LEADS BY EXAMPLE AND INSPIRES PEOPLE TO DO THEIR BEST
Dear Editor:
I see the United Way has decided to honour Bill Peterson this year. I have to congratulate your organization for making such an inspired choice. You don’t often see an ink-stained wretch receiving such an honour … but then again, Bill is no ordinary guy.
Bill has been a part of my professional life for the better part of three decades now – first as my boss at the Star Phoenix and Saskatoon Free Press and in more recent years, we’ve crossed paths with many
“Finally, he always gives back to his community - not only financially, but with his time and creativity.”
projects Creative Fire has worked on for Cameco.
Over the years Bill has been a mentor, a friend, and whether he knew it or not, helped teach me some very important life lessons. Here’s just a few of them:
Lesson 1: What goes around, comes around.
I remember Bill telling us about an experience he had just before taking over as publisher at the Star Phoenix. Bill had run into this reporter who was travelling on assignment with the newspaper. The man explained to his colleague Bill how easy it was to pad expenses and make a little extra money while you travel. Bill thanked him for the advice. A week later, Bill was introduced as the new publisher for the Star Phoenix. When he came face to face with that reporter, he just smiled, shook his hand enthusiastically and let him know how much he was “looking forward to seeing those expense claims”.
Lesson 2: If someone gives you an opportunity, take it … that’s how you grow.
Bill gave me my first big break as a journalist when he offered me a promotion to sports editor for the Star Phoenix. I wasn’t at all convinced that I was up to the job, but Bill was confident, so I accepted. A month later, Bill left to take a challenging new position at the Kingston Whig Standard. At the time, I think I cursed Bill for abandoning me. I now see that he gave me a great gift. He not only challenged me to discover new skills, but gave me the freedom to learn from my mistakes. I know it may be late, but thanks, Bill.
Lesson 3: Don’t ask people to do anything you wouldn’t do.
Because of his background, Bill knew how to do almost any job at a newspaper. This came in handy when he and Paul Martin decided to start the Saskatoon and Regina Free Press community newspapers. Along with his duties as publisher, Bill also wrote articles and sold advertising. What people might not know is that in the early days, Bill also bundled and delivered the papers, and even pitched in to help clean the offices. In the process, Bill built the Free Press team into a family. Despite the 18 hour days, that Free Press experience still ranks among the happiest working days of my life.
Lesson 4: Take time to enjoy life … and see the humour in it.
Bill loves his Jack Russell terriers … always has. The pets give his life balance, but it has not always been an easy relationship. Here’s one example: Bill was working upstairs in his house one hot summer day while his dogs were out in the yard, jumping about and playing in the sprinklers. Suddenly, Bill realized that things had gone quiet … too quiet. He came down the stairs only to find the sprinklers inside the house, spraying water all over his living room and one of his dogs dragging the hose around the floor. Chaos ensued, of course, when Bill tried to get the sprinkler back ... Ultimately, he was able to laugh about it and move on, taking comfort in the fact that he had yet another great story to tell.
Through the years, what has impressed me most about Bill is that he leads by example. He inspires people to do their best, by doing his best. He never shrinks from a challenge. He is fair but not easily fooled. He laughs easily and takes time to enjoy life. Finally, he always gives back to his community - not only financially, but with his time and creativity.
The United Way made a great choice for this year’s Dinner Date!
Theresa Kirkpatrick
Saskatoon