Donald Clarence Peterson

Obituary Donald Peterson Donald Peterson Passed away peacefully on May 5, 2013 at the age of 92 in his home, surrounded by his family. At the end he faced death just as he faced life, with dignity and humility. Don was born April 11, 1921, in Ironton, Minnesota to CJR and Stella (Carr) Peterson. His early years were spent in Minnesota and North Dakota with his two brothers (Andrew and Thomas) and two sisters (Karen and Mary Ellen). Following his graduation from high school, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps, qualified in numerous aircraft and flew all over the world during World War II. After the war, he was employed as a commercial airline pilot. He married Christine Beritich in 1949. He attended El Camino College in California and became a Los Angeles Police Officer, Academy class of 1950. Over the next 10 years Don and Christine had three daughters, Lynn, Lori and Julie. During the Korean War, Don reenlisted as a pilot eventually achieving the rank of Major before being honorably discharged from the Air Force. He went on to complete 30 years of service with the Los Angeles Police Department in the Wilshire and Communications Divisions. In 1964 Don was the recipient of the Medal of Valor, the police department's highest honor, for his actions during the Baldwin Hills Dam disaster. This award is given to officers who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the call of duty. The dam break on Dec. 14, 1963 caused five deaths and the destruction of 277 homes. Don's actions that day were instrumental in preventing many additional casualties. After his retirement in 1980, Don and Christine traveled extensively which included many gatherings with fellow veterans. They also enjoyed frequent walks on the Huntington Beach Pier. But Don's favorite pastime was visiting his daughters, granddaughters, relatives and friends. Donald's family and friends remember him as a kind person, generous and dependable. He was very patriotic and a man of great integrity. He had a warm personality with a positive attitude and outlook, tempered with a touch of Irish humor and sentimentality. Above all, he valued his family, his faith and his country. Donald Peterson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Christine (Beritich); his daughters, Lynn Bond (Brian Johnston) of Long Beach, CA; Lori Snarski (Bob) of Tacoma, WA; Julie Bradley (Rick) of Huntington Beach, CA; four granddaughters, Lauren, Angela, Emily and Amy; his sister Karen LaPorte (Joe) of Tacoma, WA and many cherished nieces and nephews. Viewing from 4:00 PM 6:00 PM on Wednesday May 22, 2013 at Gaffney Funeral Home, 1002 South Yakima Ave. Tacoma. Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 North J St. in Tacoma, Thursday May 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Reception to follow. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. West, Tacoma. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.