Gordon Allen Peterson

Obituary for Gordon Allen Peterson

Gordon Allen Peterson, 88, of Midway, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family on March 2, 2026. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Julie Rae Paschal (December 29, 2019), a son, Cameron Collin Peterson (2022), and his only sibling, Judy Nicholson (2025). He is survived by his children, Jordan (Adrienne), Lezlie (John Evans), Whitney (Ann Marie), Cameron’s wife, Lisa, Christian (Darci), and Brennan (Krista), as well as 38 grandchildren (including spouses) and 24 great-grandchildren.

Gordon was born April 18, 1937, in Ely, Nevada to Allen Devoe Peterson and Neva Gertrude Herrell. A year after he was born, he was joined by his sister, Judy, completing their family of four. His young childhood was spent in Nevada where he was surrounded by loving parents and extended family members. In 1945, Gordon’s parents made the decision to leave the Silver State and move to the Bay Area of California in pursuit of better employment.

Gordon spent his adolescent and teen years in Concord, California where he was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Boy Scouts of America. He served as his seminary class president and earned his Eagle Scout award. An all-American boy, Gordon ran high school track, held down a paper route and had a love for animals, especially his beloved collie, Butch, who became an award-winning show dog.

When Gordon graduated high school, he pursued higher education, attending Mt. Diablo Community College and Brigham Young University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in business administration, the latter being the inaugural MBA class at BYU, a class of 13 graduates.

In 1956, Gordon met his future wife, Julie, in his first semester at BYU when they were in a theatrical play together. They fell in love and she waited for him while he served a two-year mission for the LDS Church to New England (1957-59). Upon his return, they were married in the Manti, Utah temple June 4, 1960.

After he completed his MBA, Gordon took a job with IBM where he spent 30 years selling main frame computing systems and consulting to improve business productivity. He achieved the highest levels of sales awards at IBM and one year he was the first person in the entire company to achieve his sales goal. Upon his retirement from IBM, Gordon was asked to serve as the State of Utah’s first Chief Information Officer (CIO) under Governor Mike Leavitt. He eventually served as vice-chair of the country’s states CIO board.

Gordon spent his entire life serving in community positions and in his church. He was a BSA scoutmaster for many years, seeing four of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, while many of his former scouts today call him “the world’s greatest scoutmaster.” Gordon led two troops from Utah to the National and World Jamborees in the early 1980s. Gordon also served as chairman of the board of the Utah Food Bank and served in many leadership capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, namely as a bishop, stake young men president, bishop’s counselor, and served four full-time LDS missions (New England, West Indies, Temple Square and Heber Valley Welfare Services). His service was merely a reflection of his faith in God and His son, Jesus Christ. He was a disciple of Christ, first and foremost and lived by the mantra, “Be a doer of the word, and not just a hearer.” His faith never wavered and was reflected in his daily actions and the way he treated others, especially his family.

Something Gordon will always be remembered for was his love of BYU and its athletics programs. He was a 40-year member of the Cougar Club, a football and basketball season ticket holder and the owner of many BYU shirts and hats. Gordon was a member of the BYU Marriott School of Business National Advisory Council and served in local BYU Management Society leadership positions.

Gordon’s greatest love and ambitions in life were for his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He and Julie enjoyed 59 years of marriage, always with their eyes on the prize of an eternal family. They were partners and wonderful parents, working through the challenges of life together and celebrating the joy of unconditional love one for another. The six years since her passing were Gordon’s most difficult years as he has mourned her loss every day. Gordon’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be forever touched by his love and kindness. He remembered each of their birthdays and always sent a note along with some birthday money. He was always willing to take a phone call and catch up. He never left a family member conversation without giving a compliment.

Gordon will be remembered by his many friends and acquaintances for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. He was a friend to those in need and generous with his resources. When discussing how to help those in need or those with significant life challenges, he would often point out to others that the person in question was “a person of great worth,” quoting the Lord, Jesus Christ, from D&C 18:10.

Gordon Peterson left the world a better place than what he found it.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 1102 South Center Street, Midway, Utah 84049. A viewing will be held at 9:00 am, followed by his funeral service at 11:00 am. The service will be live streamed beginning at 11:00 am at the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/99130422984?pwd=wezwUOpNL4bE6QQKZSF0kqfZp7cCff.1 Passcode: 244639

Interment will be at the Midway Cemetery where Gordon will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Julie.