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Paul Peterson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Peterson
Jim Crosby
October 2, 2007
To the Peterson Family:
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Peterson's passing. He was my favorite teacher in all my college days, being with your family in Israel are cherished memories. My heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow.
Lynda and Donald Bakken
September 23, 2007
Dear Bobby and family. We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Paul. May the knowledge of eternal families give you peace of mind and strengh to endure this mortal life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mom (Melva Zobell) also sends her love.
Stephen Halversen
September 20, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Your Family,
Gayle and I and our family love you and your dear husband and father. Paul Peterson was a great giant, a hero in our Israel life. He was so encouraging and supportive. His example gave us courage many times. His leadership was another way in which he was a master teacher. Only happy and enriching memories exist about Paul. We've sorrowed at any suffering he and you have had, and we rejoice in your joy to have him as your Paul, for time and for eternity.
Love and Highest Respect,
Stephen & Gayle
Mandi Berim
September 15, 2007
Dear Peterson Family-
I am a nurse on the 7th floor and I spent many nights talking with Paul about this life and why things happen! He was such a great example to all of us and such a strength to realize that sometimes "bad" things happen to great people. He was truly one of these people, he did the absolute best with the trials he was given! I will always remember him teaching me MORE than I knew about Cancer! My own grandma died on the same day and I hope that maybe she and Paul will meet and both be physically stronger where they are. I was in Cardston, Canada for her funeral and unable to be at his. I wish you all well, you had a great experience with a wonderful man. Thanks for sharing him with us for a brief time also.
Sincerly,
Mandi Berim, Rn on 7th floor
Lloyd Newell
September 11, 2007
Bobbie and family,
I love Paul and will forever cherish my association with him over the years. He was unfailingly supportive, encouraging, and positive in all my interactions with him. I considered him a true friend and loyal brother--truly one of the best people with whom I've been blessed to associate.
I extend to you my heartfelt condolences on the passing of this great man. Know that his memory will live forever in our hearts...this day and always.
Matthew Craner
September 11, 2007
Bobbie,
I want you to know what an impact you and Paul had in my life and in the lives of 5 teenage boys who did not have enough sense to come out of the rain. As I consider where the five of us have ended up I hope you take comfort that we all sincerely appreciate and recognize the lessons and guidance you and Paul gave us. Thank You and our prayers will be with you.
Olga Arnita-Rosenbalm
September 10, 2007
Dear Bobbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Brother Peterson's passing. He truly influenced my life for the better. He was always so joyful and helped us all live better lives. Thank you for your sevice to us in Jerusalem (Fall 1987).
Loni (Larkin) Spendlove
September 10, 2007
Dear Peterson Family,
Brother Paul touched so many lives...we are all better because we knew him. I will look forward to seeing him again. Until then, my love and prayers are with all of you.
Aaron George
September 10, 2007
Bobbie & Family:
We truly share your loss and feel blessed that we were able to share some precious moments with you and Paul at our get-together on August 4th. Paul is truly a spiritual giant and our condolences go out to you and yours.
Love, Aaron (Gary) and June George
David and Marilyn Uffens
September 9, 2007
The world has lost a truly great man. We have such fond memories of high school, playing ping-pong in Paul's folks basement, basketball, both church and high school, and of the rest of your family, especially Joan. We truly feel a loss even here in South Africa, and are so grateful for the memories we do have. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless your family Bobbie. Thanks for such sweet memories. Dave and Marilyn Uffens
Samantha Brunger
September 9, 2007
Dear Peterson family,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul. I loved having long talks with him at four in the morning. I loved hearing his thoghts about what he thought about the world. I was one of Pauls PCT's on the 7th floor of UVRMC. We would talk about why the good healthy people on this earth get sick. He would say "because thats just the way things go", but he was determined to stay as healthy as he could for as long as he could. He will be greatley missed.
Love, Samantha Brunger
william child
September 9, 2007
bobbie
our hearts go out to you and the peterson family. Paul was a beloved friend .. We spent hours on the court .. hours living together going to BYU.. Paul was man of exceptional qualitys. I remember playing basketball with paul his father and others of the gang ..
We will miss him .. for awhile ,, then sweet Reunion..
The sweet memorys will linger.
bobbie the best to you
love
bill and linda child
seattle
Clare Brown (Mckenna) , Israel Fall1987
September 9, 2007
Dear Peterson family, as a mother of five children I can now realize what kind of adventure and sacrifice it was to take the entire family to Jerusalem and live normal life. By sharing your family with us our lives were made richer. Thank you, and may your lives be blessed because of your family ties.
