Today is the 7th anniversary of my husbands death and I am posting a tribute to Dave written by our son David. I quote with honor.
"On my Dad’s Birthday My Mom, Donna, told everyone about
David Lee Peterson. I am going to
attempt to follow her by telling everyone about him as my father. Growing up, my Dad went beyond being a good
provider for the family. I cannot
remember a time where the family went without anything. I remember that we always had food, a nice
home, and clothes. But that doesn’t tell
you anything that you wouldn’t expect from any father.
Dad was always supportive.
Mom said how he stepped up to become a Scout Leader when I was both a
Cub Scout and later a Boy Scout. Without
his support and guidance I would have never become the Boy Scout I take pride
in being. I reached the rank of Eagle
Scout because of Dads support. Being
involved in the Boy Scouts wasn’t just about me; Dad was an active participant
as well taking on leadership roles beyond the local troop level. He served on the staff at the National
Jamboree in 1985, He attended a training called Wood Badge where adult leaders
are trained in scouting in the troop format being assigned to an eight person
patrol. At the end of the training, he
was selected as the permanent Patrol Leader for his Patrol. I was also privileged to serve as the Night
Chief when Dad was “Called Out” to receive the Order of the Arrows Vigil Honor,
an honor that is rarely awarded to adults like Dad. I know that outside of Scouting this won’t
mean much, but they are distinguished honors that he richly earned.
Now looking at my Dad as an adult I think understand why
people were drawn to him. I believe that
he would be there to listen to them without judgment and only if they wanted it
would he offer his opinion or advice.
Sometime people just needed someone to listen to and not fix what was
wrong. I remember that during a
gathering, it didn’t matter what type, he would find a spot at a table in the
back corner of the room and pick a spot where he could survey the room. Soon, all types of people would congregate to
that table where everyone would be sharing “War Stories”, jokes, solving world
problems, or just pontificating on whatever was on their minds. Dad would be sitting there with a smile and
throwing his two cents worth in as well and soon the rest of the room was a
secondary event.
At a recent work dinner for a group of employees in from
around the US and Canada that I was the one at the back corner table with the
group of people gathered around while I shared the war stories and had the
attention of the group. Then I had one
of those “A Ha” moments and thought of Dad.
After Mom and Dad retired to Florida I didn’t see them as
often as I should have and that is no one’s fault but my own. I didn’t know any of Dads friends from Church
or the Knights of Columbus but I know he believed he belonged to the right
Parish for him and that he was proud of the Knights of Columbus chapter he was
a member of and that he was a big part of bringing a foundering chapter back to
a strong chapter.
I lost Dad too soon.
He was the greatest man I have ever had the honor of knowing and the
best thing is he is my Father. He and my
Mother made me who I am today and every day I hope that I am living up to their
expectations and that I make them proud.
Dad, I Love You and Miss You and still think about you daily.
David Michael Peterson.
p.s. The night Dad died I had fallen asleep with my blanket
only half on and at some point it was flipped up over my head waking me
up. Dad covering me one last time. Then when moving Mom out of the house in
Florida I “Inherited” Dads beloved avocado green electric carving knife. I went to use it on Christmas and suddenly I
could not find the blades. The next day
as I am putting the clean dishes away I find the blades in the drawer right on
top of the other silverware. Dads sense
of humor I guess."
Thank you David for your insight and sharing your perception of your Dad.
Thank you David for your insight and sharing your perception of your Dad.