Robert Peterson, 92

Robert Fredrick Peterson was called to heaven Thursday evening, Oct. 19, 2023 at age 92. He was living in Richland, Wash., at the time of his death.

Dad was determined to make it to his 92nd birthday and he did it! Dad enjoyed good health for many years, but over the last two years there were many challenges that he met with his usual calm strength. It is this calm strength from our father that gave us the stability we had growing up, and continues to guide us through life’s challenges.

Thank you, Dad, for always being a safe, stable father that we could depend on to care for us and listen to us. We miss you in so many ways, especially talking with you across the dinner table or sitting next to you watching sports, but we are finding ways to celebrate your life. Until we meet again, you are forever in our hearts.

Dad was born Sept. 18, 1931, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Jerome and Rosanna Peterson, joining brother John. Dad grew up on Superior Street in Sandpoint and had many fond memories of a childhood spent growing up in a small town, back in a time when life was simpler. We would visit Sandpoint often over the years, with Dad pointing out special places and remembering the houses where friends and family grew up. His father worked in the lumber industry and his mother was at home. Dad started working at age 12, cleaning restrooms in a dress shop in Sandpoint. After learning to drive at age 14, he began delivering groceries. He graduated from Sandpoint High in 1949 and headed off to the University of Idaho where he was a Sigma Nu and studied political science. 

During his time at Idaho he was introduced to Leone Harris of Libby, Mont., and after many trips between Moscow and Pullman while dating, Dad passed his pin. Mom and Dad were married June 5, 1954, at Simpson United Methodist Church in Pullman, Wash. Their honeymoon was spent driving across the country, ending up in Georgia where Dad began Army training. This would be the first of many trips across the country throughout his life. 

After his time in the Army, Dad used his GI Bill to study law, once again moving across the country to Spokane, Wash., to enroll at Gonzaga University. This plan didn’t work out, so Dad transferred to The George Washington University Law School, in Washington, D.C., meaning yet another trip across the country.

After graduating, Dad clerked for Judge McNichols, a United States District Judge from Idaho. During this time, son Jack was born, followed by daughter Susan, six years later. Dad decided to apply to the FBI and after training, he was assigned to the Los Angeles Field Office and after a few years there, he was transferred to FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. Dad spent the bulk of his career at headquarters, working in many different roles and retired from the FBI at the young age of 56. 

Mom and Dad decided to retire in the Pacific Northwest, returning to their roots, choosing Spokane as their home. In his retirement years, Dad was happiest at home, taking meticulous care of the home, yard and cars, he was always busy with household tasks. Most Friday mornings he could be seen at Rosauer's or Yoke's, taking care of the weekly shopping. He volunteered his time at Church of the Resurrection in the Spokane Valley, working on the newsletter, taking care of the church grounds, and participating in church services. In his later retirement, Dad cared for Mom through Alzheimer’s.

Dad is survived by son Jack of Spokane, Wash., and daughter, Susan of Richland, Wash.; grandsons Robby of Jackson, Mich., and Andrew of Richland, Wash.; and nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by wife, Leone; parents, Rosanna and Jerome; and brother, John. 

Private family services have been held.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us” (Helen Keller)

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Bob’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.