Gordon Mills
September 8, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family
My heart felt condolences to you at this time. Brother Peterson was my seminary teacher at Viewmont High School in 1968. He taught me a great deal of the Book of Mormon and I will always be greatful for his teaching.
Sarah Lackey Nelson
September 8, 2007
Sister Peterson and Family,
I just wanted to let you know how blessed I felt to be able to attend Bro. Peterson's funeral service today. It honored him in such a beautiful way and truly reflected the great man he was. It gave me that much more resolve to be a better person. I was one of the fortunate students at the BYU Jeruslam Center while he was director and I will never forget his heartfelt concern for each of us. He had a way of looking each of us in our eyes and touching our hearts forever. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this time.
Steve Seagle
September 8, 2007
Bobby, Lisa, Michelle, Ryan, Randy and Leslie, I was so sad to hear about Paul. I was one of the students during your first adventure in Jerusalem in the Fall of 1987 and later served as Paul's research assistant at BYU. I'll never forget a conversation he and I had walking up Mt. Tabor. It changed my life forever. His influence on me left an impression that will always remain. What a giant spirit to match the body. I'll miss him.
PS. Leslie, I'm sorry for running you over that night while we were playing kick-the-can at the kibutz. I still feel bad about that.
Leslie Simpson Owen
September 8, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
I am so sorry for your great loss at this time. I too add to the long list of people whose lives and hearts were changed for the better for having known Brother Peterson. I moved to Utah my Senior year (Class of 1979) and attended Viewmont High where Brother Peterson was my Seminary teacher. He took me under his wing and made me feel welcomed, valued and loved. He was always quick with a kind word, a laugh and a warm smile. Brother Peterson attended many of my athletic events...as well as those of other students. He made time for each of us and made us feel important. I was especially touched when one day he asked if I minded if you two named your baby girl, Leslie--which was my name. Brother Peterson's shining example, unwaivering testimony and unquenchable spirit live on! May Heavenly Father bless you and your children, 'til you meet again.
Love,
Leslie Simpson Owen
Petra and Greg winegar
September 8, 2007
Dear Peterson Family,
Our heart felt condolence at this difficult time. Paul is in our memories and he will be greatly missed. We are so sorry you had to say good-bye to Paul so soon. We will always remember his kind nature and exception humor. Our love and prayers are with you all.
September 8, 2007
Dear Bobbie and family..
I'm so saddened to hear of your loss. 20 years has passed so quickly and it seems just like yesterday that I was climbing Mt. Sinai astride Brother Peterson..cheerful (as usual) the whole way!
He was always so kind to me...it was a difficult time of my life. He helped me see the humor in things and listened when I needed an ear and encouraged when I struggled.
I extend much love and prayers at this time, and hope the spirit will sustain you through the difficult moments.
With love, Rebecca Larson McDonald (Jerusalem, Fall 1987)
Barbara Crawley
September 7, 2007
Dear Bobby and family,
What a special, wonderful person Paul was to everyone. He always treated me with great respect and brotherly love. It was a joy to work for and with him in Religious Education. A giant gentleman who loves the Lord and always set an exemplary example to everyone around him.
I will miss him just knowing that he is not around physically anymore. Blessings on you, Bobby, and upon all of your posterity.
My love and respect,
Barbara Crawley
Rebecca Hurst Campbell
September 7, 2007
Brother Peterson blessed me eternally just in the short time I spent at the Jerusalem Center the fall of 1997. He was an example of love, forgiveness, mercy, wisdom, and humility.I am forever grateful to him for what he taught me and his spiritual guidance.
Your Friends, Lehi 23rd Ward
September 7, 2007
Bobbie-
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May these next few days be filled with pleasant and sweet memories and filled with people you love and who love you.
Brooke (Jerusalem Spring 93)
September 7, 2007
Dear Petersons,
I too send my condolences. I can't think of Jerusalem without thinking of Brother Peterson. His stories of Pretzel, and songs from his mission, as well as his testimony will remain a tender memory. What a fine family you all are. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lund Sparks
September 7, 2007
To the Peterson Family,
I was saddened to hear that Brother Peterson passed away. If I am correct, he began his teaching career at Davis High School, and I was fortunate to be in his first class. He was a wonderful teacher, and as I recall his Davis High students occasionally enjoyed kidding him for having played on Bountiful High School's basketball team.
I am sure I speak for all the students at Davis who had the opportunity to study at his feet: "He was one of the great ones."
