Ed Peters

Ed Peters passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2020, while doing what he loved — helping his wife Bev and working outside in the sun. .Ed is survived by his loving wife Bev (nee Lamoureux) (married in 1972), daughter Jennifer (Mark), son Jeff (Jody), and granddaughter Sloane.

Ed was born on August 21, 1950, in the town of Susteren, Netherlands. He immigrated to Calgary, AB,

Canada in 1960 with his parents Gerard and Christina Peters, as well as his brothers, Mat, Rick, Jack and Pim. Ed grew up in the West Hillhurst community, graduated from St. Francis High School and later graduated with a Horticultural Degree from The University of Guelph, Ontario.

Ed worked for City of Calgary Parks Department for 35 years leaving his footprints in the developing and designing of City Parks such as Ellison Birth Forest Park, Carburn Park, and many more through his years of service for the city. Ed was more than willing to share his knowledge of trees and plants with whoever asked for his advice.

After Ed retired he spent 10 plus years volunteering in the Calgary Buffaloes Hockey Association as a dedicated non parent manager and was a caring mentor and made a big impression in the association with parents, players, and board members alike.

You could always find Ed at Shanks Sports Bar enjoying himself while betting on horse races with his buddies and sharing in lots of fun and laughter. Golfing and watching any sport on TV were another of his favourite retirement pastimes.

It wasn’t unusual to find Ed walking his dog Abby and his grand dogs Tacoma, Molson & Kola around the neighbourhood as well.

Going to the cabin at Cocolalla Lake, Idaho was his treasured place of pleasure.

Ed also enjoyed vacationing with Bev and their many family members and friends to various hot and exotic places. His highlight vacations were visiting relatives in Holland and going to the Breeders Cup in Kentucky.

He loved his children and was always there for them. Ed was particularly supportive and proud of Jenn’s and Jeff’s accomplishments. His granddaughter Sloane was the apple of his eye and he cherished spending time watching her take part in all her different sports and activities. .Always there for his family, friends, neighbours and even strangers to help in any way he could,

Ed was known as the guy you could always count on. He was one of Calgary's Snow Angels, always on hand to pick up a shovel and help a neighbour clear their place in winter.

If you were to ask Ed on any given day how he was doing, he would respond with his favourite saying, “Living the Dream!” His outgoing and positive nature touched so many people in so many ways. Ed will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate in Ed’s spirit and name to a local charity close to your heart. The family suggests the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart or the Animal Rescue Foundation https://arf.ab.ca/

EULOGY BY JEFF PETERS

I would like to begin by thanking you all for being here today. These past several weeks have been so difficult for my mom and the rest of us.

Losing Dad so suddenly…it still seems surreal. So many of you have sent cards, emails, called or stopped by to express your sympathy and to offer words of encouragement. All have been very much appreciated. And to hear the speeches from Bruce, Larry, George, My Uncle Jack and My daughter Sloane are so comforting Thank you so much for the kind words.

I can speak for Jennifer as well as myself when I say that our dad was our Hero. Not only that but he was a great mentor, an amazing role model and my best friend. He was one of the best men we have ever known, and we will miss him immensely. I have often thought that if more people in this world were as thoughtful, generous, supportive and loyal as our dad, the world would be a much better place. He was a completely genuine person – what you saw was exactly who and what he was. He was a man of the utmost character and integrity. And there wasn’t anyone who was ever in his presence that didn’t leave with a smile on their face. He was a joy to have been around.

I’ve always loved hearing the story of how mom and dad met. It was the summer of 1970 and dad was stationed at a city park behind my mom’s family home on Fielding Drive. He saw this beautiful girl across the green space and whistle at her. She rolled her eyes at him. (He told me that he discovered that day that girls don’t really appreciate that.) The next day he returned with hat in hand to make amends and introduced himself properly.. He told her it wasn’t him who whistle. They had a great conversation. They discovered they had some mutual friends.

My dad took down the number on my grandpa TC’S gardening trailer and a few days later he called Mom and asked her out. She said she’d have to think about it, and he should call back on Wednesday. He did exactly that and told her she needed to answer quickly as the next horse race was getting ready to start and her answer would give him luck.

