Gary Peterson

Gary Martin Peterson, 89, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on May 20, 1935, in Tremonton, Utah, Gary was the son of Lorin and Myrle Peterson. He grew up alongside his siblings Dennis, Karen, and Dixie in Ogden, where he developed a deep appreciation for family, education, and service.
Education played a significant role in Gary's early life, and he excelled academically at Ogden High School. It was during his senior year at a school dance that he met Barbara Clarke, starting their relationship, which led to their marriage. Gary pursued his education further at Weber Junior College, graduating with High Honors and becoming actively involved in the Alpha Rho Omega fraternity, where he served as President. Continuing his education, Gary earned his Bachelor's degree in Business and Social Studies from Utah State University. During his time there, he was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
In 1954, Gary answered the call to serve his country, joining the Navy Reserves. His military career took him to various locations, including Athens, Georgia, Davisville, Rhode Island, and Fallon, Nevada. It was during this time that he married Barbara Clarke in the Logan LDS Temple on September 27, 1957. Shortly after their marriage, they were blessed with two children, Steven and Laurie.
Following his military service, Gary returned to Ogden and began his successful career in banking as a Trust officer and Vice President. He worked at various banks including the Bank of Utah, Key Bank, Commercial Security, First Security Bank, and Wells Fargo, establishing lasting friendships along the way. Even in retirement, Gary maintained his sense of humor, often joking that he had worked for every bank in town. Through his professional career, he was active in the Optimist Club and Kiwanis Club where he served as President.
Gary had a love for music, particularly the trumpet and coronet, where he played throughout high school and college. In his later years, he found joy in sharing his love for music with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, entertaining them with his skill and teaching them the basics of the trumpet and piano. He enjoyed playing the piano for many years in his priesthood quorum.
Gary loved the outdoors - fishing, hunting, golfing, motorcycling, boating, and doing anything he could outside with friends and family. He had a respect for nature and enjoyed its beauty. From about the time he could hold a fishing pole, his dad took him and his brother out fishing at Pineview Reservoir. He was an avid hunter and almost nothing brought him more enjoyment than the family deer hunts as a boy and later when his son Steve was able to join him.
Travel was another of Gary's great passions, and he explored much of the world with Barbara, friends and family. A few of his favorites were China, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and numerous other destinations. He shared his love for family and building memories by taking his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family on many vacations. Some of these included his annual Bear Lake trips, St George golfing trips, and many cruises.
Gary was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings in the Ben Lomond 5th Ward, where he lived for almost 50 years. He and Barbara recently served as missionaries in the Addiction Recovery Program.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Barbara Peterson, daughter Laurie Clayton, siblings Dennis (Kathy) Peterson, Karen (Pete) Belliston, and Dixie (Dennis) Anderson, nine grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Peterson and his parents Lorin and Myrle Peterson.
Above all, Gary will be remembered for his love for his family. He was a devoted father to Steven Martin (Kathy) Peterson and Laurie Clayton, a proud grandpa, and a doting and fun-loving great grandpa. Gary was an example and support to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their achievements with pride. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A viewing will be held on July 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah, followed by funeral services at 11:30 AM. Graveside service to follow at the Ogden Cemetery, 1875 Monroe Blvd., Ogden, Utah.
Gary's funeral service will be streamed by Livecontrol at the bottom of his obituary at www.myers-mortuary.com. To watch click this link https://MyersMortuary.livecontrol.tv/55801720. If unable to watch at this time the service will remain on the Myers website indefinitely.