Gary Jon Peterson

Gary Jon Peterson was born in Seattle, Washington to John Walter (Bud) & Frances (Kathryn) Peterson on May 24, 1942 . Gary went to be with his Savior on March 12, 2024. Gary was the oldest of 3 children. When he was 7 years old & his brother, Michael Walter, was 2, they moved to Kingsburg, CA to his Uncle Gotfried Anderson's farm on Nebraska Ave. His sister, Lynn Ann was born on the farm. It was there that they learned to work hard, as well as enjoying the benefits of farm life. He attended Colony Covenant Church & accepted Jesus as his Lord & Savior at 9 years old @ Mission Springs Camp. Gary attended Clay Elementary School 2nd.- 8th. Grade & Kingsburg High School (Class of 1960). He graduated from Reedley College & Fresno State College with a BA in Physical Education & a General Credential in Teaching. He worked as a Custodian & Bus Driver for Riverview School. Gary's first teaching job was in Fresno @ El Capitan for 2 years. He moved to Washington Jr. High in Dinuba, CA. where he taught Science for 35 years & coached Football, Tennis & Golf. He also taught Rocketry & Gardening & any class requested by the administration. During his summers, he worked at Del Monte Cannery driving forklift & loading box cars for 25 years. On March 21, 1964, Gary married Janice Erickson. They were married for 60 years & were blessed with 2 sons, Bryan Gary born in Sept., 1966 & Darin Jon born in April, 1969. Gary loved teaching his boys how to work hard & enjoy the outdoors as he had done all of his life. He was always in awe of God's creation. He had an adventurous spirit & enjoyed many years of camping, hiking, & climbing with his family. He was active playing tennis, biking, racquetball, canoeing & kayaking & taught his boys to love the same. He loved downhill & cross-country skiing taking overnight camping trips to Dewey Point in the snow. Yosemite back country was special to him & he got excited to hike Half Dome & the John Muir Trail & Sierras with his sons & friends every chance he had. Gary & Janice were active members of First Baptist Church Kingsburg working with boy's ministries of Brigade & serving many years as small group leader & Deacon. He loved the Lord & served faithfully in several ministries. Gary & Janice enjoyed many travel trips & cruises together & with close friends. They spent as much time as they could as a family on the Central Coast in Pismo. They loved & appreciated being able to live in Kingsburg & be a part of all the wonderful advantages of small town life. He collected T-shirts from the first Swedish Dala Horse Trot & ran faithfully every year. Gary's greatest love was the Lord his Savior & his family. He is survived by his wife, Janice, son Bryan, son Darin & wife Amy, his 5 grandsons & their spouses: Levi & Sydney of Clovis, Luke & Molly, Jacob & Karlee, Joshua, Johnny, all of Kingsburg & his 2 granddaughters: Elle of Clovis & Faith of Kingsburg. He is also survived by his brother, Michael & wife Laurinda of Benicia, & his sister, Lynn & husband Ray of Dana Point, as well as many nieces & nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 22nd, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 1615 Draper Street, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Gary Jon Peterson

May 24, 1942 - March 12, 2024