Donald M. Peterson

Peterson

Donald M. Peterson

8/02/1932 - 11/4/2023

Donald M. Peterson of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland, died on November 4, 2023. He was 91 years old. Don was born in Jamestown, New York on August 2, 1932, into the family that then owned the Crescent Tool Company. His grandfather Karl Peterson invented the Crescent wrench. After graduating from Philips Andover Academy, Don earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He then served in the Navy for four years before returning to the Wharton Graduate School of Business where he earned his MBA. His final academic degree of Ph.D. in Finance was awarded by American University. In later years, he studied philosophy at Oxford University and Cambridge University.



Don was an early adopter of the use of computers in investment decisions. He wrote a book entitled Financial Ratios and Investment Results, which became a text book in many university MBA classes. He discovered that there was a link between the value of certain financial ratios and stock prices. From this discovery, he developed the "principle of strategy before selection," a procedure that was rarely used at that time. He advised banks and brokerage firms and later became an investment advisor to individuals.



Don was a kind and gentle soul, beloved by all who knew him. Upon his death, one friend recalled him in this way: "I shall miss his elegant presence, his warm smile, his beautiful and graceful golf swing, and his ability to encourage all of us to see what is right and good in the world."

Golf was his favorite sport, although he was known to excel at any game that involved a ball. He shot his age on numerous occasions and enjoyed a hole-in-one on his 75th birthday, in the company of his son-in-law, Dan Beers.



He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley D. Peterson; as well as two daughters, Katie Beers of Los Altos, CA, and Sarah Maxwell of Dallas, Tx. HIs four granddaughters, Kimberly Beers, Allison Beers, Katharine Maxwell, and Claire Maxwell, were a constant joy to him. He was also very proud of his sons-in-law, Daniel Beers and William Maxwell,; as well his grandsons-in-law, Philip Bent and Michael Constant, all of whom he introduced to golf. He was a member of the Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, MD, and the La Paloma Golf and Country Club in Tucson, AZ.

No Services at this time.