More detail on this person: The world is poorer today, for it has lost a gentle soul. Dean Thomas Peterson left his world of suffering and began his next journey Aug. 8, 2012. He was 64 years old when he died of cancer. He was born Oct. 20,1947, to Wendell Peterson and Jean (Tommy) Thomson Peterson in Lewiston. He graduated from Lewiston High School, and attended the University of Idaho. Dean was affiliated with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and was an infamous member of the even more infamous "Spanky and Our Gang." He served his country in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. It was a war fought by the young, and Dean often commented "they called me 'the old man,' and I was 23." During that conflict, he served extensively as flight leader - "Yellow One" - and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other decorations and honors. At the time of his honorable discharge at the conclusion of his service, Dean had been promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. When he returned home, he moved to Canada, and continued his career as a helicopter pilot. After spending time flying in the employment of others, he co-founded Union Helicopters, with Dean serving as chief pilot, and his co-founder as chief engineer. The company was based in Ladner, British Columbia. Union Helicopters was involved in a great deal of firefighting in the Western Provinces, but not exclusively. Dean also did helicopter logging and archaeology missions where his expertise in "how things look from the air" led to discoveries of ancient native campsites. Dean and Vicki Huntington shared a longtime relationship; and, although the relationship changed with time, they remained close until the end. Dean was affiliated with the Ladner Chapter of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he forged many lasting friendships. After selling Union Helicopters, he was semi-retired. He did function as manager of the Legion for some time, as well as engaging in the craft of engraving. During the last three years, he split his time between Lewiston and Point Roberts, Wash. He was well on his way to becoming an expert grower of tomatoes, babying his fruit and vegetable plants and his flowers with tender care. Dean's constant companion of the last 13 years has been a particularly endearing border collie, Sultana. A remarkably intelligent and wonderfully trained dog, she would be the envy of most dog owners. She presented a conundrum in her youth, though, as Dean explained "the problem is really three-fold: she's smarter than I am, she's faster than I am, and ... she knows it." Dean was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his siblings: Phil (Pam) Peterson, Doug (Judy) Peterson, Wendy (Bill) Armstrong, and Darlene Storey. His life was celebrated in a private ceremony Saturday, Aug. 11, at a family northern Idaho forest property originally homesteaded by his grandfather in 1911 and the site of many happy outings in Dean's youth during which multiple cans of "shoestring potatoes" were invariably consumed by the participants. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that memorials be made in his name to St Joseph Family Hospice or to the charity of the donor's choice.
This information was last updated 03/19/2018
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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