AS I SEE IT COLUMN: Vic Peters’ legacy lives on

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This article was published 16/03/2024 (410 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sports fans of a certain age from Steinbach are very familiar with Vic Peters, the late local legend whose smile would light up every room he entered and who was one of the best curlers in the world.

Younger sports fans who aren’t familiar with Vic — the athlete people around here would brag like crazy “he’s from Steinbach!” — should know he wasn’t just a great curler. Vic excelled in hockey, volleyball, fastball and golf. He is certainly in the conversation as the greatest all-around athlete this town has ever produced.

I recently met with Vic’s daughter Kasandra to talk about a charity she and her family runs in honour of her dad called Vic’s “Little VIPs.”

“When dad passed away we decided to do a memorial trust, because he always said if he won a lottery he would set up a nine hole golf course for under-served kids, teach them how to golf and make them feel special,” she says.

“And then as things progressed, we realized there was a big gap in preparing young, vulnerable adults in under-served communities to succeed in life,” says Kasandra, whose daughter Greta is named after Vic’s mom Margaret, herself a legend in town.

Vic’s “Little VIPs” works closely with the Winnipeg Foundation, which helps Kasandra grant money to projects she knows her father would be proud to support.

“We work with West Broadway Youth Outreach to buy shoes for kids. The Spence Street Organization is one I really like. We gave $10,000 for water bottles for Indigenous sports. We did kids breakfast programs during COVID. And we did the rocks at East St. Paul. The blues on sheet five all have the names of Vic’s grandchildren on them,” she says

Kasandra has a beaming smile as she talks about the charity she set up in her dad’s honour. The love and admiration – and the happiness knowing his legacy continues to help children and young adults – is palpable. Just like her famous father did, she wears her emotions on her sleeve.

While we talk, the Brier is playing on TV from Regina, the site where her dad won the Brier in 1992 and went on to win a bronze medal at the worlds, after losing on a freak circus shot that I suggested could never be replicated.

“I know” says Kasandra, who looks so much like Vic. “My brother tried to replicate that shot many many times in practice. It can’t be done. I get mad every time I see it on TV.”

Last September Kasandra came up with a novel idea to raise money for Vic’s “Little VIPs” — sell a beer with Vic’s trademark smile on the marketing materials, with proceeds that support children who need help.

“I pitched the idea to the family and Vic’s Blonde was borne,” says Kasandra, mother of three of Vic’s grandchildren.

One of the many great stories she shared is what her dad did every time he came to watch his grandkids play soccer.

“At soccer games he always had pockets full of Skittles and he would give them to all the kids. They loved him.”

Kasandra worked on maintenance crews under Vic at Larter’s and The Meadows, but she only started golfing two years ago.

“It’s a big regret that I didn’t golf with my dad,” she says. “I knew everything about the game but I never played it. I don’t know why. Now, it’s often emotional for me on the course because it reminds of my dad. But I love it. Me and my mom and my kids golf together every weekend. It’s a beautiful part of my journey.”

Speaking of Vic’s wife Deb, I suggested to Kasandra that Vic’s legions of fans might appreciate an update on Vic’s family.

“My mom loves to travel, she crochets a lot and she’s an avid pickleball player. My sister Liz just retired from curling and is a mother of two. My brother Daley still curls competitively. He was in the provincials this year. He’s the ice maker at East St. Paul, where dad used to be the ice maker.”

As she pitches local curling clubs to sell Vic’s Blonde and help her dad’s charity help kids, Kasandra constantly hears stories about the impact Vic had on people he met. An act of kindness here, some inspiration and mentorship there: “I never get tired of hearing stories about how great my dad was.”

It’s hard to believe that this March marks the eighth year since Vic joined the big curling rink and golf course in the sky.

Vic was such a special human being. His world-class skills on the curling sheet or golf course were only surpassed by his friendly demeanor and positive outlook.

If you’re a fan of Vic’s and you want to continue his dream of helping others, you can buy Vic’s Blonde (Brazen Brewing’s Steel Cut Blonde Ale) at curling clubs, at Brazen Hall Kitchen and Brewery or by placing an order with Brazenbrewing.com. You can also donate money directly to Vic’s “Little VIPs” through The Winnipeg Foundation by calling them at 204-944-9474.