Tobias Richard Peterson

Age 86, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2011 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Sonia (Harrison) Peterson in Pittsfield Township , MI. Toby was born October 12, 1924 on his grandparents' farm in Toivola, Michigan, the son of Arno and Esther (Heltenen) Peterson; and grandson of Finnish and Russian immigrants. Baby Tobias weighed two pounds and was kept in a small box in the warming oven over the wood stove. As a child he learned to speak Finnish fluently, and over the years he always enjoyed finding someone he could converse with in Finnish. Toby served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during WWII. Upon returning from the service, while attending the University of Michigan, he managed a student rooming house on East William Street in Ann Arbor, one he assisted in managing until his death. His long career included investment sales positions at IDS, R.F. Campeau Co., Smith Hague, and E.F. Hutton. Later he entered real estate sales in Dexter and Chelsea , MI. He was also a founding partner of both Ann Arbor Antibodies and Pure Water Processing. Toby never lost his love for the Upper Peninsula, camping, and fishing. He especially enjoyed long walks on the coldest winter nights with his family or dog. He spent many happy hours behind his Gravely tractor in his big family vegetable garden in Chelsea . Toby loved laughing and enjoyed people. He was known for always being ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends. Toby was a long-time member of the Baha'i Faith and in the 1960's he served on the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Ann Arbor. Toby was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest sister, Geraldine (Peterson) Rivera; and his son, James. He is survived by his sister, Sundra (Peterson) Moyyad; his wife Sandra (Cassell) Peterson; and children Tanya Deaton, Joyce (Tim Farrell) Peterson, Jill Peterson, Jeff (Amanda R.) Peterson, Daniel Peterson, Margie (Dan) Sherick, Susan (Paul) Harrison, and Matt (Sonia) Peterson. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and a host of wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Toby was laid to rest on Sunday, October 2 at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, in the loving presence of his immediate family. Memorial donations may be made to Jackson Audubon Society, earmarked Haehnle Sanctuary and mailed to Haehnle Sanctuary, c/o Ron Hoffman, 6142 Territorial Rd., Pleasant Lake , MI 49272. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your thoughts, memories and condolences.