Richard Lewis Peterson

Richard Lewis Peterson led a life of love, music and adventure. Born on March 22, 1938, Richard cheated death more than once before it finally caught up to him the morning of January 27, 2025, when he passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 86.

Of the multiple close calls Richard experienced, the most dramatic may have been while flying their restored 1936 Aeronca Chief over the Oquirrh Mountains with his brother Bob. The pair realized, mid-flight, that they were running out of fuel. Piloting at the time, Richard described the moment the engine quit as “the loudest silence (he) ever heard.” Low altitude and a power line forced them to abandon landing in a nearby field, and instead they had to set down on a bumpy dirt road. The harrowing landing would likely have been fatal had it not been for the lucky decision to replace the antique plane’s original lap belts with five-point harnesses. As a result, the only casualty that day was the historic airplane which never flew again. Despite a broken ankle, Richard hiked back to civilization, undeterred for his next adventure.

The fifth of seven children born to Charles Joseph Peterson, Jr. and Venus Norma Lewis Peterson, Richard’s life was defined by a love of music, an appreciation for nature, a sense of adventure, and a deep devotion to his family. He leaves behind four children – Richard Lavell Peterson (Marshia), Robin Lynn Peterson (Ken Kowalchuk), Richelle Louise Peterson (Trampas Cox) and Audrey Peterson James Donohoe (Bob) – as well as 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two surviving siblings, Robert Peterson and Shirley Archer, ex-spouse and lifelong friend, Sheila Gayle Peterson, many beloved nieces and nephews and a lifetime of stories that will live on in the retelling.

After graduating from East High School in 1956, Richard joined the Army Reserves and served in the U.S. Army National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge. He then worked as a professional musician through his 20s, playing in multiple bands, touring the country and mastering virtually every instrument he picked up, including the bass guitar, banjo, harmonica and piano. He was a talented singer whose natural aptitude for performing and comedic gifts made him unforgettable on and off stage.

In 1968, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University in Oregon, after which he returned to Utah and worked as a supervisor for the Department of Motor Vehicles for 29 years before retiring in 2003.

Retirement didn’t slow him down; it just gave him more time to spend on the things he loved. He indulged his passion for music, attending the symphony regularly and teaching his grandkids to play instruments, while continuing his adventures, flying ultralight airplanes, riding ATVs, boating, skiing, motorcycling, and bicycling well into his 80s. He was happiest spending time with his family and doing outdoor activities, preferably simultaneously. His loved ones will cherish many memories of flying, camping, waterskiing, snow skiing, hiking and biking with him. Always a good sport, he enthusiastically participated in family game nights. His humor and creativity made him hilariously unbeatable at charades and SuperFight. He was the family Farkle champion and loved a good game of Hearts.

A voracious reader with an inquisitive mind, he taught himself German and delighted in reading his favorite books in both English and German. He never lost his curiosity or sense of wonder at life’s mysteries, once asking his daughter as they gazed up at the night sky together, “Where do you think the universe ends?” His latest adventure, no doubt, will lead him to the answer.

Services will be held Monday, February 10, 2025, at Valley View Funeral Home 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. Viewing from 10-12, Funeral from 12-1, Interment to follow at Elysian Gardens 1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek, UT 84117