"The opportunity to serve" is the highest compliment McInnis & Holloway could receive.
Phone: 403-243-8200
Text: 403-256-9575
Obituary of Tonny Preben Petersen
September 8, 1941 – Frederiksberg, Denmark
May 31, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta
Tonny Petersen, beloved husband of Esther Petersen (nee Shelley), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the age of 82 years.
He was born in Denmark and immigrated to British Columbia in 1958 with his family. Tonny and his sister, Alis, stayed in Canada while the rest of the family moved back to Copenhagen. In 1961, he moved to Calgary, AB, by himself. He quickly became a close friend to the Gaede family and was embraced as a brother.
Tonny met and married Esther in 1971, and they had two daughters. He kept himself busy with woodworking and mechanical projects. He enjoyed crafting wooden furniture and toys, renovating the house, and maintaining vehicles. He loved travelling and spending time at the campsite. He could often be found relaxing, listening to music, playing crib, or visiting with friends around the fire.
He took great pride in his Danish heritage and will always be remembered for introducing friends to Danish cuisine by hosting spectacular smorgasbords. He was a shareholder in the Danish Canadian Club in Calgary, and a member of the Danish Canadian National Museum in Spruceview, AB.
Tonny is survived by his loving wife, Esther, and two daughters, Trudy and Shelley (Kostie). He is also survived by his brother Michael, brother-in-law Sven Hansen, as well as numerous extended family members and close friends in Canada, Denmark, and Australia.
Tonny was predeceased by his parents, six sisters, and one brother.
A Memorial Service will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Weaver officiating.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Tonny’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of your choice in Tonny’s name.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Tonny’s family here.
In living memory of Tonny Petersen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
