Kenneth "Ken" Peterson

On November 25, 2025, a beautiful love story and marriage of 60 years ended as Ken passed away. He met his beautiful wife, Nancy, on New Year's Eve 1964, was captivated and never looked back.

Born in Greensboro, NC, his family moved to Chattanooga, TN when he was 2. He completed all his schooling there and graduated from the University of Chattanooga in May of 1964. He then began a long career in the textile industry as a salesman. He was very successful in his field, working for a few companies over the years and creating long lasting relationships with his coworkers and many of his longtime customers became true friends. He could truly talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything and never met a stranger.

After moving to Charlotte, NC in 1970, Ken joined the Central YMCA on Morehead where he learned how to play handball and racquetball as well as developing a serious love for working out. He adored going there and making new friends and sat on the Facility Development Committee for many years, rolling off and then joining again as soon as it was allowed. He made lifelong friendships there. In 1974, he was introduced to a new sport – Rugby. He joined the newly minted Charlotte Rugby Football Club, and it became an integral part of his life for the rest of his life. He remained close friends with the large "band of brothers" until his passing. He was even the President of the club for a few years in the 1980's. When it became apparent that he should not be playing any longer, he transitioned into refereeing and was always a part of the club, making sure the next generation felt welcome and understood the game. The club meant a great deal to him and his family, right up to the end.

Ken also had a love for fishing and hunting, which was developed during his youth, with his father. They shared many trips doing these outdoor activities and Ken was able to find others to share this passion with after his father died and he valued those relationships as well. He even became real friends with some of the guides he hired. He truly loved being out in nature which also led to another long-time hobby, skiing. Her and his wife and youngest daughter took many ski trips around the country.

After officially retiring, sitting at home was not his way so he took a job at a nearby YMCA location, where he came to be known as "the mayor". He knew every member by name and was genuinely interested in their lives. When he left the Y, he went to work at a nearby Harris Teeter, where he remained until his health issues forced him to stop working in 2023.

One of his most endearing qualities was his genuine interest in you and your life. He had a wonderful smile, gave great hugs, was someone that you really wanted to know and everyone liked. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy and his two cherished daughters, Pamela Peterson and Holly Peterson.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Ken, would please donate to your local animal shelter or your favorite rescue organization. Animals were a huge part of his life, and he would have loved the idea that his was remembered in this way. A celebration of life will occur at the Belk Chapel on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte on January 31, 2026.