Ralph Peterson

I was run over by a semi in Bonita Springs Florida ,dr. Peterson was my primary doctor .he put me back together when I was literally crushed . my legs , my feet my hands, My Arms, my pelvis bone was broken 3 places .he took my hips out and put them in my right leg to save my leg .I was in Naples Florida for 2 years in the hospital. he would not let them take me out of the hospital. even though they wanted to transfer me to a nursing home. I was only 33 years old he was not even on duty the night he was walking through the hospital. when I came in the mergency room . he saved my life and he saved my limbs. they were going to cut my legs off. he told me if I would not sue him later, if he had to cut them off ,he would try to save them. I have walked ever since. I am now 63 years old .and I still can walk barely anymore but I can still walk ,on my legs. the man literally saved my life.. he worked on me everyday in the hospital for 2 years....( when I got out I could not afford the medicine)( that I needed for an infection in my leg he paid for it out of his own pocket) he said he was going to write a text book about my surgeries .and had me sign a piece of paper giving him permission to write the book . I never saw the book if he ever wrote it . it would be nice to have a copy. my name is Clayborn Lewis and I want the family to know that he was a great great man in my book .and he will be deeply missed. I know this is an old obituary, but I'm hoping that the family will get a chance to read what I have written. so they will know that there are people out there like me ,that he has literally saved and change their lives, in a way that I cannot express. he was in a very good person and I'm sorry he's gone.

I was blessed to have him as my dear & only little brother. I so miss him and look forward to seeing him in Heaven. Love you so much. Sister Florence Peterson Harves now of Whidbey, Island, Washington

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember him well.. Susie Vega

Carolyn, Werner, Patrick, Daniel & family: so sorry for your loss. He is now in a better place, without pain . Our thoughts & prayers are with you. xo -- Regina & Sheridan

We send our sympathy, thoughts & prayers @ this difficult time. We admired Dr. Peterson as he cared for my father on several occasions. Dorothy, we have so many memories of you and your girls at Emmanuel. Elvi told me about the competition between you & Sylvia Boynton for who had the most girls @ those Mother-Daughter Banquets. May your family always treasure your wonderful memories.

Deepest sympathy to Dr. Peterson's entire family, Dorothy, his children and Dorothy's children. Dr. Pete had such a kind heart. He was truly a great person. Thoughts and prayers from the Alander Family. Judy and Steve Alander

Ralph was my friend for almost 45 years. I urged him to join the Florida Army National because of the great person he was and because he had served a decade in the Air Force. He was a people person and his patients adored him as a person and for his exceptional surgical skills. My plan is to be in the Sarasota National Cemetery for his service.

Laura and family. Your family will be included in my prayers. God bless.

I will be eternally grateful to Dr. Peterson for saving my left foot when I cut it off in a bicycle accident two blocks from the Naples Florida pier in February 1971. Every doctor I've gone to since has marveled at the work he did in saving my foot and his expert work with my ankle. I thank him with all my heart.

Dr. Peterson, may the comforting peace of God be upon your family and friends as they journey through this grieving process. It truly was an honor meeting you, and a joy in meeting your son and daughters. I may never be able to touch and improve as many lives as you did in your lifetime, but at least now I have a goal to strive for.