Community Celebrates Life of Special Olympian Brenden Peters

Family, friends, and teammates are mourning the loss of Brenden Peters, a prominent figure in the Special Olympics community, following his tragic death on September 7, 2023. The 63-year-old died from injuries sustained when his bicycle collided with a pickup truck on Wellington Street East in Sault Ste. Marie. Known affectionately as “Brendy,” Peters left an indelible mark on those who knew him, especially through his passion for sports.

His brother, Terry Peters, reflected on the outpouring of love and support during Brenden’s funeral service, noting, “I was pretty surprised at the amount of people … that knew him.” The service drew attendees not only from the Special Olympics community but also from various other facets of Brenden’s life, such as his love for local sports teams. Terry added, “It made me feel better about the day.”

Sports as a Lifeline

Sports played a central role in Brenden’s life, providing him with a sense of purpose and community. He actively participated in multiple events through Special Olympics, including curling, bowling, track and field, and softball. His dedication culminated in a successful summer, where he traveled to Oshawa for the Special Olympics Ontario provincial games, winning three medals in track and field events. “He was pretty proud of that,” Terry remarked.

Baseball also held a special place in Brenden’s heart. He played the sport for many years, consistently updating Terry on his batting average throughout the season. “Even though it’s slow pitch, he was still in his 60s, still playing,” Terry shared. “Just getting out there is quite an accomplishment.” Brenden’s skills in bowling were equally impressive; he achieved multiple 600 triples over his bowling career, showcasing his competitive spirit.

A Life Rich in Simplicity

Beyond athletics, Brenden maintained a simple yet fulfilling lifestyle. He often enjoyed golfing with Terry and friends, preferring to walk the course for exercise. His love for reading was evident in his frequent visits to the public library, where he borrowed books about his favorite sports teams—the Detroit Tigers, Boston Bruins, and Soo Greyhounds. Terry was surprised to discover the extensive collection of movies Brenden owned, ranging from classic films to popular television shows like “Happy Days” and “Sanford and Son.”

After Brenden’s passing, the library graciously accepted his movie collection, a fitting tribute to the time he spent there. “He was a pretty private person,” Terry noted, emphasizing Brenden’s quiet nature and routine lifestyle. Although he had worked part-time for most of his life, he transitioned to retirement mode following the COVID-19 pandemic. “He had his circle of friends, and him and I competed together,” Terry added.

The Special Olympics community came together to honor Brenden, with many athletes donning their team sweaters during the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to Special Olympics Sault Ste. Marie, an organization Terry praised as invaluable. “I can’t say enough what a great organization it is,” he remarked.

Ultimately, Brenden’s legacy goes beyond the medals he won. In the realm of Special Olympics, success is measured not only in awards but also in the joy of participation. For Brenden, that joy stemmed from simply being part of the game. “He just liked being there,” Terry reflected, capturing the essence of a life well-lived.