PETERSON, John Emil

Rutland Herald, Rutland, Vermont Friday, April 28, 2000 TUCSON, Ariz. - On April 24, 2000, John Emil Peterson, 58, left this world after a long, courageous battle with cancer, to continue his life in the serenity of a much better place. John was born Dec. 14, 1941, in Rutland, Vt., son of Harold K. and A. Elizabeth Peterson, who predeceased him. He graduated from West Rutland High School in West Rutland, Vt., in 1959, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. He was employed by General Electric for 25 years and took early retirement in 1997 to move to Tucson, Ariz., that same year. John attended the Community College of Vermont and Pima Community College in Tucson. He spent his final years admiring the desert and all the beauty of Arizona that he loved so much. He thanked God every day from bringing him here. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 34 years, Diane; two dearly loved sons, J. Karl (Amanda) of Phoenix, and Craig (Anna) of Prescott; four precious grandsons, Joshua, Via, Zane and Tristen; and one step-granddaughter, Abigail, who brought tremendous joy and sunshine into his life. He is also survived by a sister, Elizabeth A. Davis of Northfield, N.H.; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Lexi Moore of Rutland; two nephews; a niece, aunts, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention, who will miss him tremendously. John was a talented musician and entertainer who brought happiness to many people with his music and storytelling for over 35 years. He truly influenced others through his music, his love of people and through his sponsorship of many during his proud 14 years of recovery as a "friend of Bill's." He often said it was easier to win the battle with the bottle than to stop his addiction to the cigarettes that finally ended his life. He was a strong and dedicated advocate for the eradication of domestic violence, helping Diane and others create the Vermont Silent Witness exhibit. They continued with the Silent Witness National Initiative as co-coordinators of the Arizona project. John vowed he would continue this work and we know he will do so as our own special angel. His family would like to thank Dr. Richard Rosenberg, Karen, doctors, nurses and staff at Arizona Oncology; the nurses, nursing assistants and volunteers of Hospice Family Care, especially Pat, Donna, Jo, Peter, Gail and Judy; and Jonathan and Julie of the Catalina United Methodist Church, for their care, concern and commitment to John and Diane during this difficult journey. John will be greatly missed by those he left behind, but we know his spirit will remain with us forever. In the blink of an eye, we will meet again. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Family Care Foundation Inc., Tucson, Ariz., or to any pediatric cancer research center. Memorial service to be held Monday, May 22, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the sanctuary of the Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, with a get-together directly following the service at Sonoran Terraces Club House, 7887 North La Cholla Boulevard. Friends and family are encouraged to bring photos, stories, memories and musical instruments to celebrate John's extraordinary life.