Obituary of David L.E. Peterson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Leroy Ernest Peterson, QC, on December 24, 2021. Born on September 23, 1942, in Fredericton, NB, he was the beloved son of Barbara Peterson and grandson to the late Roy and Sarah Hughey of Fredericton. Predeceased by his first wife Ingrid, David was a devoted husband to France (Haché) of over 36 years; loving father to David (Jennifer), Kersta, Brad (Catherine), Sébastien (Dara) and Victoria; proud grandfather to Ben, Sam, Tynan, Ingrid Naomi, Marcus and Sophie; brother of the late Carol Ireland (Marvin) of Brantford, ON, and of Shirley (Ralph) Graves of Fredericton, NB. David was a lifelong resident of Fredericton, NB. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1965 with a B.PE. and taught school at Fredericton High School for the 1965-66 school year. He returned to UNB Law school and practiced law in Fredericton after admission to the New Brunswick Bar in 1969. David served as a Fredericton City Councillor from 1974-1980, as a Special Prosecutor and a Deputy Judge, and as the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 1978-1993. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2017 and continued to practice until his death. During his younger years, David was an outstanding multi-sport athlete with a particular passion for baseball and hockey. It is impossible to overstate the importance of hockey in his life, whether as a player, coach, manager, executive or spectator. David played competitively for Fredericton High School and the University of New Brunswick and spent countless happy hours on or around "the rink" with friends and family his entire life. In addition to his love of the law and hockey, David was also a passionate volunteer and community activist. Some of his contributions included acting as President of NB Intermediate "A" Hockey League (1982-86), President of the Fredericton Pony Club (1985-89), founding member and Director of Fredericton Trails Coalition (1989-98), founding member and President of NB Trails Council (1994-2004), President Emeritus Sentier NB Trails (2004-present) and Founder and President Provincial Bantam "AAA" Girls’ Hockey League (2010-2018). David was awarded the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award in 2014 for his contributions to public trail building and youth hockey over many years. Above all his other achievements, David will be most remembered as an amazing Husband and Dad. His quick wit and easy smile reflected his ability to put others at ease no matter the circumstances. His family will continue to feel his rock solid support and pride in them as they navigate through life, and although he will be sorely missed, he has left behind a legacy of family that will carry on for generations. Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 5 pm – 8 pm, and Friday, January 7, 2022, from 11 am – 1 pm. Due to current provincial regulations, proof of vaccination and government issued identification will be required for entry to the visitation. Due to COVID restrictions there will be a private service by invitation only. A live stream of the service will be available to watch on Friday, January 7th at 2:30 pm, at the following link: https://youtu.be/K5rkLc8Q5GQ. Interment will take place at the Fredericton Rural Cemetery in the spring. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca.