Charles V. Peterson

CLINTON – Charles Victor Peterson, 78, beloved father, brother and mountain man, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013. He was surrounded by family.

Charlie was the second child born to Victor and Ethel Peterson in Missoula, on Sept. 7, 1934. He had four siblings, Judy, Sandy, Douglas and Wanda.

On Aug. 17, 1958, Charlie married Shirley Ann Rankin in Sheridan. From this marriage came three children, Debra Ann, Patti Doreen and Charles Wade. Later in life, son Joshua Mathew was added to the family.

Charlie tried his hand at several career choices, but ever an outdoorsman, spent his career working for the railroad. He started at age 16 by "sneaking in" using his father's Social Security number. He left his job a year later to join the Navy. He was able to enlist early by having his father sign for him. After his naval career, Charlie returned to the railroad, spending the majority of his career working for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

As a result of traveling with his work, Charlie could take you anywhere in western Montana without hardly ever hitting pavement. He knew the back roads and mountain passes as well as anyone. We all referred to his routes as, "Charlie's Highways." He deeply loved being outdoors, and after retirement he would spend the majority of each spring, summer and fall enjoying his favorite camping spots or discovering new ones.

Aside from his love for the outdoors, Charlie had a passion for creating art. Anyone who was ever close to him, more than likely, has a piece of artwork given to them from him. His medium was indescribable. He would paint, he would carve or he would pick up a piece of material and turn it into whatever Charlie thought it should look like. His paintings usually came with handmade frames, adorned with whatever whimsical ideas or additions Charlie had at hand. His carvings usually reflected whatever was on Charlie's mind at the time.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Vick Peterson and Ethel Peterson Halvari; his sister, Judy Bush; and his beloved wife, Shirley Ann Peterson.

He is survived by his sister, Sandy (Ron) Philpott of Missoula; brother, Douglas Halvari of Kalispell; sister, Wanda Halvari Asbury of Olympia, Wash.; his children, Debra (Curt) Sowre of Clinton, Patti (Denny) Figueroa of Bonner, Wade (Alicia) Peterson of Philipsburg and Joshua Parsons Peterson of Great Falls; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie was a true friend to whomever he met. If you only met Charlie once, you never forgot him. It continually astounded his family that, wherever you traveled with Charlie, there was usually someone there who knew him. Charlie believed that you could either exist or you could live. Charlie truly lived. He will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial and celebration of life will be announced and held in "The spring of the upcoming year," Charlie's favorite time of year. Charlie's last words were, "I love you all," so in lieu of flowers or donations, please give someone you love a hug.

Read Charles Peterson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.