This past July 22 they would have been married for 48 years.

I’m sure that Jennifer and I gave them some grief along the way and I’m sure they had some tough times as all couples do, but they never stopped loving one another and for nearly half a century they kept the vows they made…”for better or for worse. Until death do us part..” Watching the devotion and love my dad had for my mom everyday is something I will never forget!

Mom – Thank you for loving and supporting and encouraging and caring for Dad all these years He loved you SO much… you were his queen.

Dad was a man who was always ready and eager to begin a new day. He knew that something good was going to happen. I believe therefore he woke up religiously early and had to let everyone know what time he got up. He was always curious to see what was awaiting around the corner and what the day would bring. He was positive that whatever it might be, he could meet the challenge.

Dad was the kind of man who often said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. He knew that just about everything that came along would be small stuff.

One of the things that both Jennifer and I remember so well was that dad and mom were our biggest fans. They worked hard to be at every activity we were involved with.

Dad spent countless hours at the hockey rink with me and cheering on Jennifer in all her synchronized swimming events. In fact, many of dad’s and mom’s long-lasting friendships were made in the bleachers and stands as they supported and watched us.

We always took that kind of support for granted but looking back, we both know the wonderful commitment and sacrifice it took – How much they demonstrated their love for us.

The other memories which come to mind were our summer vacations down to Cocolalla Lake in Idaho or our latest family vacation take in 2011 to Disney World as just the 4 of us. Jennifer being mid 30’ and me turning 30, we decided to knock Disney World off the bucket list and to do all the parks in one day. We executed this task but not without some great memories along the way.

Dad refused to go on rides with us as he hated the feeling of his stomach dropping and being his extroverted self, instead he chose to befriend people and families in the park while he waited for us to enjoy the rides.

It was quite remarkable how he was able to bluntly ask strangers how much they were paying for their vacations, and they would tell him what they paid and where they were staying. If someone got a better deal then dad he would talk about it all the way to our next ride.

My Dad always possessed this quality which made you feel at ease and like you had been friends with him for years.

Dad spent most of his adult life working for the Calgary Parks and Recreation Department – 35 Years. He loved it there –except for the bureaucracy. That

drove him crazy. He was a man who wanted to get out there and get things done. Even after 35 years he wasn’t opposed to picking up a shovel and helping with the work. He began as a laborer and ended up a Park Superintendent/Manager. He designed and built Carbon and Elliston Parks and was pivotal in the decision making of the birth place forest. He was immensely proud of these projects and took pride that hundreds of families would enjoy the parks for generations to come. After he retired he was in heaven. He’d tell people he was “Living the Dream”, and he truly was.

He had time to spend with mom, to do some travel, to go to the cabin, to visit with friends at the Off-Track Horse Races, betting the occasional winner and most of all to be there for his granddaughter Sloane. Whether it was picking her up from school, playing games with her or just spending quality time with her..

Dad adored Sloane. There wasn’t anything in life he enjoyed more that watching her play hockey or attending her dance competitions. He loved seeing her enjoy his favorite sport of golf or do whatever it was she was interested in at any given time. In everything, Dad was her biggest fan. I’m hoping that a lot of him is in her. Sloane: I hope you grow up to have the integrity of your grandpa, his sense of loyalty, his down to earth nature and, of his sense of humor If you do, you will truly be blessed.

Dad was the kind of man who always needed to have silence filled. If no one were saying anything, he’d pipe in with a punch line or a joke. Sometimes his jokes were good- sometimes not so good – but they got people talking. He always had a way of making people feel comfortable. If he saw someone sitting

alone, he’d make his way over and strike up a conversation. He’d ask about their lives and their work and their interests and their family. His interest wasn’t fake. He really did want to know about them and make them feel welcome and a part of the group. Before long he’d inevitably had them laughing and feeling like they had known him forever.

People with wealth or power never impressed Dad. He gauged people on their character, their humility and their ability to be kind. He himself was never one to boast about his successes or accomplishments.

Dad gave so much of himself. He always wanted to be available to help family, friends and neighbors in anyway he could. In many ways he was selfless & caring. He just wanted to be there for any of us who needed him. And he always was and asked nothing in return.

