June 26, 2025
Pete Paczko was born in London, Ontario. In the spring of 2020, Pete was diagnosed with liver cancer. He fought valiantly for five strong years. He passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the age of 60 years in Regina, Saskatchewan, surrounded by friends, family, and his dog, Frank.
Despite being born in Ontario, Pete spent much of his life in Saskatchewan, where he became a respected voice in journalism and a passionate advocate for local sports. His long career as a news and sports broadcast journalist earned him broad recognition across the province. In addition to his broadcasting roles, his love and talent for storytelling led him to work in various communications positions, including with the United Way of Regina, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. Despite Pete’s diagnosis, he continued working as an independent contractor, offering invaluable writing and communications expertise to a wide range of clients.
Pete was perhaps best known as the co-host of a beloved local sports talk show, Locker Talk, which he devotedly poured his time and energy into for 25 years. He was a gracious steward of local sports in Saskatchewan and gave countless local athletes a platform to discuss their accomplishments and the good they were doing in the community. Pete readily promoted any athletes that he could find, regardless of their age or the popularity of their chosen sport. He truly did not discriminate when it came to giving local athletes their time in the spotlight. His deep knowledge of—and genuine enthusiasm for—Saskatchewan sports made him a familiar and trusted voice to listeners and athletes alike.
Pete was also a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Maple Leafs—cheering for each team with remarkable passion, insight, and the occasional frustrated, but always articulate, rant. He wore his Packers gear with pride, followed college football Saturdays like a ritual, lived and breathed Rider green, and remained loyally (and often painfully) committed to the Leafs. His love for sport, whether local or professional, was infectious. His son, Jacob, will now proudly carry that torch.
In his personal life, Pete was a longtime coach of minor and high school football and a tireless supporter of grassroots athletics. He used that experience, and his personal and professional connections, to become a passionate advocate for teen mental health. He admirably worked to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations. He was always available to listen and lend support, and would often offer guidance to many of the young athletes that he coached well after they were done playing for his teams.
Pete had a rare gift for connection—whether with a guest on his show, a young athlete he coached, or a coworker in the hallway. With an incredible blend of authenticity, wit, and sincere curiosity into what made a person tick, he made everyone feel heard, valued, and at ease.
Pete was deeply loved in the Saskatchewan community—not just for his professional accomplishments, but for the compassion, integrity, warmth, and humour he brought to everything he did. He is survived by his son, Jacob Paczko, who was the pride and joy of his life. Pete was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Jozef Paczko.
In lieu of flowers, for those who are able, please consider donating to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.
In accordance with his wishes, Pete has been cremated. A public Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 1818 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK. Friends, colleagues, and loved ones are welcome to gather and honour his memory, share stories, and celebrate a life lived with heart, humour, and purpose.
Instead of a formal dress code, attendees are encouraged to wear a jersey/shirt (or even just the colours) from one of Pete’s favourite professional sports teams, or any local sports team/league from the community. Fair warning - anyone in Vikings, Bombers, Bruins, or Michigan Wolverines garb will be kindly shown the exit.
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