came across over the decades. The former members who come to see him over the years serve as testament to the impact he had on all their lives. Peter was possessed of a sharp wit, gently wrapped in good natured humor that had him charming everyone he met. His focus always on helping those who ever needed it, from kind words to straight talk to helping with expenses. Peter has taught several generations of Canadians the values of hard work, respect and integrity punctuated by the occasional Dutch swear word to round out their character. His was a life well lived and we are grateful to him for sharing it with us.
We would like to also thank all the staff at Headwaters Health Care Centre and Bethell Hospice for their love and care for us, throughout this difficult time.
A tree will be planted in memory of Peter in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. The annual dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com