THE KIND OF PERSON WHO REFLECTS WHY SASKATCHEWAN IS A SPECIAL PLACE

To the editor:

It’s not easy to define the word friendship. We use it often and seldom really consider what it means. We go through life meeting and associating with countless numbers of people and acquaintances. But only a relative few do we consider a friend.

Bill Peterson is one of my friends. I’ve known him for more than 35 years, stretching back to our early days in the newspaper business. There are many reasons why I call Bill a friend, but the most important is loyalty. I remember the day almost 20 years ago when I decided it was time for a career change. So I quit my job as a journalist without any idea what I would do next. The first person to contact me was Bill Peterson, to say he would do everything he could to help me land on my feet. I’ll never forget that phone call.

Along the way, our career paths diverged and there have been long stretches when Bill and I did not stay in close contact. But in an instant, our friendship would be rekindled whenever we had the opportunity to reconnect. It was as if we had never lost touch.

It’s that kind of commitment, whether in his personal or professional life, that sets Bill apart and why you want to be his friend. His allegiance to his community, his dedication to others and his entrepreneurial spirit reflected in a varied and dynamic career, make Bill Peterson the kind of person who reflects why Saskatchewan is a special place. He richly deserves recognition from the United Way for his good works and loyalty to Saskatoon and his province.

To borrow the words of Thomas Aquinas, there is nothing on earth to be more prized than true friendship. I agree.

Congratulations to Bill Peterson, my friend, and a friend to so many others.

Dale Eisler

Regina