Eric Scott Peterson

Peterson Eric Scott Peterson, age 46, an advocate for accessible arts and disability rights from Minneapolis, died October 3rd at Methodist Hospital of complications from diabetes. Eric was preceded in death a year ago by his father, Norman. He is survived by his mother, Peggy; two brothers, Raymond and Steven (Debra), and one nephew, Kurt, and his beloved guide dog, Shawn. Eric's interests in designing and performing in theater were fostered at Armstrong High School in Plymouth, Concordia College in Moorhead, and the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater in Fargo. After losing his sight, he continued to act and direct - including at Theater in the Round, Park Square Theater, St. Albert's Church, and Fireside Theater. He received a directing award at the 2001 MACT Festival for "Whenever Frances Looks Up" in which he also played the role of Melvin. While serving on the board of the Minnesota Association of Community Theaters from 1996-2005, he chaired several fundraisers and promoted services that made theater more accessible to people with disabilities, especially audio description. He also promoted this service at state, regional, and national theater festivals. He expanded his accessiblity advocacy by serving on the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities which makes accessibility recommendations on new and renovated bulidng projects. He was also a board member and past president of VSA Arts of Minnesota which awarded him a 2002 Jaehny Award for his efforts in making the arts accessible for people with disabilities. Eric was active in the Linden Hills Neighborhood Association, serving on their board for five years and helping with environmental issues and their annual festival. He recently served a co-chairman for the festival which raised money for neighborhood charities and improvements. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at Elim Lutheran Church, 40th & West Broadway, Robbinsdale. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Gearty-Delmore 763-537-4511