HERBERT PETERSON, beloved husband of Shirley Peterson, of Lethbridge passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the age of 84 years.
Herbert Arthur Peterson was born December 10, 1924, in Vulcan, Alberta, the son of Glen and Rose Peterson. The family later settled on their farm near Hanna and eventually Brownfield, Alberta.
Herb left school at an early age to start his own trucking business. About this time he also discovered his passion for motorcycles. At the young age of 16 he bought his first motorcycle, a 1937 BSA and an early photograph captured Herb riding it backwards. Not only was he passionate about riding but he had a great sense of humour and a flare for “smart ass” antics.
Herb met his wife of 56 years, Shirley, in Lethbridge, Alberta. Herb and Shirley were married August 11, 1953 and after brief stints in Edmonton and Brownfield, the young couple returned to Lethbridge to stay in 1954. Herb’s first son, Barry, was born a few years later, followed by Kevin, then Glen.
In 1961, Herb began a life long career of long haul trucking between Alberta and Vancouver. He grew his business to include many trucks and continued to drive until his “retirement” in 1997 at the age of 73. His family still marvels at the number of times Herb travelled the Trans Canada Highway between Calgary and Vancouver, by some estimates more than 2500 times in each direction.
Herb was an innovator, builder and fixer. He could fix anything, spending long hours dismantling, fixing and reassembling the diesel engine in his semi-trailer truck. He preferred to build things himself, be it a deck on the back of his truck to increase the payload, or a trailer to carry camping equipment behind his motorcycle. He was always innovating new ways to make his job and life easier. But perhaps more importantly, Herb was ever determined to follow through on his many projects until the job was finished.
After so many years of driving trucks, Herb finally returned to his passion for motorcycles. In the mid-80s he restored two Indian Chief motorcycles from the 1940s. These bikes were clearly his pride and joy but were no substitute for the thrill of riding the open road. Until his last days, Herb rode his Harley-Davidson Road King whenever weather permitted. In 1996, motorcycles became a family affair when his son Barry took on ownership of Lethbridge Harley-Davidson. Herb was a permanent fixture at “the shop”, telling stories and visiting with customers, happily dedicating his time and energy to the common cause of motorcycle riding.
Sadly, in late 2006, shortly after the death of his mother Rose, Herb learned that he had bladder cancer. Nearly three years later, Herb lost a hard fought battle with cancer and passed away on Sep. 23 with his family at his side. Despite the difficulties and setbacks Herb maintained his sense of humour and upbeat outlook.
Herb approached everything in life with a sense of purpose, determination and commitment to the idea that hard work pays off. He was dedicated to his family and his beliefs, often drawing a hard line between right and wrong and sticking to his principles. Herb was not a political man. He told you what he really thought, whether you wanted to hear it or not and for that he was respected.
Herb loved his three children and his three grandchildren, often eliciting a giggle and “oh grampa” from the little ones with his silly faces, noises and endless teasing.
Herb also loved animals - “a dog is man’s best friend” was a sentiment that rang true with him.
Herb is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his three sons Barry, Kevin, and Glen, their spouses Sandie, Jennifer, and Mia, and his granddaughters Rosie, Katie (Barry) and Lauren (Kevin). His family will miss him immensely.
At Herb’s request a private burial attended by immediate family will be held near his home town of Brownfield, Alberta.
The family would like to thank the many people who have given support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Herb Peterson Memorial Fund, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St. NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2 (http://www.albertacancer.ca).
