Donald Eugene Petersen

I was Don's CFO for both Diversified Products and International operations--beginning a close professional and personal relationship that spanned more than 15 years. He led by example, committing his calendar and his focus to quality, product integrity, and teamwork. I recall vividly Don saying emphatically "This is the Ford MOTOR Company!" when advocating big investments in powertrains. He was unfailingly respectful of other viewpoints, often pausing his own comments to hears what others had to say. Don was a mentor and an inspiration to me and to an entire generation at Ford. His contribution to the Company's resurgence was transformative. Bud Marx

In 1991 just prior to his retirement from Ford Motor Company, I introduced myself to Mr. Petersen exiting Christ Church Cranbrook following services one Sunday morning. I asked if he would offer career advice to a stranger. The next morning, invited into his office at Ford World Headquarters, we spent almost two hours talking careers. He asked me what I was looking to accomplish. I told him that I was targeting a company "out west" called Hewlett-Packard (hp). I wanted to get into the LaserJet Printing business. He then surprised me, sharing that he was a hp board member. Two weeks later I received a call from a senior hp executive and before long I was relocating to Boise, Idaho. I was 32 years old at that time and Don's "momentary mentorship" defined my life and the business leader that I became. Now approaching retirement, I am eternally indebted to Donald E Petersen. His kindness, accessibility and his willingness to, in the matter of a couple hours of time spent together, change the trajectory of a my life in profound, and lasting ways. I will cherish his memory and send love to the Petersen family for their great loss of such a man. Donald C Murray - Senior VP Sales & Government Affairs, Delta Dental of Idaho.