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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - After a busy working life in Fort Smith, Leon Peterson is taking it a bit easier these days, but still finds time to volunteer as president of the Fort Smith Seniors' Society.

Peterson said the society helps seniors keep active, both physically and mentally, and offers a sense of contributing to the community.

Leon Peterson, pictured in the seniors' room at the Fort Smith Rec Centre, has volunteered for the past two years as president of the Fort Smith Seniors' Society. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"Our main role is seniors helping seniors," said the 72-year-old.

Peterson joined the society when he was 65 - although he was working into his late 60s - and has been president for about two years.

As he recalls, he wasn't looking to become president, but did so because others encouraged him.

The society offers organized activities for members, including swimming, walking, games and visits to elders at the Northern Lights Special Care Home. Peterson added the society also invites young people to become involved in some activities, adding it helps keep them out of trouble.

"It's also good for the seniors," he said. ""You get a chance to tell your stories to young people."

Students from the Phoenix school - an alternate education setting at the Fort Smith Rec Centre - have created a poster and PowerPoint presentation on elder abuse.

The society has 120 members, and an active core group of about 15.

Peterson said he would absolutely like to see more seniors get involved in the society. "The more, the better."

During his first six months in Fort Smith in 1960, he had no plans to stay because of the isolation.

"I hated it the first time," he said. "There was no road out."

Peterson, who is originally from Cayley, Alta., said he was expecting to complete his project for a construction company and to move on, which he did.

However, he returned to Fort Smith in 1963 for another project with the same construction company.

"When we came back, it was like coming home," he said, explaining it felt like home because of the people.

Peterson said he and his wife, Sarah Anne, also thought it was a good place to raise a family.

"My whole family is here, kids and grandkids, and friends of 40 years," he said.

Peterson has now retired in the community, unlike some people who retire to the South after many years in the North.

"I intend on staying here," he said.

Peterson said the NWT treats its seniors very well, pointing to numerous territorial benefits for the elderly.

During his many years in Fort Smith, Peterson worked on a number of jobs - water delivery, prefab housing construction, with the federal Department of Public Works, and in a construction and concrete business.

However, he is best known as the owner of Peterson Oil Sales Ltd. from 1978 to 2004.

"There was always something to do," he said of his working life in Fort Smith.