Ray Peterson

Ray Peterson was born, June 25, 1960 in Coalville, Utah to Lyle and JoAnn Peterson. He passed away suddenly, January 26, 2019 from a heart attack.  He was the fourth child of eight. He grew up in Marion, Utah on the Peterson Farm. His life was spent outdoors, whether working on the farm, exploring the valley with friends, or bush-whacking through the Uintas.
He attended South Summit where he excelled at sports. His love of sports, especially basketball, extended throughout his life. He loved being part of any team, especially with his brothers and showing the youngsters how it was done. He loved supporting South Summit sports as a coach, spectator and player. He wasn't afraid of hard work or challenges. He believed he could do anything.  After High School, he tried to walk onto the Utah State basketball team. He made the cut but once they found out he wasn't a student he was he not able to stay.
He has built numerous homes around the valley; as a skilled and dedicated carpenter, he took great pride in a job well done. If it wasn't perfect it wasn't good enough. He was a quick learner, could solve anything; living up to the Ray Peterson motto of "we build anything" which he truly could; faster and better than anyone else.
He married Kristi Ellen Riddell on December 12, 1981. Together they raised four children continuing their adventures exploring the great outdoors. He loved his children and would do anything to help them. He tried his best to instill the values of hard work, kindness, service and a positive attitude. Ray married Deb Bladen on May 30, 2014. He spent all his free time taking her on adventures and they loved working together and going hiking as often as possible.
He was always quick witted with an infectious smile and a good joke. He looked on the bright side of life. He was terrified of wasting daylight. He loved to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. He was the hardest working man around; always working hard to provide for his family and serving his community.  He gave his family an amazing life for which they will always be grateful! Whether plowing the neighbors’ driveways or going to search for a stranger; he was always on the move.
He is survived by his wife, Debra; his former spouse, Kristi Ellen Riddell, his children, Shawn Ray (Megan) Peterson, Ashlee Peterson; Tyson (Shaylin) Peterson; and Shantell Peterson,  one grandson Fynnley James; his mother, JoAnn; and brothers, Kim (Donna);  Jeff (Nan); Paul (Kristy); Kent (LuAnn), and Chad (Kristy);  and his sisters,  Sheri (Rocky) Lewis, and Jan (Clark) Blazzard.
He is preceded in death by his father, Lyle.
Funeral service will be on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Kamas L.D.S. Stake Center in Marion, Utah.  Viewing will be on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 at the stake center.   In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Summit County Search and Rescue in Ray’s honor, Summit County Search and Rescue, C/O Kevin McCarthy, PO Box 680608, Park City, UT 84068. It is very appreciated.