Paul Peterson works at his desk in the former The Daily Mining Gazette office in 1977 on Isle Royale Street in Houghton, Mich. (Photo by Charles Eshbach)

After decades of commitment to covering sports in the Copper Country community for The Daily Mining Gazette, Paul Peterson’s final column was published a week ago.

Peterson worked at the Gazette as sports editor, writer, and longtime columnist. He remained devoted to the paper long after (official) retirement, and well into the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Peterson wrote in his column, he contracted COVID in the summer of 2021, and developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves and causes weakness in the hands and feet. If left untreated, it can cause paralysis.

Peterson stopped filing his weekly columns, and we at the Gazette learned shortly after of Peterson’s condition, and that he was wheelchair-bound.

The Gazette made multiple attempts to reach Peterson, but contact was sporadic as he sought and underwent treatment and physical therapy. Today, he’s back on his feet and mobile again, with the help of a cane.

Then, Peterson contacted me out of the blue in late June, asking if it was OK to send me one last column. After a half-century of commitment and dedication to the community, and to the Gazette, my answer was obvious: Of course.

Peterson is moving out of the UP in the wake of his final column. Readers were invited to share their reactions and responses to Peterson’s column, as well as any anecdotes of their favorite stories, columns and interactions with him over the years.

Here is a selection of those responses:

I just want to thank Paul for all the great sports articles he has written over 40 plus years. I especially liked his articles when he would go back to high school 50 years ago to bring up games that I watched in high school. The late 60s with my classmates Gary Lange and Barney Salo. Fun times that seemed like yesterday but were decades ago. Thanks Paul, your articles will be missed. I hope your health is better and the future is kind to you. — Jim Plowe

I was surprised and saddened to read Paul Peterson’s story in the Gazette. In looking though Facebook I saw his page and that he was the same age as me. I did not participate in organized sports save for bowling and one year of Little League baseball.

I did play with friends at Ripley’s Slag Stadium and at the Ripley School (home of the first basketball court in the Copper Country according to legend… and Earl Gagnon writer for the Gazette and one time Principle of Ripley School).

As to Paul’s sudden illness, that is something I am acquainted with having a sudden attack of pain when in my twenties. Hello Veterans Hospital, which I’ve been “friends” with since then.

I don’t recall when I first became acquainted with Paul’s articles but it would have to be sometime after my Army/Vietnam service. His articles of local legends some of whom I knew at least casually were fascinating to me. George Brunet, Johnny “No Hit” Wiitanen, Don Dodge, Denny Mlilu, Mass and Ted Wisiniewski – Jeffers (the latter two in Basic Training). And the kids I played with known officially as the Ripley Hawks (Ernie Kohler) or Ripley Puddle Jumpers.

Knowing about illness I can only say I wish Paul well wishes. I recall saying once somewhere I wish he would put out a book on articles he wrote or whatever he wanted. I believe he once said he had thought about it. I would consider Paul right up there with legendary writers Bill Brinkman and Earl “Flash” Gagnon. — Ron “Eggy” Paavo

I enjoyed reading your stories about high school basketball over the years. The one about the old high school gyms in the area and their unique differences which gave the home team an advantage. — Jerry DesLaurier