Robert W. PETERSON

1924 - 2016

PETERSON, Robert W.

Robert Warren Peterson passed away in the comfort of his home on January 26, 2016 at the age of 91 years. He was born on May 25, 1924 to Arthur and Lois (Lamb) Peterson in Spokane, Washington. Robert "Bob" graduated from West Valley High School where he met his sweetheart Patty. After high school he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a medal-winning diver for the Army. After the war, he attended Gonzaga University and Law School, where he was the captain of the baseball team. He married his high school sweetheart Patricia Marie on December 31, 1946. Bob and Patty had twelve children, Priscilla (Rick Giampietri), Jennifer (Cyrus), Barbara (Klinger), Robert W. Jr (Linda), Patrick (Amy), Mary (Joseph Schoener), Daniel Joseph (Cindy), Paula (Mike Lewis), Mark (deceased), Theresa (Tom Murphy), Sonja (Luciano Cavenago) and Laura (Joel Brantley). Bob lost his wife Patty to cancer in 1967. In 1968 he married Maureen Hurl and added two sons, Daniel Edward (Wendy) and Christopher (Shari) to his large and loving family. Bob was among the early advocates of the computer industry in the Spokane area and was a system's analyst for Kaiser Aluminum for many years. He was recruited by Spokane County to oversee the data processing transformation for the court and justice systems. He did beautiful carpentry work, learned while working alongside his stepfather on St. John's Cathedral in Spokane. Bob also had a love of gardening, landscaping his lush lawns with borders of roses and prize-winning dahlias from his brother, Jack Peterson. Bob's brother Jack preceded him in death, and he is survived by his sister Lavelle Tavener of Arizona, sister-in-law Carol Peterson, Jeannette Seville, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Elgie McGrath, brothers-in-law Ron and Rene Lacroix, thirteen children listed above, thirty-nine grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, eight nephews and four nieces. Bob had a great love of Jesus and his Catholic faith. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed sports, barbequing, and family gatherings. His wry wit, wise lessons and constant, reliable presence in the lives of his loved ones will be missed.
Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mary and Joe for keeping Dad happy and healthy through his final years. Dad also had the loving care and friendship of Janice from home healthcare.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated April 2nd, 11:00am at St. Mary's Church, 304 S. Adams Rd. in Spokane Valley; the Reverend Pat Kerst, celebrandt.