David Henry Peterson

David Henry Peterson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1938. He was adopted as an infant by Elda and Sidney Peterson of Fergus Falls, MN. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School and joined the U.S. Marines to “see the world.” As a Marine, he was stationed in San Diego, CA., Florida, Japan, and back to San Diego before completing his tour of duty and receiving an honorable discharge.

Afterwards, Dave moved to Bakersfield, CA., where he attended Bakersfield College, from which he graduated in 1968. He also joined the Bakersfield Police Department, and served in Bakersfield, promoting to the level of Detective II. During this time, he married his first wife Bonnie, and together they also bought houses and a small apartment complex that Dave managed during his off time.

He then took a position in the California Department of Corrections, first in Tehachapi, and later transferring to the Soledad Prison. He married his second wife, Susan Miller, and worked his way up in the prison system, retiring as a Captain.

From there, he found his way to Paso Robles and lived here from the 1990’s until the time of his death. Dave was known around town for his self-imposed strict social and daily shopping schedule, and meeting with friends for coffee. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and supported numerous law enforcement and political organizations. He will be missed by his many friends around town, his best friend for the past 30 years, Lynne Gamble, and many notable friends, Jim Marsh, Dale Hiner, Tom Liston, Mike Brophy and Christine Honda.

For the last eight years, Dave has dedicated his time to feeding the feral cats in his neighborhood down in the ravine near the Salinas Riverbed. He fed the cats, picked out burrs from their fur and helped with the neutering and health care for the animals. The cats would come out and wait for him to arrive each day, almost forming a line-up for attention. He will be missed.

Other special friends and relatives include Brett and Butch Miller, Linda and Andrew Anderson; Michael and Robert Gamble; and Jessica, Justin and Wyatt Boorman. He especially valued his good neighbors on Cheyenne Drive and nearby streets in Paso Robles.

A funeral service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 940 Creston Road in Paso, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, starting at 10:00 am with a private burial the following week at the Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery in Cayucos, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s honor to Trinity Lutheran Church/School, Woods’ Humane Society, North County Paws Cause or another local animal rescue group of your choosing.