Ronald Gene Peterson

June 18, 1944 - May 10, 2025

Our brave, beloved Ronald G. Peterson (Ron, Papa, Ronnie) passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 80 from complications following surgery to remove stomach cancer.

Ron was born in the small town of Littlefork Minnesota to Hjalmer Peterson and Ella Grotberg Peterson who were both 2nd generation homesteaders from Sweden and Norway. His early years were shaped by a modest upbringing. He was raised on a farm and didn't have indoor plumbing until he was in high school. Ron worked hard in school and on the farm and learned how to be a logger like his father and uncles. He was a gifted athlete and excelled in football, basketball and track. Ron had a desire to see the world and get an education, even as a young child. He was a natural athlete and attended North Dakota State (Go Bison!) on a football scholarship. He finished his engineering degree at University of North Dakota.

Ron had his eye on his soon-to-be wife Carol Sartain for a long, long time. Carol finally gave in to go on a date and the rest is history. They married in 1967 in their hometown of Littlefork and remained married for 57 years. A testament of true love, commitment and partnership.

Ron was a natural-born leader. With his commanding presence and deep, confident voice, he could hold the attention of any room. He was a mentor to many and loved talking about politics, sports, finance, travel, and life. He could be an intimidating presence but was a softie deep down who cried watching sappy movies.

Ron's career initially led the family out West where he earned an MBA at Colorado State. He fell in love with the mountains and built a beloved cabin in the woods of Breckenridge. He taught himself to ski and passed on his love for the outdoors to his two sons, Chris and Mike. His career ambitions took the family from Colorado to California to Idaho to Utah to Virginia. In retirement he and Carol returned to California and ultimately to the state of Washington. An avid sailor, skier, runner, cyclist, and hiker, Ron kept himself fit enough to keep up with his children and grandchildren well into his 70s. He was a provider and a loving father who worked long hours and still found time to coach little league and attend his sons' games whenever he could.

Ron loved the water and boating throughout his life and he earned the nickname, Captain Ron. After retiring from Fluor Daniel in 2003, he planned regular boating trips to Alaska, Mexico, and anywhere in between, traveling with his loving and supportive wife and First Mate, Carol, for months at a time. He loved taking friends and family on adventures and exposing loved ones to his passion for exploration. He didn't like to travel as a tourist, he wanted to experience as a local.

To his grandchildren–Ellie, Andie, Ishaan, and Vivek—he was "Papa," their biggest fan and hero. They adored him and created countless memories together. His most cherished boat, Kodiak, carried the family on an unforgettable trip to Catalina Island in 2018—encapsulating his spirit of adventure and love for family.

We'll never be the same without you, Papa. We will forever miss your quiet strength, calm presence, love, sense of humor, support, and sage advice. We know you were proud of us.

The family wants to thank all the amazing ICU nurses at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington for the loving care they gave both to Ron and to our family. Special shout out to Nurse Heidi for holding our hands day after day and allowing us to cry on her shoulder, and Nurse Richie for being our strength during Papa's last breaths. We will never forget your kindness.

Ron is survived by his wife, Carol Peterson, and his sons Christopher (Teri) and Michael (Priti). Grandchildren Ellie, Andie, Ishaan, and Vivek. Sister Janice (Steve) and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Coast Guard Foundation in Ron's honor.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11:00am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 640 N Columbia Center Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336. Light lunch will be served.

Open house to follow at the Peterson residence in Richland.