We were just talking about Pete in the clubhouse this morning. (I ve just started "coaching" our high school novices.) It was too rough to go on the water, so we coaches had time to chat.  I remembered the photo on the wall in the office of Peter that I had intended to share here. 

That summer (1981) was so much fun. Pete drove our crew to most of the regattas that summer as his then girlfriend was in our boat. One time she was driving back from a regatta and a crew from Bedford England that we were billeting was following in the car behind. She climbed out the driver’s window, sitting on its edge pretending to check the racing shell that was tied on to the rack. Our car looked driverless yet cornered well. From the back seat we could see Pete had is foot on the accelerator and a hand on the wheel, out of sight to other drivers. We laughed and laughed and laughed. I am sure they are still talking about that stunt in England to this day! 

Another time Pete was the driver and we going to a regatta at the Montreal Olympic Basin. But before we could get to the Basin, Pete took a detour to the racetrack (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve). We drove lap after lap as Pete imagined being a race car driver. He always took advantage of the moment and the fun it could bring. 

What I most remember was watching him row. It would take my breath away. So smooth, so talented. That was just practices on the Little Cat River in Kingston Ontario. It was also a joy to watch him race all season, against all odds. To Pete's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace my friend. -Siobhain Broekhoven

Part two- 
This is probably one of my most favourite memories.
We had a camping trip and went out into the mountains. We set up camp and took the SUV through rivers to go hiking. However, we hit something hard and the gas tank got punctured! The car started to loose gas quickly and we drove back past to the camp ground.Once there  we took apart our camp and start throwing everything in the trailer as fast as possible we needed  get out as quickly before running out of gas. Peter drove as far as he could before we ended having to push the car out. We had to push the car up the hill and we made it to the top her yelled « hope in the trailer and hold on! » we all jump on the trailer attached and road down the road as far as we could go before having to get back up and start pushing again. I think it took us a couple hours before we got out and got signal to call haha! Knowing how much Peter impacted my life back then helped me make the choice to be a guider for my troop to be there for the girls. Thank you Peter for being there for me as child when I had no one else to be there for me.


My deepest condolences to the tattersall family.
I realized it’s been a couple years since peter passed and I only discovered this weekend. 
I was with my daughter and our girl guide troop sleeping over at a museum getting the girls ready for there first camping trip in a couple weeks and I thought of Peter. I remembered all the amazing outings and activités and how caring of a person he was and always made feel like I mattered as a child when most days I never felt any worth. Growing up my biological parents were extremely absent and still are to this day. Having had someone like Peter be there as a role model is one of those true blessings you don’t know about or appreciate until later in life. I always admired how he was there for his family and how he had his son involved in scouts while he was leader. It was something I had always wanted in my life. I went through what seemed like a very hard path for a long time. But because of people like Peter that had an influence on my life, today I can be there for my daughter, I can be there for my family. We hadn’t spoken in years and was saddened by the news he had passed away a couple years earlier.
You never really know how our everyday interactions with people can impact their lives. Most of the time you never find out. Peter truly had a profound impact on my life and I wanted to share how thankful I am for that with you. -  I am posting another memory to share a story behind this picture.

The Tattersall’s and the Fong’s shared many happy memories whether it was camping, Guiding, Scouting or Belize.  Peter will be missed and we hope our donation to his go fund me memorial fund will help to keep his memory alive. Anwen and David Fong and family 

Janet and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Peter. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. 


I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of Peter!  He (and the whole family, actually) always made my daughter Lindsey feel like a part of the family, and even me whenever I came by…. A truly genuine, caring, gentle human being.  Tim, I miss ya kiddo (!) and send big hugs to you all in this sad time you’re facing.

From Christina DeSantis, her children and grandchildren:
We were all shocked to hear about Peter's accident. We did not know Peter for a long time but we sure got to know him in a few  short years. We remember Peter as a warm and kind person  who loved to chat and share stories and of course, instigate some laughter! We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all who loved Peter. May your memories of him bring you comfort during this sad time.

