• The Paul Peterson family pose with a 4th Annual Paul Peterson Memorial bat

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Loving partner, father, brother, friend and community staple. Paul Peterson was many things.

When asked how she would describe her uncle, Mary Passage said, "He was a second father to me and my best friend."

Paul passed away unexpectedly in 2012 and every year, Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department hosts an annual softball tournament in his memory. This year marked the 4th Annual Paul Peterson Memorial Softball Tournament, an event his sister says Paul would have enjoyed.

"He would love a tournament," Ellen Passage said. "He was an athlete and he encouraged his kids in athletics."

Paul's family said he especially loved softball. The retired township employee was a well known umpire in the township. Before stepping behind the plate, Paul played the sport for 20 years.

Paul's sister Mary Ann Peterson said she's grateful to the township for continuing to host the event and to the players who continue to come out and share a love for Paul and softball.

"We appreciate the fact that someone is doing something in his memory and people come out to participate," Mary Ann said.

The coed event brought out four teams this year. All proceeds from the benefit go back into the place Paul spent so much of his time – Nancy More Park.

"This is a nice place to remember him because he spent a lot of time here," Ellen said.