Dad had some great friends and valued every friendship. To name them all would be impossible. To see all of you here today to Celebrate his life is incredible.

But I do know that he and Larry Messier had a bond like no other. They met at Stampede Park 40 years ago. He loved owning that horse with you Larry, traveling to Kentucky and just watching, betting and solving the worlds problems.

Bruce and Robin Forbes – my dad thoroughly enjoyed being with them and looked forward to all those Friday night dinner dates, holidays and weekends at your cottage . You all meant so much to him. Thank you for loving our dad the way you did…

We are all going to miss him SO much.

Dad – I poured you, your favorite drink Rye and Coke no ice for one last toast to celebrate your life…I know you always hated the spotlight, but today is your day and the day we shine a light on you, in honor of what you did, the person you were and the impact you had on all our lives….we celebrate you. You have been the glue that held us together all these years and the memories of you will hold us together for years to come. You will always hold a place in our hearts, we will love and miss you forever.

TOO EDDY!

SLOANE PETERS....MY GRANDPA/OPA

Good Afternoon,

For those of you who don know me, I am Ed Peters granddaughter Sloane. My grandpa is someone I will remember as an amazing friend, someone who made me laugh at his funny jokes, but mostly someone you could always count on. His favourite song was “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, we would sing it in the car on the way to my hockey practice. Grandpa would often whistle and tap his fingers, this brought me comfort and made me feel safe and at ease.

He taught me so many things. I will always look back on, such as how to pose like a model or how to sneak around the house. Grandpa taught me so much, and I will always remember how patient he was with me.

The last visit I had at grandma and grandpa’s house was when grandpa just couldn’t stop farting. To be honest it was the first time I had ever heard him fart and I couldn’t stop laughing.

There are so many things that I am going to miss about our relationship. Like going on vacations with him. I am going to miss the sound of his voice and how he would say he loved me, but most of I am going to miss making memories with him. He was always in a good mood, so it was hard to be upset around him for long.

Grandpa always made fun of my ripped jeans and he would say “it looks like you got attacked by a tiger”. The last time I saw him it was like I knew it was the last visit. I kept saying I love you and he gave me a kiss on the forehead. It felt like it had been a while since I got a kiss from him and it meant so much to me.

I am going to miss my grandpa so much, but I am grateful that these memories I have of us will last forever.

JACK PETERS….MEMORIES OF ED

Hi Folks

Nice to see you all here. As my brother would have said “Gee” they must have cancelled the race card today. Anyways I would just like to thank you all for coming out for the celebration of my brother Ed.

Ed you know was Ed. You have brothers who are quiet, brothers who are introspective, brothers who are extroverted and then you have Ed…who is obnoxious. Bev has asked me to tell you of any memories I may have of Ed to share with you.

As we all know Ed is known to be very competitive in everything he did. He always wanted to win. One memory that come to my mind is when we were going to school in Holland. We were on our bikes travelling to school and we were having a little race. I got a head of Ed just a little bit. And wouldn’t you know; the competitiveness came out of Ed and he ran me off the road, sending me right into the trees. He wrecked my bike, and I never rode it again. He said, “There you go you little bastard that will teach you”. That was my brother Ed. This is only one of many memories I will cherish of my brother Ed.

I want you all to know that my brothers loved all you people. You guys made his live. Every time I would ask Ed how he was doing, he would answer “Living the Dream”. And he would say “I can never get enough of all the good times, the good people, my family and my friends” We the Peters Family really appreciated it.

Thank you.

MEMORY OF ED….JACKSON INNES

Hi Everyone

I am Jackson Innes. You might know Don my Dad. One thing I know about Ed is that he would get up early at the cabin; and when I got up to go to the bathroom, he would say “Well Good Morning” you still are not the first one up. That is one thing I will always remember of him teasing me about. I remember helping him with chores at the cabin and always hearing about the horsing stories. This is some of my memories of Ed. Thank you guys for listening.

BRUCE FORBES….TRIBUTE TO ED

Ed Peters, Eddy….Lets make it clear direct orders from Ed that there be no tears, no saddest, there will only be celebration of his life to be filled with laughter, jokes and good times. I first met Ed and Bev 26 years ago, at a hockey arena which I learn was his most 2nd favor place to be, his 1st being the horseracing track. From there we became good friends sharing lots of laughs, some travel , great times and the occasional cocktails. I want to take this opportunity to say a few words to honor Ed.

