Mr. Peterson was one of my customers at work. Although, I didn't think of him too much as a "customer." He was one of my favorite people. Sadly, Mr. Peterson passed away on Thursday, October 30th. When I heard of his passing, it was the sadest thing I have heard of in a long time. Mr. Peterson would come into work to sometimes just sit and chat with me. In the beginning of 2008, Mr. Peterson and his wife moved to Scottsdale (and I thought THIS was the sadest thing I heard of). I was afraid I was going to lose contact with this great man. But, nope ... :) He still would call me and even drive down to Chandler just to come see me. (Now let me just clarify for any that are wondering what is going on ... Mr. Peterson was 62 years old. He was just a man I truly admired and loved talking to him.) One day, Mr. Peterson came in to tell me he was called to be the Bishop of a Singles Ward in Chandler. My first thought was, "You just moved to Scottsdale!" Then my second thought was "I wonder if I can get a boundary exception so he could be my Bishop??" I knew he would be an amazing Bishop and be an inspiration and wonderful example to the single adults in his ward. He was SO excited about this calling. :)
Today was the funeral for Mr. Peterson. The chapel was filled with everyone that loved him: family, friends, and the single adults from the ward. Everyone talked about his love of his family, Heavenly Father, and anyone he came in contact with. It was so true too!! Several times he would come to my work driving his wife's car and when I would ask what happened to his car he would tell me he takes her car when he needs to put gas in it. That used to crack me up! But, now I know it was just Mr. Peterson's way of taking care of his wife and just doing anything for her. Mr. Peterson would always ask me how I'm doing with my church attendance and making sure I stayed in touch with my Heavenly Father and was reading my scriptures. He knew how important it was to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father.
One of the speakers today talked about a conversation Mr. Peterson had with him. Mr. Peterson told him that he never had a "guys night out" because when he married Mrs. Peterson, she was the only person he wanted to ever go out with. He said he felt lost and alone when she wasn't with him. Mr. Peterson described his wife as his best friend, loving wife, and eternal companion. What a compliment!
I thought a lot about my dad during the funeral. A lot of comments made about Mr. Peterson were similar to how I thought of my dad and/or how others thought of my dad. Maybe that's why I loved Mr. Peterson so much.
Mr. Peterson will be deeply missed...
"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure."
5 comments:
Wow, Kimberly. When such people come into our lives they are such a blessing and are so truly missed. I think you had a special connection to him in the pre-existance that continued here. What a blessing to have had him in your life and for you to have been in his. My heart goes out to you with missing him.
Oh, thank you. I appreciate your comments. It is amazing how someone can have such an impact in our lives. Thanks again. :)
wow, that sure was a touching story. Got me a littl echoked up I'm not going to lie :) The world definitely needs more men like him. Sounds like a great man. I really liked your quote at the end and how true it is.
Kimberly, how sweet and your so right, Your Dad was that kind of man too, I remember how much fun he was when he home taught our little family, we especially remember is contagious laugh, he touched our lives. thank you for sharing your friendship story of Mr Peterson, It reminds me of one of my favorite movies "Its a Wonderful Life" it is amazing how one person can have such a influence on so many others lives.
those i believe are sweet tender
mercies, in our lives.
thanks for reminding me of them.
p.s. my dad pasted away on the same date as Mr Peterson, only 24 yrs ago, He was that same kind of man, would do anything for anyone, and did many !!! times. Kind, gentle, a man with out guile.
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