Michael Gordon Peterson

It is with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes that we announce the death of Michael Gordon Peterson (Mike, "Pete") after a long and courageous battle with lymphoma. Mike passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, just days after his 73rd birthday in Sacramento, California with his family by his side.

Mike was a loving husband to Patty for 42 years and a caring father to Dan (Lindsay), Tommy, Mitch, Christy (Kyle), and grandfather to Parker, Natalie, and Elowyn. Mike was dearly loved by his family and a large circle of friends. He created many lifelong friendships with people he met in junior high and high school and also developed a multitude of close friends during college and his work career. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, mother Beth, brother Jeff, and sister Patti.

Mike grew up in Eugene, Oregon and attended South Eugene High School. He went on to attend Cal Poly, Pomona, and graduated with a degree from the College of Environmental Design. Throughout his career as a licensed landscape architect, Mike's passion for his work allowed him to influence landscape design both locally and internationally, making every day feel less like work and more like a calling. Most recently he helped to develop content for the California Landscape Architect Registration Examination.

Mike was a devoted husband, filling the garden with a new variety of roses for every wedding anniversary and he will be dearly missed by Patty. An involved father, his children fondly recall his avid participation in their extracurriculars as children (Arden Little League, Carmichael Girls Softball, Boy Scouts, Deterding Elementary School, etc.) as well as his engaging long phone calls and visits to catch up as adults. They continue to feel his absence solemnly, longing for more time with him.

Mike loved the Sacramento Kings and the Oregon Ducks (Go Ducks!), blues and rock music, reading, puzzles, and gardening. He could fix just about anything and could assemble even the most complicated project with minimal direction. He cherished his time reading the Sacramento Bee with his cat, Ginger, on his lap and walking the neighborhood with his dog, Lizzy. He was proud of his Swedish heritage and looked forward to every opportunity to connect with his extended family at reunions and holiday gatherings, often sharing stories and photos of past generations His family lovingly remembers his unique sense of humor, fierce authenticity, and sentimental nature.

Mike did not want any service held to commemorate his life; he wished to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in his hometown. Mike was taken too soon, and his family hopes to honor his memory by living in the present and making the most of every moment.