I gave a lot of thought on the best way to describe him. Ed was a friend; he was more a True Friend. A true friend is someone who has your back no matter what, who watches out for you, make sure you are not in danger and who would never lead you into making decisions that are not the best for you.

True friend will always have your best interest at heart that was Ed. Eddy was a husband, father, proud grandpa, brother and a true friend to all he knew. Eddy’s pride and joy is his family and extended family; and of course, the dogs.

He always had a joke and would love to share them. He loved to see you laugh.

If you ever needed a hand Eddy was your man. He would step up every time expending little to nothing in return. What that guy would do for a strawberry Sundae.

We have all lost a true friend with Ed passing, He will live in our memories, he will be putting smiles on our faces for years to come. Until we meet again my Friend. Rest in Peace.

LARRY MESSIER….TRIBUTE TO ED

For those who don’t know me my name is Larry Messier. Ed Peters was my Best Friend. Ed and I met some 40 years ago at Stampede Park. We hit it off from the start. I liked him right off the bat and I know his feelings for me where the same. From then on we wore a path to Stampede Park taking in the horseraces as much as possible and enjoying what we like to do the most, play the horses. We would take the odd trip to Edmonton, on the day liner, the train from Calgary and to Edmonton to the races.

On the day liner Ed would tell jokes and have the passengers in stitches and we all would be in laughter all the way up and back from Edmonton. It was so funny he would love to make people laugh that’s Ed Peters in a nut shell.

As time went on we took in races in Kentucky. We went to the Breeders Cup which was a thrill of a life time for both of us. It was so good we went back a 2nd time which was equally as exciting as the first time.

I can tell you that as much of anything it was just being there with Ed. Ed and I enjoyed one another so much, we had so much fun and great times together. We also purchased a horse, at a yearly sale in Woodbine in Toronto and co owned the horse together. We had some great times with the horse but unfortunately the horse could not run with a hoot.

We were fortunate to get to know the people in the back stretch, we got to know the other side of the race track and the people there and we enjoyed that so much. Those trips were fantastic. I will have these memories for the rest of my life and will enjoy them. As far as Ed is concerned as a person Ed was one of the kindest people I have met in my life. He loved to do things for people, he loved to engage in conversation with people, he loved to make people laugh.

That is the Ed I know, I will miss him. We would keep in contact daily, he would text me, my phone would ring at 5:00 in the morning and my wife would say “Is that Ed” or I would text him. We kept in contact pretty much everyday by text, phone or in person. That is how close we were. I will miss Ed, I miss him so much, I think about of him every day and I will think about him every day until a die. He was a friend of a lifetime and I was so fortunate to have known him.

GEORGE LIDGETT....TRIBUTE TO ED

Ed Peter’s Impact on our lives.

In your life you get the chance to meet many people, if you are lucky enough you get to meet those “special people” that make a difference in not only your life, but the lives of your family. Without a doubt, Ed was one of those “special people.”

I recall the first day that Josie and I met Ed & Bev. It was at our son’s first day on the ice as a part of the Buffalos Bantam hockey team. Ed was our manager. Well, I must say that our first impression was “who the heck was that.” Ed was a bit gruff, and Bev was as sweet as always.

In hindsight Ed’s gruffness was well placed. He just wanted parents to know that while their children made this team... it was not a pathway to the NHL. Ed wanted to make sure that the kids worked hard on the ice but had fun while doing it.

I can say that Ed meant a lot to the kids that were on the teams that he managed. Our son & many others would listen to his input and those quiet discussions helped them not only on the ice, but also in their personal lives.

Over that first year, we got to really know Ed & Bev. With Ed you never had to guess what he thought on a topic. He told you the way it was. This I greatly appreciated. Ed also had a huge heart and was willing to help out when you needed it (and sometimes when you did not…. you just did not know yet that you needed help). But most important was what I call a zest for life, or in Ed’s lingo, “livin’ the dream.”