Peter was such a gentle soul. When I think of him I remember his smile and his positivity. He was always ready to give his famous big bear hugs and was such an incredible father. I was always so grateful for him and the Tattersall family who opened their home for anyone who needed it with open arms. His zest for life is undeniable and positive outlook was inspiring. Peter was one of a kind and will be truly missed. Sending my love to him and his family 

Pete was a natural and talented athlete and good runner but he ended up faster on the water than on the ground.
I had the pleasure and privilege of coaching Pete from his first foray in the single to his participation in the International rowing scene.  It was clear from the outset that he would become a talented oarsman.  Over the course of his sculling career we spent many hours on and off the water honing his rowing skills.  
As a hard working novice, Pete often flipped his single but maintained his sense of humour and quickly learned from me that it was better to stay in the boat.  It slows you down when you are in the water.
Learning to scull meant learning to sit straight up vertically in the boat.  He loved my analogy that sitting on the seat should be like sitting on a toilet, straight up from your butt.
Virtually all lightweights had to work at making weight but small, tough, “always ready to eat”, Pete, would weigh in at National and World Championships with a sandwich in his hand.
Pete acknowledged and celebrated his teammates successes and on an international flight he told flight attendants there were World Champions on board.  Champagne was provided for the team.
Pete was a regular on Centre Street.  The McFarlane children were big fans of his and we were always happy to see him.


I am deeply saddened by the loss of Pete. I remember him as a sweet soul, a very talented and dedicated rower, and dear brother of my old rowing pal Steph from LCVI days. My heartfelt sympathies to his lovely family and friends, in Calgary and around the world. Aroha, kia kaha, Jill in New Zealand.

Janet and family, we are saddened by the news of your loss. We always enjoyed seeing Peter along your side and his love of you all was immense. I enjoyed my conversations with him and was always amazed to hear of his adventures. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Hugs Marla and Steve

It has been some time since our days at the Kingston Rowing Club but I have kept up with all the Tattersalls through Al and family….the news of Pete’s passing was sad indeed.  I have a vision of one of the last regattas we would have been at together at the Olympic basin in Montreal …. he was as always…. lean, fierce and fast.  It is an intensely personal time for the immediate family, but know we are drawing a wider circle around you from afar.  Sincerely,  Carolyn Campbell, Bob, Bronwyn, Kennedy and Martha Stevens in Waterloo

Although I had not seen Peter for Many years, the time we spent together in the rowing shell as boys is some of my most cherished memory.  The intensity of those times burns brightly, and Peter was always that kind of person. He was one of those people who taught me honesty and intensity and authenticity. 
My deepest condolences to His family, whom I do not know.  Peter was one of the original great souls.  Love to all who knew, loved and cherished him. 
David Meyer


Our deepest condolences Janet, Tim, Tanya, Brett, Robin and Taryn.  Peter's passing has shaken us all to our core.  We are sad and confused and we look to each other for comfort and strength to carry on - as Peter would want us to do. 
We remember Peter as a great Dad to the kids and loving husband to Janet and accomplished athlete. 
We smile to think of all the moving (four times!) we did with Tanya and Brett trying to find that perfect residence. Peter and his trailer were always ready to go. 
We enjoyed watching Peter's videos of his world adventures on climbing trips  and listening to him tell stories of what the adventures entailed. 
Getting a wedding planned and held in a back yard involved good fun together and the wedding itself was a blast with our two families.  Rest in Peace Peter. 

I was fortunate to hike with Peter. On August 26,2016 Orvel Miskiw, Peter and I hiked to the summit of Mt Temple. It was a memorable day for me and as I look up at Temple I will remember Peter with the fondest of memories. 

I hiked with Peter in the second sixties hiking club and got to know him. He was a special guy and we will all miss him terribly. One time he was leading our group on a very hot summer's day. He asked us if everyone was satisfied with the hike at the end. We all said yes, but I said you forgot to take us to a nice cold creek to soak our soar feet. He laughed and said lets go. We all took off our boots and put our feet in the very, very, cold, water. Peter took off his boots too, but jumped in the creek with his clothes on and all, much to to our amazement and stayed in for what seemed like a very long time. He truly was an amazing guy.

				       Peter Tattersall

I climbed with Peter for 18 years and just recently in July. 
He loved every day in the mountains.
His last one was a fine day on a spectacular mountain of his dreams, Assiniboine.  
Climb High, My Friend.
Orvel Miskiw, Cochrane


thinking of you all at this sad time. So many memories of Pete - I can picture you both standing by the Daimler at the Falls on your wedding day. You don't how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have. We hope being together helps you all.
Marion, Jim,Stephen and Anna Fuller

OBITUARY

Peter Bruce Tattersall

February 7, 1962 – August 12, 2021

South Calgary Funeral Centre and Crematorium

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