Peter Tassie at Stussi Farm in 1978. (photo courtesy of Sovereign Lake Nordic Club)

By Pete McIntyre

'wealth of knowledge'

Passionate cross-country supporter ‘will be sorely missed’: Nordic club

Jan 23, 2024 | 6:30 AM

The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is paying tribute to a long-time member and passionate supporter of cross country skiing.

“It is with sadness that we heard of the passing of Peter Tassie,” a club newsletter said. “As an honorary starter at the Sovereign 2 Silver Star Ski Marathon, Peter’s presence this April will be sorely missed.”

Tassie died at his home in Coldstream on December 17, 2023 at the age of 96.

The organization said Tassie first became a member in 1975 in the club that was called the North Okanagan Cross Country Ski Club at that time. He was a racer at the first loppet held on the Stussi Farm in Falkland in 1978.

In 2018, Tassie, who was an engineer, surveyor and author, joined Elizabeth and Heinz Stussi as Honorary Starters.

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Peter Tassie (left) rang the start bell with Heinz and Elizabeth Stussi for the Best in Snow Loppet. (photo courtesy of Sovereign Lake Nordic Club)

“Peter had a wealth of knowledge of the club’s history and his passion was to promote not only cross-country skiing, but the entire North Okanagan area,” Jennifer Hyde, chief of timing for the Sovereign 2 Silver Star Marathon, said.

Hyde went on to say Tassie’s volunteerism should be an inspiration to everyone.

“To give selflessly, to take enjoyment from the intrinsic reward of helping others, free from expectations or personal agendas. Peter was humble with his involvement and was sure to give credit to the other founding individuals that were as deserving of acknowledgment as they set the foundation of the club and community now called Sovereign Lake Nordic Club.”

Hyde extended the club’s thanks to Tassie’s family, for his love of the sport and for his involvement in helping develop Sovereign.

“Peter was always quick to remind me of all the others who held an equally deserving gratitude. I will personally miss his smile of enjoyment and seeing him out for his April 4th birthday ski. Thank you Peter for all your years of service to the North Okanagan Cross Country Ski Club/ Sovereign Lake Nordic Club,” Hyde wrote.

Read Mr. Tassie’s obituary from The Morning Star here.

Read the club’s history here.