Dr. Hans Patrick Peterson

Dr. Hans Patrick Peterson Dr. Hans Patrick Peterson, retired Senior Foreign Service Officer and Agricultural Economist with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), died February 12, 2010, in Dade City, Florida. Born in Tampa, Florida on January 15, 1940, to Richard Auld Peterson II and Gertrude Patricia Peterson, Pat dedicated his life to forging peace and creating prosperity for those less fortunate than he. Dr. Peterson earned a PhD and MA from the University of Wisconsin, an MS from the University of Florida, and a BA from the home of his beloved Seminoles, The Florida State University. Pat served first in the Peace Corps in Liberia and then with USAID in Jamaica, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. After retirement he worked as Rural Development Programs Director for the Aga Khan Foundation throughout Europe, Africa, and Central Asia. He was the recipient of a U.S. Presidential Meritorious Service Award as well as three U.S. Presidential Meritorious Honor Awards for his service following natural disasters international in scope. Pat is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ellen Theresa Peterson; his daughters, Shannon Therese Peterson Ciotti (Damion) and Megan Julie Forbes (Jeffrey); his granddaughter, Zya Therese Ciotti; his brother, Richard Peterson III (Norma); his brother-in-law, Peter Fallon (Margaret); many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends of every creed and nation. Dr. Peterson served as a role model for family, friends, and colleagues for 70 years and truly left the world a better place for his presence. A private memorial service will be held.