Obituary of William Allen Peterson

William (Pete) Allen Peterson passed away May 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born December 8, 1934 in Chewelah, Washington to Mildred (Olsen) and Walter Peterson.

He married Jeanne (Nelson) in 1967; they most recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. They raised their kids, and walked their dogs, in the high avenues area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Generations of “man’s best friend” were a vital part of family for Pete and Jeanne.

Pete worked as an English and literature teacher at Bountiful Junior High School for 32 years. His students loved him, and his passion for literature rubbed off on them. Pete was also a talented tennis player who won numerous trophies in men’s singles and father-son/father-daughter doubles tennis tournaments. Each summer, he coached little league and junior league tennis teams at the 5-Points complex in Bountiful. His teams excelled, winning numerous competitions and tournaments. When he wasn’t busy with his work as a tennis coach, Pete loved spending summer breaks with his family (and dogs) boating at Lake Powell and Pineview Reservoir, as well as traveling to Washington, California, Nevada, Wyoming, and Idaho for adventure and fun. Archery, bike riding, and go-carting were also activities Pete enjoyed with his family.

After his retirement from teaching and coaching, Pete embraced his great love of music.  He always enjoyed performing guitar and vocal arrangements for his family and friends.  He also played his dobro and sang with the Utah Old Time Fiddlers Band. He was especially fond of performing at senior citizen centers, bringing a smile to the faces of the elderly. His favorite time of year was Christmas because he was thrilled to perform his one-man-music-show at the family holiday gathering.

Pete survived his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife Jeanne (Nelson); his children Michael Peterson and Nancy Peterson (Mark); his step-children Jeff Masters (Amy), Mike Masters (Tammy), and Robynn Masters (Joe Brubaker); and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also survived by his first wife Joan (Robinson) Sorenson, who died in October 2019.

Pete was a loving, quiet, unassuming husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  His family misses him greatly. 

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