Gary W. Peterson, 61

Gary W. Peterson, 61, of Tempe, Ariz., died July 12, 2006, in Arizona. A memorial service to celebrate his life took place July 17, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Parish in Tempe. A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Gary W. Peterson was born to Oscar and Frances (Goodrich) Peterson. He is remembered as living life to the fullest; all who met him were blessed with knowing a caring, intelligent and unique person. Although he went through his life with autism, he never let it slow him down. His handicap was his advantage, providing him with a unique perspective on life and an outgoing personality. His lifelong passions of astronomy, stamp and coin collecting and traveling by bus throughout the United States to participate in Volkswalks were what kept his mind and body active.

Mr. Peterson was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Mary (Opray) Peterson; and his grandparents. His grandmother was Anna (Grimm) Peterson who was from Blair.

Memorials are suggested to any Autism organization.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~