January 14, 1926
- December 1, 2009
On December 1, 2009, Alf Petersen passed away at the age of 83 years following a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Alf will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Sheila, his daughters Wendy (Ken) MacDonald, Joan (Alan) Parsons, Carol Petersen (Tad Kaczmarek), and Lorna (John) Stephen, as well as his grandchildren Graham and Scott Parsons, Kate MacDonald Julicher (Brad), Kristine MacDonald, Hayley, Marla and Brett Stephen and Katrina Kaczmarek. Alf was born in Drumheller, Alberta, the only child of Alfred Sr. and Ada Petersen. He grew up on the family farm in nearby Dalum and attended Nickel Springs school until Grade 9. He took his high school in Drumheller where he lived in the dormitory and made many lifelong friends. In 1946 he moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta. It was here that he met and married Sheila McGugan, and where he lived until his passing. Along with work and helping to raise four daughters, Alf continued his education and subsequently earned a Masters and PhD in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University. He worked for the Alberta Department of Agriculture, and for many years as a professor at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Agriculture before retiring in 1984. Following his retirement, he was fortunate to be able to work on various international agricultural projects in Nigeria, Senegal, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tanzania, China and Australia. He was also an active participant in many provincial and national farm organizations. Alf and Sheila enjoyed countless trips to interesting places all over the world, including an adventure to Greenland to trace his family roots and his Danish heritage. Although Alf lived in Edmonton for more than 60 years, he was still very attached to his rural and farming roots and played an active role in the farm in Dalum for as long as he was able. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be forever missed by the many people whose lives he touched. Alf’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff and other friends they made at the Good Samaritan Southgate, 3rd Floor, for their many years of compassion and care. A celebration of Alf’s life will be held on Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Hainstock’s Funeral Home, 9810 – 34 Avenue, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to The Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1, the Good Samaritan Southgate (3rd Floor Resident Care), 4225-107 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 2P1, or to Alf’s favorite charity, Farm Radio International, 1404 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4M8.
