Mounties continue to search for historic missing man Donald Petterson

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The Surrey RCMP’s Missing Persons Unit is once again re-appealing for public assistance on a historic missing person case that dates back 17 years.

On June 3rd, 1996 Donald Petterson called his wife to advise her that he had travelled to Vancouver Island and was looking at retirement property and would return shortly. He advised that he was staying at the Arbutus Hotel in Courtenay, BC.

Over the next few days Petterson was seen in and around the Courtenay area. He was last seen by family friends on June 6th at the Cumberland Hotel in Courtenay. The last official sighting of Petterson was on June 9th, 1996 in the Port Alberni area.

Since that time there has been various unconfirmed sightings of Petterson at various locations on Vancouver Island. Nothing has been confirmed by police, however, and to this day his file remains an open missing person case.

Investigators from the Surrey RCMP and police detachments on Vancouver Island have been engaged in this file from the onset. Numerous interviews have been done with friends, families, and associates, along with checks with government and financial institutions all to no avail.

Donald A Petterson was born on April 23rd, 1939. He was married to his wife Patricia Petterson for over 30 years and they had 3 children together, Donna, Lisa, and Chad. Donald worked for Overwaitea Foods and was three years away from a full retirement package. According to his family, Donald was a devoted husband and very much involved in the lives of his grandchildren and would never have intentionally left the family. There is no history of depression or suicidal tendencies. Donald did battle alcoholism but was clean and sober for 6 months prior to his disappearance. At the time of disappearance he was described as a Caucasian male, 5’11, 178 lbs, with a light complexion, brown hair, and blue eyes. He would now be 74 years old.

The Surrey RCMP Missing Persons Unit currently has conduct of this file. Investigators are hoping that by bringing this file out into the light someone may recall some information that can assist them and provide some answers to Donald’s surviving family. Donald’s wife, Patricia Petterson passed away in 2011 never knowing what happened to her husband.