It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Leopold “Leif” Petersen of Nelson on November 15, 2013 at the age of 89.
Leif was born in Riga, Latvia to Leopold and Victoria Petersen on May 10, 1924. In 1951, he immigrated to Canada with his wife Tamara, and after living in Sandon, New Denver and Trail, finally settled in Nelson.
Leif and Tamara started Petersen’s Sewing Service, initially a door-to-door sewing machine business and then later opened up a store – the last location being on the corner of Baker and Ward Streets, which operated for nearly 40 years. The Petersens raised five daughters most of whom worked in the store at one time or another.
Leif was predeceased by his parents, daughter Tammy Potts in January 2002, and his beloved wife of nearly 52 years, Tamara, in November 2002.
He is survived by daughters Vicki Matthews, Lana (Phil) Donaldson, Alexy (Wally) Zoobkoff, and Natalie Petersen; grandchildren Tamara, Donovan and Geoffrey Matthews, Andrea Donaldson, Lorissa, Alicia and Leah Zoobkoff; and great granddaughters Tamara and Maria.
The family extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ramsay, Dr. Kalia and Dr. Janz, and to the staff of Mountain Lake Seniors Community for the exceptional care and kindness shown to dad.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Services, 613 Ward Street, Nelson, BC.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, 3 View Street, Nelson, BC.
Leif will be greatly missed for his kindness and sense of humour and remembered with love and respect by his family and friends.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.thompsonfs.ca
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.