Terry Jay Peterson

Terry Jay Peterson, devoted husband, father, son and brother, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2014, in his home in Rogers, Ark. Terry was born Oct. 2, 1950, in Long Beach, Calif., to Jay Dell and Zelpha Mae (Galbraith) Peterson. From the time he was a child, Terry was passionate about the ocean, becoming a competitive swimmer and water polo player, surfer and sailor. His other passion was anything that flew. After graduating from Lakewood High School, Terry enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served in Vietnam as a field medic, where he was awarded seven medals, including the Bronze Star for Heroism and a Purple Heart. After his service, Terry graduated with honors from Southern California College and later attended Fullerton Seminary, where he received a degree in divinity. During this time, Terry married and had three children, who were the light of his life. It wasn't long before he realized that life as a minister wasn't a good fit for his family. He found his place at Colgate-Palmolive, where he had a long and successful career as a sales manager. Throughout the years, Terry flew anything he could get his hands on: kites, Frisbees, remote-control planes, and his greatest passion of all, kite boarding. Terry found new love and hope for happiness in 2003, when he met Kristi Rickert. The couple was married in 2005 in San Diego. When Colgate offered Terry an excellent retirement package in 2006, the couple moved to Rogers, Ark., to be near family and enjoy a slower paced life in this beautiful place. They were blessed by the wonderful friends, family, neighbors and pets they welcomed into their home. After retirement, Terry found his niche volunteering at the Adult Wellness Center, playing pickleball and bantering with his many friends. Terry is survived by both of his parents, Jay and Zelpha Peterson, and his beloved wife, Kristi Rickert Peterson, all of Rogers; his sister, Sheila Thurman, her three sons, Landon, Derek and Ashton, along with spouses, Rachel Thurman, Stephanie Thurman, and their children of Rogers; sister, Cindy Gates and her husband, John, of Fountain Valley, Calif., their daughters, Heather Equitz and April Ahlo, their spouses, John Gates, Joey Ahlo, and their families; and by three beloved children: son, Aaron Peterson and his wife, Hadassah Peterson, his daughters, Sarah and Meagan Peterson, and his three grandchildren, Rachel, Isaiah and Hannah, all of the San Diego area. Terry's friends and family will miss so much about him: his playful bantering, joyful spirit, silly songs, love of animals and generous heart. His three wonderful children are a living testament to the kind of father and man that he was and Terry lives on through them. Godspeed, Terry. We hold you forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at the Unity Church of the Ozarks at 902 SW 2nd St., in Bentonville. Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Benton County Humane Society at www.humanesocietyanimals.org. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.