Donald B Peterson

Donald Bruce Peterson of San Diego passed away on October 30, 2015. Donald was born in Erie Pennsylvania in 1931, the younger to his older brother Dean, sons of Dean Potter Peterson and Gladys Minnie Peterson, née Lehman.

Donald attended Strong Vincent High School, graduating class of 1950. He received his BS in Chemistry from Penn State in 1954, and his MS and PhD from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie-Mellon University) in 1958. He was an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow at Leeds University (1958-60), an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at McMaster University Canada (1960-61) and Research Scientist at the University of Notre Dame (1961-1964)

In 1964 Donald joined the chemistry faculty at the University of San Diego. He served as chair of the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics before chairing the Chemistry Department for 25 years. He also served twice as Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He spent sabbaticals at the House of Representatives in Washington, DC, the California Energy Commission, the California Institute of Technology and other institutions. Donald received the USD Davies Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1990. He published more than 20 scientific papers and technical reports during his career before retiring from USD in 1996.

A lifelong traveler, Donald enjoyed visiting countries around the world with his favorite destinations London, New York and Rome. He would head off in the mornings touring museums, historical buildings and art galleries, then spend the afternoons taking notes that he would eventually catalogue into colorful travel guides covering a city’s history, major sites and noteworthy features.

Never forgetting his roots, Donald made annual excursions to the East Coast to visit with family. He was an avid genealogist, recording in great detail the history of the Lehman and Peterson families. He had a kind, gentle disposition and great love and admiration for his family ancestors.

Donald enjoyed the company of friends and lively conversation over a good meal and glass of wine. He was a superb cook, with bouillabaisse his feature dish. An avid reader, especially of historical and political events and personages, he was engaging and blessed with a powerful intellect and sharp wit, yet humble of his own opinions and sense of importance. He was an avid bike rider right to his final days, taking a daily mid morning 2-3 hour cycle along San Diego harbor before indulging in a lunch of fish tacos on the waterfront.

Donald will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Goodbody Mortuary in San Diego.

A private service will held for family and friends...