Laurence C. "Laurie" Peterson November 30, 1931 - February 1, 2012

Laurence C. "Laurie" Peterson of Black Butte Ranch, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away on February 1, from complications of lymphoma.

He was 80.

A memorial service was held on Monday, February 6, at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church. A celebration of the life of Laurie immediately followed at the Brooks Room at the Black Butte Ranch Lodge.

Laurie was born on November 30, 1931, in Jamestown, New York, to Clifford and Marjorie (Rollinson) Peterson. He grew up in Jamestown, and San Mateo, California, graduating from San Mateo High School in 1950. Laurie received a bachelor of science degree in economics from Willamette University in 1954, where he was a member of Phi Theta Delta fraternity, serving as president in his senior year.

Following college, he served in the U.S. Air Force, training as a jet pilot. He spent nearly 50 years as a specialist in the medical benefits insurance field.

Laurie and his wife, Mary Ann, made their home in Cupertino, California, for 24 years, and retired to Black Butte Ranch in 1997. He enjoyed fly fishing, golf, travel, hunting, and the outdoors, but his greatest joy was enjoying family and good friends. Friends and loved ones will remember him for his warmth, generosity and gentle spirit.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Peterson; daughters, Kris (husband Randy) Bleske and Tracy (husband Jearld) Waitkus; and his son Eric Peterson. Other survivors include his two grandchildren, Sonja and Theo Waitkus; and his brother Ron Peterson.

Memorial contributions in Laurie's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Nipomo, CA, under Tracy Waitkus' participant page. http://www.relayforlife.org.