Dr. Carroll "Pete" Peterson

Just now learning of Dr. Pete's passing, I must attest to his remarkable effect on me as one of his students in the 1970's. I'll always think of him and the joy he shared reading and studying Chaucer. His love of literature and life, his wise counsel, and his enthusiasm for his students have influenced me in nearly 40 years of teaching and advising college students.

"And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche."

I know anniversaries can bring both joy and sadness. I will be thinking of you, Maxine, on Monday. I am still awed when I remember him telling me that he did the New York Times crossword puzzle in record time. Not in a bragging way but with the usual twinkle in his eyes.

Dr. Peterson was upset one day in 1971 when no one volunteered any comments on a piece of writing. He flung his textbook across the classroom in disgust. He was genuinely hurt, sad, disappointed that no one responded to something he loved so much.

Pete was always a delight to be around. His entire family are wonderful people. Pam Hooten(Blaylock). I am truly sorry for your loss

Dr. Pete's mastery of English teaching inspired me to follow his lead as much as possible. He was memorable in many ways, first in his challenge to each new class to learn -- like him -- everyone's name day one. In the early '70s I took every class I could from Dr. Pete and Red Bird. It was a wonderful education, preparing me to teach high school and college English for 33 years. Thanks for everything Dr. Pete! My sincere condolences to his family and his many students.

We have such wonderful memories from the time we have spent with Pete. The gallivanting with him and Maxine is unforgettable. They took us to many spectacular places, e.g. Grand Canyon, Meza Verde, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley. And everywhere his wonderful humor was with us. What an adventure he gave us, his relatives from Sweden!

Guno Haskå with wife Inger and daughter Lina

I have many Dr Pete memories, like living in the upstairs apartment of his and Maxine's house and listening to Pete teach himself piano! There were Christmas singalong parties, Barbershop concerts and the joy of bringing my kids to dinners at the Peterson Manor and viewing pictures from Pete's trip to Antarctica. Mostly I remember enjoying all of Dr Pete's English classes, even when I received a lot of "hmm" marks on my papers. I send hugs to Maxine and the family and I will try to...