Obituary: Peterson, John O.
Age 89
(Age 89) Passed away peacefully on June 23, 2015 at Hospice House of Spokane after battling Alzheimer’s disease for years with his wife and friends by his side.
John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Charlotte K. Peterson, son Brad L. Peterson of Fresno, California (Lorraine Peterson, wife), daughter Shanna Larsen of Spring, Texas, daughter Laura K. Reed of Spokane, Washington (David Reed, husband) and predeceased by his son Vance J. Peterson of Castro Valley, CA.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Logan Peterson, Shelby Peterson, Erika Peterson, Caitlin Larsen, Breanna Larsen, Melissa Reed and Jessica Reed and a great-granddaughter, Jaylie Bradley.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 15, 1925, John was the only adopted child of Magda and John Peterson.
He enjoyed camping, snow skiing, boating, photography, woodworking, jazz music and was a self-taught artist.
He was an avid reader, meticulous craftsman, well versed on many subjects, and had a wonderful sense of humor.
John attended East High School in Utah and the University of Utah where he studied business, photography and was the school photographer.
He was an entrepreneur in his 20s, owning a commercial photography studio, Peterson Studios, in Salt Lake City for over 10 years.
John went to work as a salesman for Dorothy Gray Cosmetics covering territory in Washington, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and California, becoming a top salesman and president of the Utah/Idaho Cosmetic Association.
He relocated his family from Utah to Spokane, WA in the late 1960s and then to Rancho Cordova, CA, and Fountain Valley, CA.
John and Charlotte later moved to Los Osos, CA in 1980 where they lived for 25 years before moving to Spokane, WA in 2005.
John was forced into early retirement and disability in 1975 after suffering a massive stroke that left him partially paralyzed.
John worked diligently to regain much of his mobility and speech and returned to school obtaining his AA degree in Visual Arts and Display, taught English to English language learners, and worked as a newspaper carrier for 15 years.
He was active in the Lutheran Church holding the position of church secretary and enjoyed pursuing his many hobbies and spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.
John was determined to fight and defeat Alzheimer’s, hopeful a cure would be discovered during his lifetime.
While this was not to be, his family invites anyone wishing to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in John’s honor can do so by sending a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at 1403 S. Grand Blvd., Suite 202-S, Spokane, WA, 99204.
John was interred June 28, 2015 at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park, Los Osos, CA.
A Memorial Service will be held for John in Spokane, July 18, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at Regency at Northpoint, 1224 E. Westview Court, where he had resided for the last three years.
John’s family thanks the wonderful nurses and staff at Regency and Hospice House that lovingly cared for him.