David Peterson

Obituary for
David Arthur Peterson

Dr. David Arthur Peterson died peacefully in his sleep March 30, 2018 of complications following knee surgery.

He was born November 24, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Glade Arthur and Gloria Orr Peterson. The family moved to California when Dave was 14, where he spent his teen years in the San Fernando Valley with his younger brothers Randy(deceased) and Curt. He attended James Monroe High, hung out with friends at Zuma Beach, fell in love with California Rock by the Beach Boys and Beatles, and made life-long friends in the Granada Hills Ward.

Dave served a 30-month LDS mission, first in the Far East South Mission and then in the newly established Philippines mission, assisting the president in opening new areas. He graduated from Brigham Young University, where he joined the Army ROTC. He received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School Of Medicine and remained an avid Crimson Tide fan to the end. He completed his Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Denver. He obtained the rank of Major while working as a board-certified radiologist at Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA. In the following years, he worked at hospitals in American Fork, Nephi, Gunnison, and Salt Lake City. For the past 20 years, he worked as a locum tenens doctor in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, and recently in California for RadNet. He was loved and respected by his peers and co-workers. In the words of one, “He was a caring man first and never placed himself above the radiology techs he worked with. He treated us all with respect. Over time we became friends.”

Dave and his wife Janet resided in the Provo/Orem area for over 30 years. They loved the crazy adventure of a “his, hers, and ours” family of 11 children. Dave had six children from his first marriage to Gayle Harmon: Clint; Cameron (Jackie Egbert); Patrice (Josh Wright); Cynthia (Jake Ellis); Julianne (Nick Jackson); and Robert. Dave joined his six with Janet’s three from her first marriage: Nathan Leifson (Jil Coles); Adam Leifson; and Jennifer Wilson (Nick). Together they had Lizzy (Russ Shawcroft) and Alicia (Ben Rugebregt) and now together, they have 21 grandchildren, who adored him. Dave happily took on this huge responsibility and unconditionally loved them all. Dave taught all 11 children to ski and often piled them into the family Suburban building in them a love for Utah’s national parks, San Diego, Yosemite, and Mesa Verde. He was adored by his 21 grandchildren.

Dave and Janet never tired of traveling and exploring the many places his work took them, from Mitchell, SD to San Francisco, CA. He drove to most places and loved it, while listening to Fox News and the oldies stations. Though Dave left suddenly, he left no question about his feelings for Janet. Just days before his death, he arrived home to play songs he heard on the road that best described his feelings. They danced in the kitchen to “Biggest Part of Me,” Ambrosia; “Just the Way You Are,” Billy Joel, and Rod Stewart’s “You’re in My Heart.”

Next to his family, Dave loved cars. He owned over 100 in his lifetime. His most recent crushes were his white Audi S5 and his 1968 sky blue Dodge truck, a treasure he found while working in a small Wyoming town. Janet solidified his love forever when she secretly arranged for his truck to be painted to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

Dave recently received his 22-year sobriety chip and has been instrumental in helping others follow the path of sobriety. He continued to attend his Professionals in Recovery 12-step meetings to assist and support others who struggled. He spoke to church groups, addiction recovery groups, and BYU students to share his story of hope, humility, and courage.

Judgment was simply not part of Dave’s philosophy. He had a sincere willingness to forgive and to help others. His smile and laugh were infections and kindness permeated his relationships. He was soft-hearted, humble, and often teared up when talking of God and those he loved. Dave lived by faith and loved the quote made popular by “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” He also lived and taught the words of Dieter Uchtdorf that “life is not a self-driving car” and that we are each responsible for our personal journey. Dave often encouraged those struggling with addiction to “turn your soul toward the light. As you do so, your life will be better, happier, and more purposeful.” Though too soon for those he loved, Dave is driving his car toward the light and those who need his continued love and influence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N. University Avenue, Provo, UT. There will be a viewing on Friday, April 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary and on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Eastlawn Memorial Hills, Provo, UT.