Whitman County Gazette - Serving Whitman County since 1877

Arthur R. Peterson, 78, passed away on December 2, 2020, at The Courtyard in Colfax, Washington. He was born on February 28, 1942, to Olaf and Mary (Pitzel) Peterson in Seattle, Washington. Art graduated from West Seattle High School in 1960. He was on the school golf team and was an outstanding golfer winning many golf tournaments over the years. After graduation, Art worked at Associated Grocers and was part of the management program.

Art married Sandi Pool on September 5, 1970, and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Soon after their marriage they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa. A few years later they welcomed their second daughter, Laura. Art & Sandi hosted three exchange students over the years, Masayo, Pat and Clare, who became part of the family.

The Petersons lived in Colfax, Wash., for a year while was learning the insurance business from Sandi's parents and getting his insurance agent's license. He purchased an agency in Pasco, Washington, and on January 1, 1972, he opened Art Peterson Insurance. He retired in August 2008. Art served on the Board of Directors for Grange Insurance for 30 years before retiring in April 2019.

Art and Sandi lived in Pasco for 48 years before returning to Colfax in March 2020 to be closer to their daughter, Laura. Art had a love for growing roses and the Peterson's yard was always beautiful when all of the rose bushes would bloom. He loved reading various newspapers and watching college football, especially the Huskies! Art and Sandi were also strong supporters of Pasco Schools, Junior Grange, and the 4H program. He was a lifetime member of Columbia Valley Grange #938 in Pasco and together with Sandi co-chaired the Grange food booth at the Benton-Franklin County Fair for over 30 years.

Art is survived by his wife, Sandi; his two daughters, Laura (Scott) Lyle and grandson, Jacob of Pullman, Wash., and Lisa Peterson of Seattle, Wash. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Peterson and by his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Courtyard and Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they gave to Art. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Wooten Jr Grange Camp, P.O. Box 3033, Pasco, WA 99302. A celebration of live will take place at a later date. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.