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MICHAEL PETERSON Obituary

Michael Craig Peterson "Papa" COPPERTON-Our beloved husband and father passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) Born, October 10, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah to James W. and Dorothy Peterson. Craig had a wonderful childhood growing up in Copperton, where he graduated from Bingham High School. He was very active in school and sports. He served a two year mission in Japan where he gained a love for their people and culture. Craig married his sweetheart, Cyndi on August 22, 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors Degree and received a Masters Degree in Elementary School Administration from BYU. Craig taught 4th Grade for five years before working at Domino's Pizza as an area supervisor for 14 years. He then returned to teaching and taught 4th and 6th grade for 13 years at Jordan Hills Elementary where he loved the students and the faculty. Craig was an incredibly dedicated father and Papa who loved his children and grandchildren more than anything and supported them in all of their endeavors. He loved coaching them in Little League and softball. He instilled in them a love of baseball and the New York Yankees. Craig never complained and always put the needs of others above his own. He was an amazing man who touched many lives and he will be greatly missed. Craig is survived by: wife, Cyndi, children, Katie (Jakson) Holyoak, James (Marisol) Peterson, Erin Peterson, Kara (Brian) Higley, grandchildren, McCall, Madi, Maya, Alison and Craig, mother, Dorothy Peterson, Brother Kent (Mary) Peterson, sister, LeAnne (Mike) Heagren, and nieces and nephews he dearly loved. He is preceded in death by his father, James W. Peterson. Friends may call at the Sunset Ridge 5th Ward, 8834 Duck Ridge Road, West Jordan, Friday, August 26, 2011 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Funeral services will be held, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Cemetery 13001 South 3600 West Riverton, UT. Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 24 to Aug. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL PETERSON

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Kellie Isbell

August 18, 2022

Still and always will be My daughter, Kayte´s favorite teacher! He got her to care about her handwriting! She has so many great memories of him. He will always have a special place in our hearts!! Such an incredible teacher and man!!

emily

August 29, 2011

ur awsome MR.Peterson were all going to miss u at jordan hills

August 29, 2011

Cyndi,
I am so sorry to hear of Craigs passing. I would have loved to attend his funeral but just found out this morning that he had passed. Craig was a great freind and I have some great memories in and out of High School. We have your family in our prayers and we know what a big loss this is to your family.
Denis and Kayleen Avery, Gunnison, Utah

Julie Pond

August 29, 2011

Cyndi and family.
We are so sorry to hear! I want to return the blessing of comfort and understanding Craig gave Gordon and I when our home burned across the street from you. If he hadn't given that blessing to us, I believe our understanding of why it happened would have been missed. I know you will miss him deeply, but we hope you have all the comfort and understanding to get through this difficult time.
We loved living on the path to Heaven with you and your family!
May God continue to bless you and your family.
Julie and Gordon Pond

Terry (Mills) Olson

August 28, 2011

Cyndi and Family,Kent and Mary: I am so sorry to hear about Craig's battle with ALS, but knowing Craig I'm sure he endured with dignity. I am thankful for being able to work with Craig all those years at Domino's and getting to know you and your kids at all those employee parties and events. Craig was one of the most kind-hearted people I know. He was always there to help out and offer his big smile. He really made me laugh many times. May God be with you and your family at this time.

Tom & Margie Pazell

August 28, 2011

Dorothy, LeAnne and Family,
We’re very sorry about your loss. May you take comfort in the fact that Craig had an extremely positive influence on the many, many lives that he touched. Our prayers are with you all.

August 27, 2011

Craig always could tell when I had, had enough taking a very active little boy and a baby girl to church by my self I remember how thankful I was when Craig's strong arms would scoop my little boy up and take him back with him and care for him for the rest of the meeting. My Jeremiah learned to love him and so do I . When I asked Jeremiah who inspired him he told me Craig Peterson. We love you Craig. Kimberly, Jeremiah and Savannah

August 27, 2011

We love the Petersons and Craig was a delight to know. So sorry for your family but happy for Craig. God bless you al. We are here if you need anything. Jim & Donna Gilbert

~The Bennett Family~

August 27, 2011

Craig, thank you for all your kind words of wisdom, your wonderful sense of humor and generous heart. We were truly blessed to have you in our lives. You will not be easily forgotten. May your wonderful family be blessed during this difficult time.

Brian, DJ, Jimmy, Rhebecca and Gregory Schafer

August 26, 2011

There is a now a large whole in the heart of Copperton. Craig was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to call him friend. And it seemed as though everyone was his friend. He was our older children's first boss at the Bingham Canyon Lion's Club gift shop-which he made look so easy to run-but we all know better and that he was just THAT good at it. We have never met a bigger or more loyal Yankees fan. We know that he is proudly wearing his Yankee uniform as he watches over all of us now from Heaven. We are blessed to have him as our family's guardian angel. WE LOVE YOU LOTS AND MISS YOU MORE CRAIG!

August 26, 2011

Cyndi, James, Marisol and Family,
We will really miss Craig - he was a great man with a big heart, a loving smile and a warm hug. We know life is difficult and can't understand why his time on earth was short, but how grateful we are for the knowledge of eternal families. You will be blessed for the loving care you've given him and those tender moments you shared. We love you so very much and pray for peace and healing for each of you.
Love,
Sam and Petra Graff and Families

The Burnett Family

August 26, 2011

Mr.P was one of my boys favorites at Jordan Hills. My one son is now 21 and Mr. P still remembered me when he saw us even when we were not at the school, all these years later.(the mom) We will remember him fondly and are great full to have had him as part of our families life.

August 26, 2011

Mr. Petersen was one of my daughter's (McKenna) best teachers. We will always remember him, he went out of his way to help students. McKenna had been hospitalized for a few weeks and who should show up at our door - Mr. Peterson with a treat and offering help for school work she had missed. We will miss him and count ourselves lucky to have rubbed shoulders with him in this life! God bless you and your family, The Erik, Lisa and McKenna Philpot (West Jordan, UT)

Mangome Family

August 26, 2011

"Mr P" was always a favorite of my children while they attended Jordan Hills Elementary. But their relationship with him never stopped there. His continued interest in their lives, now 21 & 18, was what set him apart from just any ordinary teacher. Our families lives will always be blessed for having Michael Peterson in it. Heaven is lucky to have him back home.

Adrienne Wright

August 26, 2011

Mr. Peterson was an amazing influence in the lives of my children. They were very upset to hear of his passing. He made learning fun at Jordan Hills. He was the best teacher anyone could have had. We are better people because of his influence. He will ALWAYS be missed!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his dear family. GO YANKEES!!!:)

MarDella Crump/Berrett

August 25, 2011

Dear Cyndi and Dorothy, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Craig's passing. I am so sorry that he suffered from that dreaded disease. I have fond memories of you both and of Craig and Jim and good old Jordan School District. May you be conforted at this time of loss. My best to you and your familes.

Kim Jerman

August 25, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Craig at Jordan Hills for thirteen years. He was such a wonderful teacher and example to everyone at our school and he will be greatly missed.

Christi Thomas

August 25, 2011

To the Peterson Family

My sincere heartfelt apologies for your loss. The many families of Jordan Hills Elementary are morning the loss of one of their amazing teachers. My children adored Michael and he made learning so much fun. He connected with and touched the hearts of the many children he taught. That is something very few can do. He will greatly be missed.

Joey and Renae F. Cruz

August 25, 2011

Dear Peterson family, we are so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God Bless You Always

Bridget Singleton

August 25, 2011

My son Brayden had the privilege of being in Mr. Peterson’s fourth grade class at Hayden Peak Elementary. To this day, Brayden speaks of him and what an influence he made on his education. His style of teaching was amazing with his unique ability to make learning fun. I will never forget the “bring a parent to school day” and how much fun Brayden’s dad and I had in his class. Just one day of seeing him interact with others gave me great confidence that my son was in the best class ever. I believe every student came out of his class with knowledge that no other teacher could provide. He never made any of his students question the care he had for each of them, he was truly the best of the best. My thoughts are with his family. I am sure he was as wonderful to them as he was to the rest of the world.

August 25, 2011

LeAnne and Dorothy
So sorry for your loss. What a diffficult thing to have to go through as a family. May you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Scott and Lorann Carrigan

Mike & Sue Avila

August 24, 2011

To the Petersen Family,
Our love and prayers are with you all at this time. Craig was a SPECIAL person. Anybody who was touched by Craig is very blessed. May God get you through this difficult time. God bless you all. Mike and Sue Avila (BHS class of 1974)

Randy and Ginger Munk

August 24, 2011

Cyndi and family,
We are greatly saddened by Craig's passing. We know he was not only an incredible teacher and friend, but also a remarkable husband and father. We pray that you will feel the Lord's blessings of peace and assurance that the future will bring a sweet reunion.

August 24, 2011

Katie, Jakson and family.... Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. We love you and hope you'll call us to help with whatever you may need. Your Dad is a wonderful man and he will always be remembered.
With Love,
Jeremy & Bridget Hansen

Carly Davis

August 24, 2011

Mr. Peterson
You were the best 6th grade teacher you could ask for!:)
You were always there for me you helped me whe i was down and just a great teacher alwayed made me smile and was a fun teacher to be around i never got a chance to write you a letter to tell you how awesome you are. your a great guy and your in a better place now!:D see you when i get to heaven
Love Carly

Kellie Isbell

August 24, 2011

Our hearts are breaking for your loss. The world has lost an incredible man. He touched the lives of so many young people and his legacy will live on through them!! He is in our hearts forever!!! My daughter Kayte adored him!!!! Go Yankees!!!! Kellie Isbell and family

Jonelle Kumpin

August 24, 2011

Mr. C as my boys called him, loved and admired him so. What a great man and teacher. His legacy will never be forgotten at Jordan Hills. Much love to your family at this time. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Lynsee Jack

August 24, 2011

Mr. Peterson will always be one of my favorite teachers. I was your student back in 1999. You have changed my life without even knowing. Thank you for everything you did for me personally and all the students who will remember you forever. I can still see your happy smiley self. My condolences go out to the Peterson family and especially his wife during this extremely difficult time. You will be missed Mr. P!!

Rebecca Hutchison

August 24, 2011

Erin, James and Family; So sorry of the loss of your wonderful Father. My prayers are with you at this time to comfort you and your dear family. Erin you are an inspiration to many on how you have showed unselfish dedication and love to your family and the patience you have endured with the help that was needed and appreciated. Know that your dad is such a beautiful peaceful place. You and your Father taught me the true meaning of a good fight and family unity, I thank you!!

Kellie & Tate Jorgensen

August 24, 2011

Kara and Brian,
We are so sad to hear about your Dad. We know how much you love him. Having met him, we know what a great person he is. He was so so kind and had a great sense of humor. He sure made a wonderful daughter. We love you, and are thinking about you.
Love

August 24, 2011

To Craig's family, and especially Katie, we just wanted to say how sorry we are for your loss and send you our sincere love and sympathies. Very hard times. Lean upon the Lord and He will lean upon you. God Bless.
Brad & Jean Holyoak family (Providence UT)

LaDean Miller

August 24, 2011

Dear Cyndi, we are so sorry for your loss, Craig was a wonderful man and an inspriation to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. He was so good to my Mom and she loved him like a son. I am so glad my Mom got to see him before he passed. Unfortunatly we will not be able to attend the services but our prayers are with you at this time.

Emma Fryer

August 24, 2011

Mr. Peterson was a loved teacher by all the students at Jordan Hills! We all looked foward to going to his class! Cindy and Family, I am very sorry for you loss. My thoughts and Support is with you at this difficult time.

August 24, 2011

Cyndi-I don't know if you remember me or not but we worked together at Nightime Peds. I was surprised to learn of Craig's passing in the paper today and am sorry I was not aware of your trials. My heart goes out to you at this time. I know how much you loved Craig and how much he loved you. Although my associations with Craig were limited, I could tell what a great person he was and feel grateful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Please feel free to call me anytime, I am here for you. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and appreciate the example both you and Craig have set. Love, Marilyn Hendriksen

August 24, 2011

Dear Peterson Family; Our prayers are with you at this time. May the
lord Bless u always. We love u! ......" The Holker family "

Kara Southwick

August 24, 2011

Mr. Peterson was a wonderful teacher who did amazing things with my children. He was fun-loving and enjoyed every child in his class. He helped develop a love of school for my children. It's not often that you come across a teacher who has so much power and influence for good in a child's life. He was one-of-a-kind and he will be sorely missed.

Mckenzie Thomas

August 24, 2011

Mr. Peterson! You were the best teacher a student could ever have! Cindy and family, I am incredibly sorry for your loss! I wish the best for you and your family! My comfort and support is with you! Mr.Peterson was a great friendly incredible teacher/person. He was looked up to, admired, and respected by all of his students, friends, and family. I wish the best to you!
Go Yankees! :)

alison west

August 24, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. Craig was an amazing amazing man!! You guys have such a wonderful strong family! If any of you need anything please let me know. Craig, you will be greatly missed and will always be in our hearts

Kelly Springsteed

August 24, 2011

Cyndi and family, my heart goes out to you at this difficult time, I cannot express to you how much I enjoyed the years of working with and associating with Craig. He was the happiest, friendliest person I have personally ever known. We always joked that if you went anywhere with Craig you were sure to run into someone that he knows and loves. I will always appreciate him for that example...

Jennifer Boehme

August 24, 2011

Cyndi and family,

I know how difficult it is for you at this time, but I also know from the last time I saw Craig at the end of July that he was ready.

Craig was a good teacher with whom I loved working! He was well respected by the students, parents, and faculty at Jordan Hills. He will be remembered by those of us who worked closely with him for many years.

May peace be with you!

LeeAnn Salisbury

August 24, 2011

Dear Sweet Peterson Family, Thank you for sharing your wonderful husband and father with everyone. Through his kindness and example he has left the world a much better place. I love you all and pray you will be supported and comforted. GO YANKEES!

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