Richard Henry Peterson

Richard Henry “Pete” Peterson, Lt Cmdr (U.S.Navy-Ret) 1919 – 2018 Heaven has gained another angel. Richard was born in Weiser, Idaho in 1919 to David and Martha Peterson - #7 of 10 children. At age 98, Richard was the last surviving member of his 1937 high school class of St. Teresa Academy in Boise, Idaho. Richard loved being a pilot. His deep passion for flying began at age 15 – and he soloed at 16 in a Taylorcraft Barnstormer. He and his brothers were bush pilots in the early days. Bush flying involves operations in rough terrain where there are no prepared landing strips. Short or no runway? Tie your plane to a tree, rev the engine and then cut the line. Falling leaf anyone? Proudly, Richard recovered from every acrobatic stunt performed. He was always searching for an adventure. He enlisted in the Navy at age 19 and then his passion became his job when his Naval Reserve assignment turned to active duty on December 7, 1941. He went on to serve in three wars – WWII, Korea and Vietnam and was a proud 31 year Navy Veteran.  He was a great American. Richard was among the first group of pilots to land SNJ’s at the brand new Whiting Field on July 4th, 1943. He was also among the very first group of trained instrument flight instructors for the US Navy. He loved teaching his flight students how to recover from a stall – especially without a gyro horizon. Richard’s favorite plane to fly was a Grumman F6F Hellcat - it was the US Navy's dominant fighter in the second half of the Pacific War and he loved its power. He spent much of his later Navy career on carriers and enjoyed the challenge of takeoffs and landings on moving ships. He was a superb pilot. Even with all his military accomplishments, Richard is best known as an example of walking in faith. He was a lifelong Catholic and daily communicant throughout his life. He was a faithful steward and led by example. Richard’s incredible positive outlook was contagious to all who knew him. He saw blessings in each and every step of life’s journey, no matter how difficult. All his life, he was a faithful child of God. Richard met and married Myrtle L. ‘Tiny” Livingston while stationed in Pensacola, FL and together they raised 3 children, Marvin, Francis and Barbara whom he loved dearly. He was a devoted dad and husband. On January 28, 2018, Richard left behind his daughter Barbara and his precious grand and great-grandchildren to carry his memory into the future. He is missed here on Earth, but is a great addition to the angels in Heaven. Visitation will begin at 1:30 PM followed by a 2 PM Memorial Mass on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lillian, AL.  Burial to immediately follow at Bayview Cemetery on Scenic Hwy in Pensacola. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to his church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 34290 Hwy 98, Lillian AL 36549. ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.551 S. MCKENZIE STREETFOLEY, AL  36535