Peggy Johannsen Austin - Daughter of Jackrabbit Smith-Johannsen

Peggy Johannsen Austin

Peggy Johannsen Austin, daughter of Canada's pioneer skier Herman "Jackrabbit" Smith-Johnansen, died March 29 in Montreal, at age 95.

Peggy grew up in the Adirondacks and Laurentians. During her competitive ski career, she won many races, including the 1937 Canadian Championship. She graduated McGill University with a degree in botany, and did post-graduate work at Macdonald College. In 1940 she married Peter Austin and the couple settled in Hamilton, Ontario, where they raised five children. Beginning in 1955 she hosted CBC television shows for children. She remained in close touch with her extended family in Norway, and in 1958 began importing Norwegian skiwear and cross-country skis, and manufactured Jackrabbit Ski Wax.

She is survived by her children PJ, Karin, Nancy, Erik and Chris, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.