Good bye Peter…

Peter Ganes, one of the most respected umpires from Denmark, passed away yesterday. Some very, very sad news…

I remember the first time I met Peter, in the early 2000’s. He was already an established umpire, from Denmark. As with many of his compatriots, he was tall, well-built, with big hands, but his handshake was always warm, and he greeted with a beautiful smile. On the chair, it was exactly the same. He had a natural authority but his warm heart showed, too. One could feel that he meant what he said and players knew exactly where to go, what to do, or what not to do. He was firm, but kind.

He was respected by every single player on the tour. Even the “tough ones” knew they wouldn’t have their way with Peter. He would look them in the eye, and simply let them know that he was the boss on court. He was humble, gentle, and had great charisma. Definitely one of the greatest umpires, I remember taking photos of him at the Athens Olympics in 2004. He never seemed under pressure. Always calm, and smiling, even before big games.

And off court, even if I didn’t have much chance to spend time with Peter, he would always have a warm word, or a joke to make his friends laugh. He made me laugh so many times, when I was all stressed out by my articles to write or my photos to send on time. He was relaxed. Always. Natural confidence, that made people felt secure around his presence.

He had left umpiring and wanted to leave a legacy, so he became an assessor, to help others bring out the best in themselves. I guess this was him too – always with his heart in the right place. I’m sure his advice to the next generation of umpires will last and his spirit will live, both on and off court.

Peter is no more. He lost his battle against cancer, only 9 months after being diagnosed.

I will miss Peter. So will the whole badminton community. My thoughts go to his family and close friends. And wherever he is, now, I’m sure he entertains the angels and together with Jung Jae Sung, will show them what’s its like down here: “Love all. Play”.

Raphael Sachetat

If you would like to leave a comment, a memory of Peter, or if you’d like to know more information on when funeral services will be held, you can log in onto his Facebook page, where his family will give more information