Ronald Carold "Clem" Peterson

Ronald Carold “Clem” Peterson

On the morning of May 7, 2022, Ronald Carold “Clem” Peterson passed peacefully in his home, at the age of 84, surrounded by family.

Ronald was born in the city of Logan, Cache County, Utah on the 25^th day of January 1938. He was the first born of five, to Mary Eloise and Carold Christiansen Peterson.

He learned the meaning of hard work, as a young man, on his grandfather’s farm in Logan. Which was where he was dubbed “Clem” by one of his friends that dropped by and found him on a tractor wearing bib overalls, a hat, and sporting a spike of wheat in his teeth. Working for Kennecott Copper Corporation would be his career. He retired as a machinist from the Smelter there. While his father was living, Ronald worked part-time for him as a painter. In retirement he helped lots of Magna folk as a handyman, doing painting, carpentry, plumbing, and such for many years.

A simple man, Ron marveled at all the wonders in the universe. He had an insatiable hunger for knowledge and spent many of his earthly hours exploring his passions. An avid reader, he perused many topics: Histories, biographies, mechanics, engineering, mining, gold, and even Louis L’Amour novels. He would then go out into the world and do his own research.

Exploring the land in search of old mining towns, and old mines, was always a worthwhile pursuit, as was panning for gold even as far as Alaska. His daughter LeAnn sometimes wondered if he may have been more comfortable in the wild west of the gold rush era.

Ron was comfortable exploring the world by himself but was really delighted to see it through the eyes of his grandchildren. Many of them have stories of adventures with Grandpa Pete, often tinged with just a bit of fear. Some accounts tell of being “lost in the desert,” or “the dune buggy running out of gas in the middle of nowhere,” or “ had to walk for hours to find a phone when the truck broke down.”

He enjoyed the company of friends, many of them life-long. They provided great times and left him with wonderful memories, that he loved to share.

Ron cared about people. He strived to live by the Golden Rule. His word was his bond. He did business on a handshake, until you didn’t keep your word. There were not many second chances. Right and wrong were black and white in his eyes. Although he was easy going, by nature, if you crossed him…well, let’s just say you always knew where you stood with him.

Together, he and his mother, Mary, created a tradition of making Grandma’s peanut brittle, pizzelles, and Ron’s homemade beef jerky at Christmas for all the kids and family friends. When his mother passed, he would continue that tradition on for the rest of his Christmases. Christmas will not be the same without that jerky!       

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley May, his father, C.C. Peterson, mother, Mary Eloise, all of his siblings; Patricia, Val Robert, Nancy, and Gayle, as well as his grandson, Mark E. Peterson, Jr. and his first wife, Lynda Sue.

He is survived by his children LeAnn (Clay), Cindy (Rick), Ronald Jr., Mark (Andrea), and Guy. His stepchildren, Kelly (Tena), Shauna (Kirk), and Stacey (Ted). He is survived too, by 20 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren (one of which will arrive in October) , and 2 great-great grandchildren. As well as his fur baby, Baby, who was his fondest companion and a source of great joy for the last ten years.

Special thanks to Dr. Brian Zehnder, and Brooke, Kennia, Wendy, and Judy at Wasatch Hospice for your loving and supportive attention to our father and our family.

It was Ron’s wish to have his remains cremated. Past that he said, “I don’t care what you do. Throw my ashes out in the backyard, if ya want.”

Friends and family are welcome to gather for a Celebration of Ronald “Clem” on Friday the 24^th of June, 2022, at 2:30pm until 5:30pm. To be held at the Webster Center, 8952 W Main Street, Magna UT.