Chal Halversen
September 7, 2007
To Bobbie and Family,
I partook of the Jerusalem Center when Brother Peterson was the director. It was an incredible experience, only made greater by the people who were there. Brother Peterson's love for the land and people was apparent and contagious. I believe we were living the Dream by being there. He has impacted my life by his presence and friendship. I send my love and best wishes to his family at this time.
Wayne and Alicia Peterson
September 7, 2007
Ryan, Amy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. The few times that we were with your Dad enriched our lives so much. We are grateful for his wonderful example, sweet Spirit and funness. We pray for your in this hard time.
Dan Wotherspoon
September 7, 2007
Count me as one more of the thousands of students touched by Paul's kindness and support both at BYU and in the twenty-plus years since. I loved his gentle, low-key but powerful teaching and good humor, and will always be thankful for the encouragement he never failed to offer. I will miss him. All my best to all of you in this most difficult time.
Ron Bartholomew
September 7, 2007
Paul reached out to me many times as a part-time teacher at BYU. He was sensitive and kind in his expression and desire to help me through the application process to teach full-time at BYU. No one has taken as much time or attention to help me there as he did. I will always remember how much I enjoyed teaching his children too.
Jason and Teresa Zundel
September 7, 2007
Peterson Family,
We are sorry for your loss. We know both Leslie & Justin and Randy & Natalie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Mary(McGilvary) Phillips
September 6, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
May Father in Heaven Bless Each of You at this most difficult time. Reading other comments, I can truly see what an outstanding man and eternal companion you have.
Cherish those memories and know that you are a "Forever Family".
Maureen always told me what a Spiritual Giant you married and how wonderful of a friend you are.
May it be comforting to know of all those who are praying for you and your family at this time.
With Friendship and Love,
Brenda and Ed Zobell
September 6, 2007
To Bobbie and Family:
How sorry we are to hear of your loss, our prayers are with you now for comfort.
Linda Rosen
September 6, 2007
Randy, Natalie and the entire Peterson Family,
My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with you at this time.
Terry Olson
September 6, 2007
Paul gave me many professional opportunities and pushed me to do my best in writing. He represented BYU and the Church extremely well. When he called you 'Brother,' he was doing more than using a title--it was an expression of welcome and honor. May you be comforted at this time of remembrance and reunion.
Dr. Ann Hanley
September 6, 2007
Randy and family,
My condolences in your time of loss.
Erin Hopkins (Rich)
September 6, 2007
Dr. Peterson was such a wonderful man, and has left a wonderful legacy for your family to be proud of. We were so blessed to have him leading and guiding us while we were at the Jerusalem Center. He was loved and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Erin Rich
Jerusalem Fall '97
Robb & Melissa Enger
September 6, 2007
Peterson Family~We are so sorry for your loss. Our family knows Leslie and we can only say her dad must have been a great man to raise such a fun, kind, loving, daughter. Our hearts are broken for you in your loss and our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Tekarra and Patrick Roach
September 6, 2007
Aunt Bobbie,
All my love to you and the rest of the family. My you be comforted during this time of grief and pain. We all loved and will miss Uncle Paul. Our prayers are with you.
Ken Richmond, M.D.
September 6, 2007
From the entire Medical Marts family, we wish Ryan and the entire Peterson family our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
andrea hainsworth
September 6, 2007
I was saddened today to hear of the loss of Brother Peterson. He was a great man and his love for the Holy Land made him such a great teacher in Jerusalem. I will always remember my time there and the gentle and kind ways of Brother Peterson. May your family find comfort at this difficult time.
Andrea Jones Hainsworth
Jerusalem, Winter/Spring 1993
Ryan Curtis
September 5, 2007
Paul was my 1st Cousin through his Mother Margene. He will be missed by his Danielsen Family Members.
Jennifer Ferry
September 5, 2007
What a privledge to write of such a wonderful man. Brother Peterson touched my heart as he served as the head of Jerusalem Center in Fall 1997. I can still remember the great spirit he had that seemed to reach out and touch all in his presence. He was eager to help anyone around him with a kind word, a sense of humor, or with a testimony of what he knew to be true. I too will always remember Brother Peterson as he stood in the auditorium and directed us students to sing I Need Thee Every Hour after the bombing. I still think of him and his witness to us that we are continually watched over when I hear this song. What an amazing person. Thanks and my thoughts are with you.
Jennifer Merrell Ferry
Jerusaleum Fall 97 (California)
Emily de Schweinitz Taylor
September 5, 2007
Dear Peterson Family,
I loved hearing Brother Peterson bear his testimony to us during my time in Israel (Winter/Spring 1993). I remember the sparkle in his eyes as he witnessed of the Savior's love and the truthfulness of the gospel.
