Harold "Pete" Peterson

Harold "Pete" Peterson passed away from a heart attack, Thursday, July 21st, 2016, while at his beloved lake place at Flathead. A little known fact; the angel they sing about in the Christmas carol; "Hark the Harold angel sings," was named after him. Yes, Pete, could tell a tale, leaving one wondering, "Is he kidding?"
Pete was born, September 19th, 1942 in Kankakee, Illinois, to Edwin Peterson and Marcella Einfeldt. Pete grew up in Kankakee and upon graduation from high school, came to his home for life, Missoula, Montana. In 1960, he enrolled at the University of Montana. He was a walk on basketball player for the University of Montana, earned a scholarship and played four years for the Grizzlies. Pete was a pure shooting guard and according to him, many professional basketball players used his shot as a model of perfection. Pete graduated from the University in only eight years, earning a physical/health degree, and a Doctorate in B.S.
On March 21st, 1964, Pete married his companion, friend and confidante, Joni Lyons. Together they built what was most important, a loving family, having two children, Jill and Tim.
While at the University, Pete worked for White Pine Mill. Upon graduation, he went to work for Mueller tire. Sharing his infectious optimism and gregarious personality, he became the lead salesman. Pete then went to work for Modern Machinery, and was proud to say that in over a year, he did not sell a "big one." Returning to the tire business he worked for Missoula Tire, which became Whalen tire, where he was employed at the time of his passing. Pete, travelled all over Montana building relationships, based on loyalty, trust and his affable personality. He was proud of the fact that even after over forty years of driving a truck, he was unable to back up a boat trailer.
Pete officiated all levels of Montana basketball; he was proud to be an M.O.A. official for thirty six years. He took great pride in the service for our young student/athletes. As was the life of Pete, he was a "caretaker." Always, placing the needs of others before him. The word "I" was not in his vocabulary.
His primary passion of "family first" fueled his tireless devotion to improving the lake cabin for others enjoyment. Further loves included, the Montana Grizzlies and Dallas Cowboys. Pete's motto was, "a guy could make a million bucks but spend time with family, and you could make a million memories." He would import welcoming joy and warmth into a room, mingling with anyone and everyone. To Pete, new acquaintance or old friend, everyone mattered, joshing, "glad you got to see me today!"
Pete was preceded in death by, his parents, Edwin and Marcella and sister-in-law Pat; his, "adopted" father and friend, Lawrence Lyons.
Survivors include his wife, Joni, Missoula; daughter Jill Malone, husband Greg, grandsons Brian and Joshua, Missoula; Tim, wife Rosita, children; Jazzer- Rae, Sting-Ray, Sonny-Ray Gustafson; Pete's brother; Rudy and family, brother Dennis (Sondra-son David), sister Linda (Bob) Boyd and family; sister-in-Law, Debbie (John) Fillmore, Florence; brother-In-law, Michael (Cheryl) children Danielle and Jace, Missoula. "His girl," Springer Spaniel, Molly. Numerous nieces and nephews.
A very special gratitude to Valerie Saltz, daughter Leah (Randy-Izak) Rowe and Niki Silverberg, for all of their heartfelt assistance at this time. Your efforts eased our family’s heavy hearts.
Services will be held Tuesday, July 26th 2pm at Garden City Funeral Home, 1700 W. Broadway. Dan Dixson, officiating. Reception will follow service. Cremation has been requested; burial at Missoula City Cemetery, at a later date. Donations may be made to a Youth group or Animal shelter of your choice.
We were blessed with hitting the "Big Lotto'' by having Pete in our lives. His model of "giving to others" is a gift to the Lord, "Hey Pete, have you told Jesus the angel story yet?"..... Heaven is smiling and laughing! Thank you, "Peter the Great!"