E. Robert Peterson

E. Robert (Rob) Peterson, 71, a native of Fort Collins, CO walked into the SONrise at 6:30am on Monday, November 7, 2016. As any good hunter would, he left early.

He is joining his mother, Evelyn Peterson; sister, Kathy Sandifer; as well as his beloved grandfather, George, and the rest of his grandparents in heaven.

Born here in Fort Collins, CO on December 5, 1944, Rob lived his life showing all of us how to live with Huntington's Disease (HD) vs. letting HD take your life away. He did this with grace and dignity.

He is survived by his father and step mother, Earl and Carolyn Peterson of Phoenix, AZ; his sister and niece, Darleen Gonzales and Tiffany Miramonti of Fort Collins, CO, his niece, Christine Sandifer of Thornton, CO, and his nephew and wife, Eric and Annie Sandifer with their children Katy, Noah, and Addison who live in Amarillo, TX.

His children from his marriage to Linda (Suddarth) McFann in 1964 are Lana M. Peterson of Fort Collins, CO, and Paula J. (Peterson) Agnew, and her husband, Greg. Paula and Greg gave Rob two grandsons, Taylor and Caed. They all live in Grand Junction, CO. His daughters brought great meaning and purpose to his life and he loved them dearly.

He leaves behind his good hunting buddy and cousin, Les Peterson - who was closer than a brother and his wife, Gelene Peterson, who is family that he would have chosen to be his friend. They have been an incredible bedrock of support for Rob as he fought the good fight against Huntington's.

Rob was a 1963 graduate of Fort Collins High School. He lettered in wrestling and cruised around town with his dear cousin, Les Peterson and friends, Jerry Summers, Bob Sandmann, Dick Kyle, Ed Stoner, and Tom Kuhn - all of who were up to no good ; ) He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was enlisted with the Navy Seabees from 1966-67.

After graduating from high school Rob worked as a finish carpenter for his father's business, Alpine Homes and then join Eastman Kodak working as an HVAC Technician for 26 years. He retired in 1998 and enjoyed his retirement at home with his family.

On Valentine's Day in 1983 Rob asked Sami (McCormack) Peterson to marry him, they wed on August 13, 1983, in Grand Lake CO, their favorite place on the earth. They had a son, William Peterson 23 years ago. Rob introduced Sami to the wonders of nature and all that God has created and shared that love with his son on two special hunting trips with "SYC of Colorado". In 2013 he and Will spent a memorable weekend with "Christ in the Rockies" bonding as father and son. William is happy to know that Rob will enjoy spending time with their dogs Joshua and Skip in heaven.

Rob was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. His second home was Rocky Mountain National Park and his spirit lives on in the hills of Fall River Valley as well as Baker and Bowen Gulch. He was a faithful Bronco's fan and spent many hours creating lifetime memories of "watching the game" together. He loved hot coffee and often challenged his family to "be the first one to spot an Elk" so he could buy everyone an ice cream shake after a drive up the Poudre.

He was a member of Council Tree Covenant Church for 29 years and he and his family found their Spiritual Home there in the midst of his battle with Huntington's. Their unconditional love and support carries his family through this most difficult time.

In lieu of flowers feel free to make a tax deductible donation to Hope Conquering Huntington's at any USBank location.