I pray that you will have great peace during this separation, but joy in the sure promise of reunion.
Love,
Emily de Schweinitz Taylor
Steven & Jennifer Harper
September 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie,
We mourn your loss. We trust that the same sociality that existed among us here will there, only there it will be eternally glorious. May the Lord bless and keep you in the meantime.
Lorraine Tewson
September 5, 2007
Bobbie and family, No words can express how Errol and I and our family feel of the passing of your Paul. You really picked a great guy Bobbie. I don't know how you did it but you did. Everytime I hear that song Jenny Jenny I always think of Paul. It was so good to have talked to you the other night on the phone. I love you lots. Love your cousin Lorraine, and Errol
Sam Spangler
September 5, 2007
Bobbie and Family, I just heard today about Paul and I am very sorry. Paul made coming to work fun. Everyone he met, he made them feel special and always had the time to sit and talk to them. I know he will be greatly remembered for his kind heart and positive thoughts. I wanted to write and let you know that I will never forget him and his loving family.
Guy L. Dorius
September 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
I am so thankful to have had my life touched by your husband and father. I don't know if you will ever know how Paul helped me when my health was failing. His kindness and concern saved me both personally and professionaly. I remember an evening when I was ill Paul followed me home to make sure I arrived safely. He is one of those rare people who knows what it is to be a true disciple of the Master. God bless you during this lonely time as you wait for the reunion.
Loy Clemons
September 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie and Family,
When we moved to Utah, one of the things I was looking forward to was spending time with Paul. Not only was he a wonderful person, I also thought of the wealth of information he had.
Paul was the ideal person to spend time with and the time always passed too quickly. I always wished we could have spent more time together.
There are people we meet in life who most of us wish to emulate. Paul was such a person. In his presence one sensed his kindness and integrity. He could have been trusted in anything to try to do what was right.
His superior intellect was sometimes obscured by his wonderful sense of humor and self-effacement. I'm sure hundreds of his students have been served with his teachings. His efforts and service to his family, friends, students and the Church have been immeasurable.
He live a very succesful life and he will be truly missed.
Cathy (Murray) and Ian Annand
September 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie and family. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your dear husband and father.
Kelly Springer
September 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie,
Thanks for allowing me to share a brief moment in your and Paul's life. It was truly my pleasure to care for him @ UVRMC. I will forever be uplifted by his memory.
Raylynn Dorny
September 5, 2007
Dear Petersons,
My deepest sympathy comes at the passing of this great man. How I loved knowing him and all of you in Jerusalem. His spirit and love of life lives on in all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
with love,
Raylynn Dorny
Jerusalem Winter 1993
Pauline & Ben Lorincz
September 5, 2007
For Bobbie & Family. We are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our love and prayers are with you. I am so glad I had the opportunity to see him one last time this spring. He was a special man who always, always knew how to make me laugh! We shall miss him.
Karen Burgess
September 5, 2007
Dear Bobbie and family,
May God comfort your heart during this time, and be the strength of your life in the days to come. We're sorry to hear of Paul's passing, and we'll be praying for you as you take the next step of your journey without him. I share with you the words of the Psalmist in Psa.91:2 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in him I will trust." The Lord will see you through. My love and prayers,
Dave & Jan Peterson
September 5, 2007
Into each life there comes the rare individual who makes you feel as if you are more important than you really are. Paul had that quality and was always able to move the conversation away from himself even in the face of great personal struggle. He was such a multi-talented and caring individual and has blessed so many lives. Jan and I will forever remember his calling out individual student names so that he could be sure they all had arrived safely back to the Center during a difficult bombing experience in Jerusalem. We feel especially blessed to count you both as our dear friends and will forever be grateful that you have allowed us into your circle.
Ruth Swenson
September 5, 2007
Bobbie & family: I was so sorry to hear about Brother Peterson's death. I had the privilege of working with him at Viewmont Seminary - I was the secretary for Brother Richins and shared an office with his secretary. He was always so friendly and made himself so available to the students. It was plain to see that he had a great influence on all who came in contact with him. (I also remember that he loved the Beetles!) May the great memories you have of him help comfort each of you.
Bruce Van Orden
September 5, 2007
Paul is forever an empathetic and genuine person. He certainly was that way with me. I truly enjoyed my friendship with him and our discussions about history, behavior, ethics, and doctrine. May God rest his soul and bless his family and posterity forever.
