Roger David Peterson

Roger was born in St. Cloud, MN. “Mom, Dad, let’s move out of here,” those were his words when he was nine months old, and “I’m sticking to it” he would say. His family moved to Longview, WA in 1942. He graduated high school from Mark Morris Senior High School in 1961 and later joined the Navy after graduating and was released from active duty in July 1963.

Most of his career life was in the technology industry. He worked for 20 years with Xerox Corporation developing software and 5 years with Oracle selling software. He was active in the community and organized the annual special Olympics in Westchester, CA. He was an active member of the Junior Chamber (Jaycees). He coached youth basketball at the local recreation center. He loved to run and ride his bike. His first marathon was in 1978. He completed 15 marathons and 3 STP (Seattle to Portland) Bike Ride. In 1984, when the Olympic was held in Los Angeles, he was one of the runners that passed the torch light and got to keep the torch for himself.

Roger retired in 2004 and married to Edna Lorenzo and moved to Mulino, Oregon in 2006. He bought a tractor and considered himself a farmer. He and Edna traveled a lot within the United States and out of the country. He was so proud of himself when he went to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa at age 81!

Roger was a funny, caring, loving and God-fearing person.  He loved to invest in real estate and owned rental properties. He loved cars so much that he’ll tell you the make and model of the old car on the road.  He loved to organize family and friends’ picnics to serve his famous BBQ chicken. He loved to go bowling, play volleyball, crochet, and bocce ball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Peterson & Neva Stavrum, his brother, Howard, sister Opal, & son Curtis.

Survivors include his wife, Edna; a daughter and son-in-law, Theresa, and Bill; stepson and wife, Joseph and Carmina; stepdaughter and husband, Jenna Mae and Archie; sister-in-law, Vesta, three grandchildren Camille, Joshua, and Lara; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews who loved him so much.