Edward Petersen

PETERSEN, Edward

Eddie to those who knew him, Mr Petersen to his many students in South Africa and New Zealand.
Eddie left us quietly in his sleep on the morning of Friday the 27th of February, following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sue; by his children Grant and Terri from his first marriage to Ursula; by his step-children Ruth, Kara, Sophie; and by his step-grandchildren Serenity and Hēmi, whom he loved and cared for as their poppa. Adored brother of Stephanie and Leon (dec) and uncle to Kim, Justin, Dominic, and Coleridge.

Many of you may know Eddie through his musical performances in Cape Town and Wellington, with his flawless jazz piano and command of whatever instrument he picked up. If you were a colleague or student of his St Patrick’s Silverstream or Rongotai College, you will know not only of his wisdom but his endless generosity to share it with everyone.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Mary Potter Hospice for the care and compassion you showed Eddie in his last few weeks.

Please dress up in your brightest, most vibrant colours and join us in celebrating Eddie’s life at a service on Thursday the 5th of March at 11am at Lychgate Funeral Home, Wellington.

In lieu of flowers, please provide a donation to the Gut Cancer Foundation at https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/donate/ — they provide research and support for pancreatic cancer.

We will also be grateful for any donations you can provide at the service which we will pass on to the GCF.

Finally, at the service, coloured pens will be provided for you, your loved ones, especially children, to write or draw a tribute to Eddie on his casket. This will be available from 10am to just before the service starts.

TRIBUTES

Alvin and Cheryl Petersen

Our deepest sympathies go across the miles to the surviving family and friends of dear friend and former Hewat College of Education music student of mine, Eddy Petersen. For him suffering and pain are no more. May he have eternal rest, according to God’s holy will. All our love, Alvin and Cheryl Petersen.

Merle ORyan

Ursula, I have not met Eddie or the children but would like to extend my sincerest condolences to you all. Pray you find comfort from the great Comforter. The Lord is close to the broken hearted.

Dennis Clark

I was a colleague of Eddie’s at St Pats Silverstream for many years until he moved on.
I had many conversations with Eddie up in his room about life , education, work , music and yes about how happy he was to meet a person he called Susie . It was obvious how happy he was to meet her and how special she was.
Unfortunately I cannot be at the celebration of Eddie’s life on Thursday as I am away in the South Island but will be thinking of him on that day
Arohanui
Dennis Clark

Russell and Judy Carelse

Our association with Eddie and Ursula dates back to Cape Town in the early 1990s. But we especially cherish the many memorable family gatherings in Whitby (NZ), where our time together revolved around music, family, food and laughter.
He used his gift of music to bless others. We fondly remember how he brought the rich sounds of Cape Town jazz to New Zealand, warming our hearts as expats far from home.
Eddie will be remembered as exceptionally gifted, yet deeply humble. Always cheerful. Always positive. Intellectually sharp, with a wicked sense of humour. He carried himself with a quiet presence and mana that spoke before he did. In short, a truly great bloke.
Sending love and hugs to the bereaved family.
Russell and Judy Carelse (Melbourne)

Ursula Smith (NeeAlexander)

To Eddie’s wife, their children, his siblings and extended family. Our sincere condolences, may God in His Mercy, comfort and give your strength as you mourn Eddie’s passing. A friend and school mate gone to rest. Sleep gently Eddie. Hamba Khahle ! May your music play on forever….🙏💐

Rodney Florence

I have great memories of Eddie and Urshie very much in love back in the the day. Esdie had his toys, his car an alpha was the cleanest car ever. He had a great love for kids and his music. They played in all the Cape Town clubs and I built him 2 aluminium stands for his keyboards and instruments. Weekends was fun, him playing her and my brother Wayne on vocals. Eddie played at our wedding and made the day more memorable for Vanessa and me. They resided in Mandalay as we still do now so our kids Alex and Stefan spent a lot of time in their home with Eddie teaching and especially as Alex attended the preschool Urshie ran. Love you Eddie thank you for the memories till we meet again

Julia Tobias

To my dearest beloved cousin Stephanie, to the beautiful Sue and her amazing children, to Grant & Terry, and all the extended family….The news of Eddie’s passing was very sad indeed. I am honored and blessed to have known him, he was truly a blessing, a ray of sunshine. Someone so special can never be forgotten. May you find peace, comfort, support and love in those around you. Thinking of you and sending all my love. xxx Julia

Sandra Manikkam

Dear Family & Friends of the late Edward Petersen.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during moments of great loss.
May the peace be with you all 🙏🏼
Ex Athlone High Student,
Jennifer Manikkam