Kip Sperry
September 5, 2007
Bobbie and family: We have really enjoyed knowing and working with Paul. He has been a great friend and a great teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kip Sperry and family.
Cortney Huber
September 5, 2007
Dear Sister Peterson,
Oh, how I love Brother Peterson! I cherish the time I spent with you both in Jerusalem. He taught me many great lessons by example--I will never forget his tremendous love and quiet service. His gentle kindness, humor, and wisdom colored my entire experience in the Holy Land, making it one of the most memorable and beloved of my life. What a great and honorable man! Thank you for the service you both gave so well. I will forever think of you both with love and gratitude.
Richard Holzapfel
September 5, 2007
Bobbie and Family,
A tall and straight tree has fallen in the forest of humanity, leaving a space for the sunshine to light the floor and give new life a chance. In that empty space, we see the fruits of a life well lived as new growth reaches toward heaven. These trees will not be the same tree that fell but will bear a remarkable likeness to it. Paul's family, friends, associates and students are those new trees. His life will continued to be mirrored by those who now grow towards the light. With love, appreciation, and admiration we bid Paul goodbye until the time when the fallen forests again rise in their majesty and glory.
Nancy Harris
September 5, 2007
Dear Sister Petersen and family,
I was one of the lucky students who stayed at the Jerusalem center while your husband was the director (Fall, 1997). I remember so clearly the day when, as our classed ended, he paused as if contemplating or listening and then asked us to please stay away from BenYahuda St. and the Jewish Triangle that afternoon. He'd had no inside information and knew we were all excited to go as it had been off limits to us due to high tensions for some time. Still, he asked us please to avoid it that day. About one hour later we got the news that a suicide bombing had occurred in the area. Brother Petersen called us all to the main auditorium for a count. Everyone was there, I hadn't heard initially and so was unaccounted for. I remember how relieved Brother Petersen was when I came in and how touched I was that he knew my name among 176 students. I think all of us were touched and amazed that day by his love for us and his acting on a spiritual prompting that kept us safe. Later, I remember coming back to the center from Galilee and everyone on the bus saying it felt like we were coming home. Brother Petersen came down the hall first thing to greet us and seemed so happy we were back. We all said that it felt like we had a father away from home. I haven't seen him in all these ten years and yet these feelings and memories of such a loving and righteous man are so vivid in my mind that I can't stop shedding tears. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Love,
Nancy Allred Harris
Terri Harris
September 5, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about Paul's death. I can't tell you how much Paul touched my life. I will always remember him and our long talks while he was my patient at UVRMC. My thoughts are with you Bobbie and your family.
Jed Platt
September 5, 2007
Dear Peterson Family.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of our kind, fun-loving teacher and friend, Brother Peterson. He truly walked where Jesus walked, on many different levels. I am grateful for his testimony and scholarship as he shepherded us on a wonderful spiritual journey in the Holy Land. Our prayers are with you. May His Holy Spirit bring comfort during this time of separation.
Gordon and May Galbraith
September 5, 2007
Hi Bobbie;
So sorry to hear of your loss, may our Father in Heaven comfort you during this time and uphold you for all your mortal years left here.
AMPALAYA VILLAGE , CARAJAY, GUNOB, LAPU-LAPU CITY
CEBU , PHILIPPINES
POSTAL CODE 6015
PHONE (63)-(32)- 495-5928
CEL # 0916-5054-636
Roxy Driggs
September 5, 2007
Bobbie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Paul was a great man and we are all better people for knowing him. Brandon and Roxy Driggs
Kenneth Godfrey
September 5, 2007
To Bobbie and the family, please accept our sympathy on the passing of your husband and father. Paul was a dear dear friend and I cannot count the hours we spent talking about the history of the church and church doctrine. I have been a friend for more than thirty-five years. I watched Paul teach many times and admired his skills in the classroom. He was also an exceptional writer. I shall miss my dear friend and visits to BYU will never be the same. He was one of my favorite persons. I am sure he is in heaven and having a great time visiting with Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and other church leaders he loved. I think he might even be talking with Brigham Young about the Word of Wisdom. You will all be in our prayers and thoughts. Personal commitments will prevent our attending the funeral or the viewings.
Warmest regards
Kenneth and Audrey Godfrey
Jan Porter
September 5, 2007
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Peterson's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at BYU, always kind and interested in his students. My prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow.
Kathy Bell
September 5, 2007
Bobbie - Our hearts are with you as we mourn the passing of your great man. Brent and Kathy Bell
Bob and Darlene Noel
September 5, 2007
Bobbie: Darlene and I express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
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