It was this energy and genuine nature that Josie, me, and our three children came to love.

After that first year, it led to Ed & Bev including us in their family and them in ours. Whether it was hockey games, vacations, graduations or even dance recitals, both Ed & Bev became part of our lives for which we and our children have been the beneficiaries.

Ed, what you have meant to Josie, me, and our family cannot be measured, but there is no doubt the positive impact will be passed on to our children and to theirs. I am also positive that all those over the years that you provided guidance to will also pass your advice along.

If we could measure this, there is no doubt that it would be infinite.

Ed, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Love Always

The Lidgett Family

JODY'S MEMORIES TO BEV

Bev, I know there is nothing I can say to make this day any easier, but I wanted to share some thoughts and memories I have of Ed that always make me smile and hopefully will do the same for you.

The first one has to do with how kind Ed was. He really was. Ed always the first one in a room full of people to notice the new person or odd man out and head over to make an introduction and start-up a conversation. I know this because years ago I was that new person. I saw Ed do the same thing for others in that same position many, many times over the years. Ed was always ready to break the ice with a corny joke or a playful teasing comment. One of my favorites was “Hey Jod, the lawyer business must be really bad these days because you’ve got holes in the knees of your jeans.” Ed really liked this particular joke because I heard it many times and it always made me laugh. Who knew Ed was a fashionista. If someone asked me to describe Ed, I would tell them he was intellectually curious. A person who was interested in many things. I loved that about him. Whenever we got together, there would always be a point in the night where he would ask me for my thoughts on something he read about or something in the news like Keystone XL pipeline getting shut down or whether ARC Resources was a good stock to buy or if I thought Andrew Scheer’s conservative leader platform was a good one. I always looked forward to our discussions. He made me think and on more than one occasion our conversation would spark something that I would have to follow up on later.

Another thing that sticks out about Ed (that won’t surprise you) was his generosity with his time. Ed was always ready to lend a helping hand. There are truly thousands of big and little examples I could write about, but two memories come to mind right off the bat for me. One is Ed tending to the poor plants and flowers around the house and yard that were probably calling out to him for help. You guys would come over for a visit or to drop something off or whatever and Ed would be like “hope you don’t mind but I’m just going to give the lemon tree in the pot over here a bit of water”. And the other memory I have has to do with Bailey. Ahhh Bailey. The cat that only one person could love. And I did. And Ed knew that. And that’s why Ed, and Jenn too, volunteered (repeatedly) to pop in and feed him whenever we were away. I never worried about Bailey when Ed or Jenn were cat sitting him. I did worry about Ed though. Luckily there was just that one time (that I’m aware of) that Ed got too close and got clawed for his efforts. But even profusely bleeding from his hand, Ed completed his feeding duties and still came back again the next day.

I will always remember Ed whistling while working at a task. He was actually pretty talented at it. He was on pitch and could hit the high notes and the low notes, speed up and slow down, and didn’t seem to need to breathe. I don’t think I ever recognized any tune he was whistling, but it felt like I should. I am not sure if I ever mentioned this before, but my dad used to do the same thing. It always reminded me of him and made me smile.

My dad passed away years before I met your family. It still hurts to think about him because I miss him terribly. I like to think that Ed and Peter crossed paths and got a chance to meet. I would love to have heard the conversation that took place between my dad and Ed, a father figure who I was lucky enough to have as part of my life for the last eight years.

With lots of love, Jody

Eddy My Love, My Best Friend, My Laughter, My Everything

Ed passed away suddenly June 3, 2020, of a massive heart attack. That day I felt lost, empty, and cheated that I couldn’t say good bye to him. That morning, he was in a tree cutting branches for a project I was planning to make with the branches.

Ed was always wanting to please me and to make me happy.

Ed and I have been together for over 51 years and married for 48 of those years He immigrated from Holland with his dad & Mom and 4 Brothers in 1960.

We met in the summer of 1969. Ed was an employee for City of Calgary in the Parks Department. We met behind my Family home he was mowing the park. Ed whistled at me that day and I just turned away and kept on walking.

