Local Golf Report: What an amazing person and friend Mrs. Pete was

Normally, I’d begin a new year of From Tee to Green with much joy and excitement as another golf seasons starts.

However, the beginning of this particular golf season will start for many of us, with a heavy heart.

Havre recently lost a special person in the form of Connie Peterson, and I decided to honor her in this column because she absolutely loved being on the golf course, and in my adult years that’s where I saw Connie the most.

Of course, Connie was a fixture in our community for years and year and not just on the golf course. She was an educator, teaching gym and more at Havre Public Schools for many years. Connie was also a proud Blue Pony, and you would see her supporting Havre athletics, having coached Blue Pony sports for much of her career.

On a personal note, Connie became a friend, as well. It’s funny the turns life takes. I grew up with Connie’s daughters, and we were all good friends during our youth. As often happens, though, with time you lose touch with people, and I admit, I have lost touch with Donna and Karen over the years. At the same time, though, Connie and Frank became my friends. That happens in life. As you make your way through adulthood, you become friends with people who were once your mentors, idols and influences. And that held true for myself and Connie.

Which brings me back to the golf course because that’s where I would see Connie the most, and it was where, even during her tough times, she would be so happy. I was able to spend several June’s with Connie during, first, the Havre Women Fighting Breast Cancer, and later the Golfing for a Cure Tournament — an event that was important to her, and one that she had so much fun playing in. And I will always look back on those days with fondness and, from here on out, that tournament will always make me think of Connie.

I know, Connie was important to so many of us. From her days at Havre High and just her presence in the community, Connie was someone that meant so much to so many people. And I’m one of them. Connie was my P.E. teacher, and someone I look back on and could count on when I attended Havre High. Connie was also the mother of my two good friends from that time, in Donna and Karen.

However, Connie, too, became my friend and that friendship was formed on the golf course. So, like so many of you, I will dearly miss Connie. She was an incredible person and someone we will always remember.

Meanwhile, the Golfing for a Cure Tournament will be back this summer, and on Thursday, there will be Beers for a Cure fundraiser at Triple Dog from 4 to 8 p.m.