Don ‘Pete’ Petersen. Founder of the Knights of Columbus Basketball League. The league now named in his honour is entering its 71st season. Pete was a major infuence on hundreds of kids and volunteers. Showing everyone the right way to be a community champion

Nobody gets there on their own.

We get through life on the shoulders of others. Family, friends and mentors all play a role.

I was fortunate as I was starting out my career to meet my mentor, Don ‘Pete’ Petersen, and to benefit from his great influence. Pete instilled in me that a meaningful life meant giving of your time and talents to try and make a difference.

I am grateful for Pete’s friendship that began in the early 1980s. I was twenty years old and just starting my career as a sportscaster at CKWS-TV. Pete was a Kingston icon, running the Knights of Columbus Basketball League since the 1950s.

Giving hundreds of kids the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport. A league he started at the age of 17 ( think about that for a moment).

We became fast friends. I was asked to emcee the league’s annual awards banquet. Forty-plus years later I’m still here with Doug Jeffries. Fortunate to have enjoyed that special bond with Pete and to have made so many other friends through the league.

Pete taught me life’s important lessons. He believed the real measuring stick in life is the good you do for others.

Get involved, contribute your time and energy to worthwhile causes in your community. Whatever you give will be returned tenfold.

Say ‘yes’ when asked to help, because the day will come when you will no longer be asked.

Pete’s influence is still everywhere in Kingston. When he strolled down Princess Street there were always people stopping Pete to shake his hand, give him a hug, or just to say, “thanks Brother.”

Former players, parents, volunteers, students at St. Pat’s school, Pete touched all their lives in a special and meaningful way. His genuine kindness and unassuming manner connected him to everyone he met.

For decades he was a friend to lean on. When facing a big decision or difficult times, Pete had a special way of guiding you in the right direction without telling you what to do. That’s a real gift.

One day over a pint, Pete shared a letter with me from Canada’s Governor-General. Pete was to be named to the Order of Canada, the highest honour for any Canadian citizen.

I was thrilled for him, but he said he couldn’t accept it. So, he wrote back to Rideau Hall explaining he was just doing what he loved. It really was no big deal, the smile on every kid’s face was all the reward he needed. It was the dozens of volunteers that really deserved the credit.

That’s service above self.

In 2012, I was honoured to join Pete and two other great mentors of mine, Joe Hawkins and Tom Carty, as a new member of the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Looking back on it, Pete was like a proud father. We had traveled this road together and during 30-plus years of friendship his advice, guidance and influence played a big part in me entering the Hall of Fame.

It’s on the shoulders of others and Pete was always there to lift me up.

Only a couple weeks after my Hall of Fame induction my Mom passed away. On the day of my Mom’s funeral, Pete was already sitting in the empty chapel when I arrived, well over an hour before the service.

We shared some quiet conversation and reflection. Pete offered some perspective and prayers and gave me the strength and encouragement I needed to get through what was the toughest day of my life.

That’s true friendship.

Two years later, Pete’s health was failing and he asked me when the time came if I would speak at his funeral. Adding, “just don’t overdo it.” There is no greater honour.

On July 03, 2014, Pete passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of family.

Given his strong faith and a lifetime spent serving others, I knew his journey to heaven would be smoother than most.

Pete’s funeral mass was at his beloved St. John’s Parish. It was a tremendous honour to reflect on Pete’s great legacy. This humble school caretaker had such an incredible impact on the lives of so many people, and brought joy to hundreds of kids.

As I began to speak with a lump in my throat and holding back tears, I thought about Pete saying, “Leave it in God’s hands” and somehow I got through it.

Pete was there for me, one final time.

Hey Pete. Thanks.

Mark Potter is a long time Kingston broadcaster, Friend of the Pete Petersen Basketball League, Past President of the Original Hockey Hall of Fame and honoured member of the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame.