Elgar Petersen
January 26, 1936 – November 3, 2018

Elgar passed away peacefully at the Humboldt District Hospital on Saturday November 3, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. He was 82 years of age. Elgar was born in Humboldt, SK, on January 26, 1936, to Hans and Mary (nee Kimmen) Petersen; he was the sixth child in a family of nine, five sisters and three brothers. He grew up on a farm near Annaheim Saskatchewan. Elgar moved to Humboldt in 1962 with his parent. He was a dedicated sports enthusiast who also loved children and had a passion for helping them. He started volunteering shortly after he moved to Humboldt. In the summer he spent his time volunteering at the ball diamonds and in the winter, it was hockey, hockey, and more hockey. Elgar was known to take care of any kids at the arena. He would line them up, tie their skates, straighten their equipment and get them ready for the ice. He’d then wipe the snow off their blades when they were done. Pep talks were given to any team that he felt needed them, home or opposing teams included. In 1970, when the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Humboldt Broncos team was founded, he became the team trainer and equipment manager. He spent many hours (10-14 hours per day) volunteering for “his boys” (aka The Broncos). He would fill water bottles, get extra hockey sticks, and do laundry for the team. He never said “no” or complained when helping out. He was well known for his bear hugs which earned him the nick name “The Bear”. Elgar also loved to give “whisker rubs“ and every kid and sometimes adults experienced one as well, leaving red cheeks and lots of laughter all around. On September 15, 2000, at a Humboldt Broncos home opener game, fans marked the occasion by renaming the Uniplex Arena to The Elgar Petersen Arena. He was extremely proud to be honoured in this way; but he really just wanted the ceremony to be over and the puck to drop so the game could begin. Elgar was inducted into the Humboldt Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame in the Grassroots Category in 2015. He was very proud to be a part of this esteemed group of people. After more than forty years of community service, his health started to fail, and he was unable to volunteer at the arena. Elgar moved from Humboldt to the Cudworth Care Home, where he continued to volunteer in any way he could. Elgar will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his sisters: Margaret Petersen, Evelyn Tarnowski, Helen (Bob) Williams, and Marie (George) Lumley; his sisters-in-law Jean Petersen and Jeanette Petersen; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Elgar was predeceased by his parents, Hans and Mary (nee Kimmen) Petersen; three brothers Walter Petersen, Peter (Margaret) Petersen and Joseph Petersen; one sister Martha (John) Eggerman; brother-in-law, Frank Tarnowski; nephews Barry Eggerman and Lorne Eggerman; and niece Shirley Petersen. A Public Visitation was held on Friday, November 9, 2018 at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass was offered on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Salihu and concelebrated by Abbott Peter Novecosky, OSB. Others taking part were: Eugene Eggerman, crossbearer; Patricia Towne and Judy Eggerman, scripture readers; Mary Lou Eastman, intentions; Cheryl Elder and Denyse Tarnowski, giftbearers; Jeannette Renneberg and Brenda Eggerman, memorial table attendants; Loretta Schugmann as director with organist Denise Germain and members of St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir, music ministry. The eulogy was delivered by Cody Schlosser. Honorary Pallbearers were “all those who shared in Elgar’s life.” An Honor Guard was formed by members of the Humboldt Bronco Team Organization, Board and Alumni. Active Pallbearers were: Alan Tarnowski, Daryl Williams, Kevin Petersen, Brian Tarnowski, David Williams and Doug Lumley. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery, Humboldt, SK. Memorial Donations may be directed to the St. Augustine Parish Centre or Humboldt District Hospital Foundation General Equipment Fund.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)