Rodney J Peterson

Rodney J. Peterson, better known as "Cork" by his friends and family, was surrounded by family as he was called home to be with the Lord on April 14, 2022. Rodney was born on February 5, 1948, in Spokane, WA where he made his home for the next 74 years. He graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1966 and immediately joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country for four years, working fuels aboard the USS Ticonderoga and USS Coral Sea aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War until his Honorable Discharge in 1970. In August of 1968, he married his best friend and love of his life, Gail Summers. Together they raised a beautiful family and lived life blessed with 53 loving years of marriage. After his time with the Navy, Rod’s passion for service continued and he spent 24 years with the Spokane Police Department, retiring as a Corporal in 1995, allowing him to spend more time with his family. He found joy in bowling, hunting, fishing, picking huckleberries and pillow fights with his grandchildren, spending evenings by his son's firepit, traveling by land and sea with his wife and discovering a love for golf. Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Jean Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Gail and their three children, Michael (Shelby) Peterson, Scott Peterson (Leslie), Tracy (Jerad) Burtness, and his brother, Larry Peterson. He was the very proud Papa of nine grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss him dearly. A private graveside service will be held and a celebration of life will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rod’s name to the Alzheimer's Association, Washington State Chapter. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the entire staff at Cornerstone Court for the outstanding and loving care they provided to Rodney.