Petersen – Peter Hjorth Petersen of Brooks passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 85, surrounded by family. Born in Bassano on July 8, 1938, to Soren and Dagmar Petersen, Peter grew up on the farm and attended school at Renfrew, Tilley, and finally Olds College. On November 20, 1959, Peter married Lois Tiegs. They farmed across the road from his parents, and raised four children. Farming was difficult for young families then, but neighbors worked in turn to ensure that each other’s homes could accommodate family growth. Peter was a farmer through and through: industrious and upright. Early in his career, he joined S & A Seed Farms, and helped pioneer the Southern Alberta alfalfa seed business, introducing leafcutter bees to the operation, an innovation that began with a 10 acre plot and some drinking straw bundles, and developed into a expanded, custom work arm of the business. In 1971, Peter and three partners started Gold Medal Seeds. There, his ability to connect with customers flourished, and soon he took over its principal ownership, overseeing the seed cleaning and marketing for the rest of his career. His days started early, with businesses around town racing to get their coffee pots on for each morning’s round of jokes, pranks, and news. When Gold Medal’s original seed plant burnt down and made its own headlines, Peter took it in stride and built a new modern facility in the newly-formed industrial park. In 2007, with mixed emotions, he sold out and retired. Retirement cleared the way for hobbies, most notably woodworking, which took place in his custom built woodworking shack. His self-taught skills were many, but lathe work was likely his chief passion, with his stools, tables, bowls, and plant stands now adorning many homes of friends and family. He was very generous with his creations. Sets of ‘Made by Peter’ coasters are now scattered near and far. When Lois passed away, 56 years married, Peter moved to Newbrook Lodge. There, he enjoyed an easier lifestyle, and took joy in following his whims at the wheel, checking in on crops and people. Sadly, aging chips away at our independence, and no one felt that more than Peter. The end of his driving career was painful, as were the limits this set on his visiting, though an electric scooter proved to be an acceptable compromise. Peter was predeceased by his parents; sister, Elsie; wife, Lois; son, Donald; and great grandson, Noah. He is survived by his daughters, Diane (Ed), Christine (Gord), Donna (Laine); his daughter in law, Colli; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; his brother and sister, Dennis Petersen (Inga) and Doreen Burton (Jim); his sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. By Peter’s request, no formal service will be held. Family interment will be held at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Tilley. Thank you to everyone who made Peter’s life more complete and more comfortable. Special thanks to the staff at Long Term Care. If desired memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3 or a charity of your choice.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks
