Norman Peterson

Norman Peterson
October 4, 2021
Boise, Idaho - At the age of 74, beloved father Norman Jay Peterson passed away on October 4, 2021. Norm was born in Colorado to parents Carl Peterson and Lorene Pollard Peterson. He attended Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, where he was recently inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. The first in his family to obtain a college degree, he received his Bachelor's degree in 1969 from the University of Colorado, and went on to earn a PhD in Philosophy from the same institution. In 1972, he married Mary Essember, whom he met on a ski slope. Shortly thereafter, his love of travel turned into a life's work in international education. In the early stages of his accomplished career, he directed study abroad programs in England, moved to Washington, DC to work in study abroad at Georgetown, and was a dedicated lobbyist, working hard to ensure funding for the Fulbright program and others. In 1994, Norm and Mary moved to Montana to raise their daughter. There, Norm worked as director of international programs at Montana State University, and traveled the world establishing relationships between universities. He was a skilled fly fisher, an avid skier, and an excellent cook. A wonderful father and educator, he was an excellent role model to his daughter and the many students whose lives he touched in his career. He had a lifelong appreciation for great writing, from Mark Twain to Bob Dylan, and was himself an excellent storyteller (which—as anyone who heard one of Norm's stories can attest—is a wonderful skill to have when you've had adventures all over the world). In 2017, he moved to Boise to be with his daughter, where he continued his fight against Parkinson's disease with unfailing optimism and his signature sense of humor. Norm was predeceased by his parents and his older sister, LeEtte Peterson Farris. He is survived by his daughter Kate and son-in-law Nate Agenbroad, former wife Mary, niece Angie Farris Fountain, great nephews Tripp and Drew Fountain, and great niece Aubrey Fountain. At this time, his family would like to extend a warm thank you to the many healthcare workers who were a crucial part of his care. All who knew Norm are invited to share stories and photos at www.myfarewelling.com/memorial/norman-peterson, and memorial donations can be made to Youth for Understanding or the charity of your choice.