Next day he made a point to stop and talk to me. A week or more later we started dating. On the 3rd date he gave me his school ring and said he was going to marry me. I bet him $500.00 I wasn’t going to marry him but there was something about Ed I loved, and he was forever making me smile and laugh. Three years later we married. We have two children Jennifer and Jeff and was blessed 12 years ago with our only.

Granddaughter Sloane. Our family came first to Ed above all other things. He was a great husband, father, brother, and friend and was like and loved by whoever crossed his path.

Ed had a profound sense of humor; he was the life of any party. If you wherever in a room and not feeling comfortable, Ed would be the first person to approach you and make you feel welcome. He was a person you could count on; always helping others whether it was family, friends or even strangers he was there to help. Ed had a Horticulturist Degree from the University of Guelph. He was always willing to give out any information to anyone whoever needed guidance in the horticultural areas. You often would see him in a tree, pruning, trimming bushes, or talking to someone about plants.

After Ed retired he volunteered for the Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association as a Team Manager. He became a mentor to many young hockey players. They loved listening to his knowledge. and his advice not only on hockey but life skills as well.

I was not just Ed’s only love, he had one other love which was call the Sport of Kings “Horsing Racing.” He loved the thrill of betting on the horses and watching them cross the finished line.

In our 51 years together, we were able to retire and travel to many different countries. Ed’s favorite ones were visiting his relatives in Holland and his most memorial one was going to.

Kentucky to the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs in Louisville. I remember so clearly how excited he was to be going to a famous race track and see a great horse like Zenyatta cross the finish line.

There are so may memories that Ed and I have made together, I could go on and on. I will always remember Ed’s favorite saying when he was asked “How he was doing”; his reply was “Living the Dream.” I miss him dearly, but our memories will last forever.

The Love of My Life Eddy

I Will Always Love you ….Bev

* * * * * * * * * *

Ed “Eddy” Peters

Ed Peters passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2020, while doing what he loved — helping his wife Bev and working outside in the sun.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Bev (nee Lamoureux) (married in 1972), daughter Jennifer (Mark), son Jeff (Jody), and granddaughter Sloane.

Ed was born on August 21, 1950, in the town of Sustern, Netherlands. He immigrated to Calgary, AB, Canada in 1960 with his parents Gerard and Christina Peters, as well as his brothers, Matt, Rick, Jack and Pim. Ed grew up in the West Hillhurst community, graduated from St. Francis High School and later graduated with a Horticultural Degree from The University of Guelph, Ontario.

Ed worked for City of Calgary Parks Department for 35 years leaving his footprints in the developing and designing of City Parks such as Ellison Birth Forest Park, Carburn Park and many more through his years of service for the City. Ed was more than willing to share his knowledge of trees and plants with whoever asked for his advice.

After Ed retired he spent 10 plus years volunteering in the Calgary Buffaloes Hockey Association as a dedicated non parent manager and was a caring mentor and made a big impression in the association with parents, players and board members alike.

You could always find Ed at Shanks Sports Bar enjoying himself while betting on horse races with his buddies and sharing in lots of fun and laughter. Golfing and watching any sport on TV was another of his favourite retirement pastimes. It wasn’t unusual to find Ed walking his dog Abby and his grand dogs Tacoma, Molson & Kola around the neighbourhood as well.

Going to the cabin at Cocollala Lake, Idaho was his treasured place of pleasure. Ed also enjoyed vacationing with Bev and their many family members and friends to various hot and exotic places. His highlight vacations were visiting relatives in Holland and going to the Breeders Cup in Kentucky.

He loved his children and was always there for them. Ed was particularly supportive and proud of Jenn’s and Jeff’s accomplishments. His granddaughter Sloane was the apple of his eye and he cherished spending time watching her take part in all of her different sports and activities.

Always there for his family, friends, neighbours and even strangers to help in any way he could, Ed was known as the guy you could always count on. He was one of Calgary's Snow Angels, always on hand to pick up a shovel and help a neighbour clear their place in winter.

If you were to ask Ed on any given day how he was doing, he would respond with his favourite saying, “Living the Dream!” His outgoing and positive nature touched so many people in so many ways. Ed will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate in Ed’s spirit and name to a local charity close to your heart. The family suggests the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart or the Animal Rescue Foundation https://arf.ab.ca/