Richard Petersen Obituary

Richard James Petersen, 71, of Ukiah, California died on September 23, 2013, of pancreatic cancer. A memorial will be held on Saturday, November 23, at the Mendo-Lake Clubhouse, in Ukiah, starting at 1:00 pm. Beer and Barbeque will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring other dishes. Attendees may also bring a softball-sized or smaller rock to be included in Richard's memorial cairn. Call Petersen Law Office for info at 468-5184. Richard was born in Fort Bragg on September 30, 1941, the fifth of six sons. He graduated from Fort Bragg High School and continued on through law school at Boalt Hall at U.C. Berkeley. He was admitted to the bar in 1967. He became well known for the criminal defense work he did all over Northern California up until 2011. Richard is survived by two brothers, Robert and Allen, as well as his three sons, Justin, Jacob and Brandon and six grandchildren. Richard loved packing mules into wilderness areas all over the Western United States for hunting, fishing and rock collecting with his family and friends.

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Published by Ukiah Daily Journal on Nov. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Petersen

15 Entries

Richard Higinbotham

April 13, 2014

I have always had a great respect for Richard Petersen. Although we were on the opposite sides in the court room, me as a peace officer (CHP and Mendo. Task Force) and Richard defending (with great passion) his clients. He was always respectful and very professional.
I grew up in Ukiah Ca. and Richard was legendary. He even helped out some of my friends.
My father, Maurice Higinbotham, is a retired CHP officer of 29 years' service and he also has fond memories of Richard. My Dad used to go fishing with him on the coast in Richard's boat. I got to hear some of the humorous stories from my Dad of their escapades.
Richard and I shared an inside joke, that he owed me a steak dinner. We made a handshake bet on a court case circa 1996 and I won the bet. Every time Richard and I saw each other in the courthouse or elsewhere in the community, he would greet me warmly. I would remind him that he owes me a steak dinner and he graciously said anytime I was ready just let him know. I wished I would have taken the offer and enjoyed a dinner with him.
I have a feeling that we will see other again and we will have that dinner together.
Richard was a great man. My condolences to his family and a special note to Justin; your Dad was proud of you, he told me many times.

Richard Higinbotham (CHP- Retired)

LeeAnn McKay

December 6, 2013

Richard was a Redwood among men. He will be greatly missed.

joan daniels

November 23, 2013

My dad PW Daniels and Frank P Sr were good friends and dad bought my first full-size horse from Frank! My Mendocino high school and SRJC years were always enlivened when Richard P and Bobby Copeland were around. Any of the old timers and their offspring can tell you that many a town squabble was settled by the words "you back off or I'll call a Petersen". They were and are a legendary bunch of warriors for justice. I feel proud and privileged to have grown up knowing the
outstanding Petersen family. Happy trails, Richard.

November 23, 2013

My heart goes out to you for the deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Richard. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)

susan allen

November 22, 2013

hello i told my family and friend about good friend Richard he was a good man good listen he help me few time I want to thank you you will be miss..from your friend susan and tab

Dennis Joslin

November 22, 2013

I am so sorry to here of the passing of Richard,he always did his job to the fullest,I guess they needed him somewhere else.

Johnna Carlson-Mason

November 21, 2013

I had the joy of working with Richard in Dept H in Ukiah Courthouse & everyday was a need Richard day. He put a smile on everyones faces even just coming down the hall & when those doors opened a beam of sunshine came through. Although the judge usually having to say "Mr. Petersen we're in seasion", Oh yes your honor sorry you know me and the beautiful ladies! Yes Mr. Petersen & your hat can you remove it please! I use to laugh everytime & no matter how rough our calendar was it made it all better with Richard. RIP & u are forever missed, but never forgotten!

Steve Vaughn

November 20, 2013

I have the best memories of growing up with Richard at my side. He was great; determined, funny & smart. He is missed.

Roy Gourley

November 19, 2013

Richard was a great attorney and always a worthy advosary I respected. Remember the surprise in your brief case!

Susan Cave

November 18, 2013

So very sad to hear of Richard's passing. He always kept things lively in the courthouse....he will be missed!!

Terri Stout

November 17, 2013

Thoughts and prayers gos out to the Petersen family....The Stout's

Jennifer

November 17, 2013

RIP Richard. You were a great attorney and one hell of a guy. From your " one cent an hour " client...

susan allen

November 17, 2013

hi tab sinyard and me will miss you you were a good friend you have help me I want to thank you and your brother Kenny Petersen is a good man too you be miss but not forgot thank you ..

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