Donald Petersen

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Donald Ray Petersen passed away on Friday, December 5, 2008.

Don was born January 19, 1939 in Hyrum, Utah to Alfred Charles and Maud Mary Petersen. Don has three brothers and four sisters; Harold, Twila, Roy, Janet, Marylou, Brent and Sandy.

Don was sealed for "Time and All Eternity" to Connie Marcia Meachem in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1961. They have three children; Todd Charles, Julie Rae and Michelle (Shelly).

Don entered the Air Force in 1956 and received his GED through the United States Armed Forces in 1957. After serving his country Don chose to attend the University of Utah where he graduated with his Bachelors degree. Pursuing his dream, with outstanding honors, Don was awarded a full ride scholarship to Cranbrook Academy of Arts in Michigan. As a first year student at the Academy and a graduate of the University of Utah, Don excelled in his work with stone lithography. Don's stone lithography work "Stone #1" was one of seven works chosen in the United States to be honored and placed in the Chambers of Congress in Washington D.C. His works "Stone #2" making a statement about the utilization of color, was one of ten works purchased by Cranbrook Academy of Art. Don's art was chosen from 100 works that were exhibited nationally.

In 1971 Don took a position as the Professor of Fine Arts with Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. Working with his students he became a vital member of the Art Department. As one of his students stated, "His ability to lead discussions is remarkable, nowhere have I had a course equal to the impact carried by this course." His love of teaching reflected with everyone he came in contact with.

Later in life Don ran his own framing business "Donald Petersen's Fine Arts Framing" in the Petersen Art Center in Salt Lake City. Thank you goes out to his brother Harold and nephew Mark for all the love and support they have given.

Friends and family frequently turned to Don for advice and direction in all aspects of life. Each person in his family has a special and personal relationship with him that will live on in their hearts forever.

Your strength, bravery and courage will never be forgotten. "WE LOVE YOU DAD! THE BEST OF THE BEST!"

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 1 pm at Walker Mortuary in Morgan, Utah. Friends and family may call that day from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the mortuary.

Interment, South Morgan Cemetery.