Bruce (Peewee) Klaassen delivers a hit against a Nanaimo player during a Cowichan River Rats masters game in 2013. (Citizen file)

Bruce (Peewee) Klaassen delivers a hit against a Nanaimo player during a Cowichan River Rats masters game in 2013. (Citizen file)

Valley loses a beloved athlete

Peewee Klaassen was reknowned in hockey, lacrosse and football circles

The Cowichan Valley sports community lost the consummate beer leaguer last week when Bruce Klaassen — better known to many as Peewee — died suddenly at the age of 45.

A cornerstone of multiple local hockey teams, an original member of the Cowichan River Rats lacrosse club, and a player and ref in local flag football leagues, Peewee will be missed by hundreds of friends throughout the Valley and across Vancouver Island.

A celebration of Peewee’s life will be held this Wednesday (April 26) at Mellor Hall on the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds beginning at 1 p.m.

Cowichan Valley Citizen