Ron Petersen

1939 - 2024

Ron Petersen, passed away on May 13, 2024, with his loved ones by his side. He was 85.

Ron lived his life by the same code he coached and taught: work hard, play fair and be a good teammate.

Born on January 5, 1939, in Flaxton, ND, his family moved often. Ron spent most of his childhood in the Pacific Northwest including Sitka, Lewiston, Seattle, and Portland and later moving to Eureka, CA, where he graduated from high school in 1957.

After graduation, Ron excelled as a Humboldt State University defensive back from 1957-1962, twice earning all-conference honors. He was named to the AP All-Coast squad in 1962, after leading HSU in both tackles and interceptions.

Early in his college years, Ron joined the US Army Reserves and spent a year and a half at Fort Lewis after being called up in preparation for the Berlin Crisis.

After returning to Humboldt, CA, the NCAA granted a year of eligibility to the players that were recalled, allowing him to play 4 1/2 years of football.

More than 45 years, after playing his final game for the Lumberjacks, Ron was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his individual efforts. He was also inducted into the Eureka High Hall of Fame and the NorCal Sports Association Hall of Fame.

Following his undergraduate degree, he went on to get his Masters in Physical Education in 1966. ~His interest in physical education, nutrition and strength training continued well into his 70's - with his only weakness being a good pizza and good wine.

In 1962, Ron married Patricia Soderberg and soon welcomed children, Chris and Heidi.

Shortly afterwards, he traded his helmet for a whistle and coached football and wrestling at Davis High School. This experience prepared him well for Yuba College where he began a long and successful career of coaching and teaching.

Ron wore many hats at Yuba, coaching football, wrestling and tennis. He also helped many students in the classroom as a teacher of health, nutrition and strength training.

He enjoyed serving as the Head Football Coach from 1977-1982, positively impacting many players throughout his career.

Family times were spent on the lake: water skiing, telling jokes and enjoying the sunshine with good friends. Ron's quick wit endeared him to many and he cherished his family and friends. His jet boat, "Hot Cookies", and his prized 1965 red Mustang were always driven fast.

Ron kept up his busy pace throughout retirement. You could find him cruising the back roads on his Harley Davidson, traveling the world with good friends, or flying his airplane through the western skies; he lived life with a sense of adventure.

As we mourn the loss of Ron's life we are reminded of the incredible impact he had on the lives of his students, players, friends, family and community.

Ron called Yuba City, CA, "home" for 55 years, and his time there made the community better with lots of laughter heard coming from his home.

Ron is survived by his son, Chris Petersen(Barbara); his daughter, Heidi Moore; his granddaughters, Jordan and Sami; his grandsons, Jack (Monica); Christopher, and Sam; great-grandchildren, Rocky, Ryder and Hazel; and Kimberly Rousseau. Ron is also survived by former wife, Patricia Petersen.

A celebration of life will be held on June 27, 2024, at 3pm at The Harvest Room, 1465 Tharp Road, Yuba City, CA 95993.