Alan Keith Petersen

September 5th, 1949 – July 18th, 2018

It is with enormous sadness that we share the news that Alan Petersen passed away on July 18, surrounded in Love by his wife, Wendy, sons, Jordan and Graham, and sister, Marla.

Alan was truly an inspiration. He was in his element in Park City, having made his home and life here for 30 years, loving its people, activities, beauty, and lifestyle. He exuded that enthusiasm to all who knew him.

Alan was born in Kankakee, IL. Selected as a Cadet for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, he studied Civil Engineering, was a Flight Instructor, and flew C47's during the Vietnam War. Hired by Delta Air Lines in 1978, Alan moved to Park City in 1988 when the real joys of his life unfolded. First, he married Wendy Rocco, a Delta Flight Attendant, at St. Mary's Old Town Church in 1990; then, they were hugely blessed with their two sons in 1992 and 1995.

Retiring from Delta in 2005, Alan's passions were able to be woven with his love for his family, no matter the activity. He spent precious time over the years with his sons, endowing them with his love of flying, outdoor sports, adventure, travel, and problem-solving. He volunteered for 5 years as Scoutmaster, which culminated in both sons' achievement of Eagle Scout. Twenty years of houseboating trips to Lake Powell with Alan at the helm leave many loving and hilarious memories among family and friends.

Alan's daring and adventurous spirit, reflected in his hang-gliding, motorcycling, skiing, mountain biking, water-skiing, sailing, and scuba diving, made any Petersen outing a reason to have fun. One especially proud enjoyment for Alan was flying his 2-seat airplane, a Glasair, which he built with his Dad in the 1980's. Alan's incredible mechanical aptitude was generously taught and shared with his sons as they spent countless hours in his custom garage/shop. Not surprisingly, both sons honor their Dad's legacy in their chosen professions, reflecting their deep admiration of him.

For all of us who were touched by the gentle soul, tolerant spirit, man of moral courage, intelligent, humble, and sharp-witted husband, father, brother, son, and friend, we will miss Alan terribly. He aspired to leave the earth a better place than he found it, and indeed, he fulfilled his purpose.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Rocco Petersen; sons, Jordan and Graham Petersen; father, Ivan Petersen; and sister, Marla Petersen Seto. Alan is preceded by his mother, Lorena (Mayes) Petersen, and siblings, Linda, Mark, and Richard Petersen.