Ralph David "Dave" Peterson

Jan 14, 1945 -

Dec 22, 2023

Ralph David "Dave" Peterson Jr. of Kenai, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2023. He was born in Palmer, Alaska, on Jan. 14, 1945, to Ralph David Peterson Sr. and Ina Peterson. Dave was a true Alaskan through and through, and enjoyed the state in ways that many people never get the opportunity to.

He grew up in Houston, then moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he was always involved in anything that involved motorized vehicles. If it was fast, he was interested. Ice racing, bush flying, boating, women or NASCAR, he could tell you stories matched by no other. During the early 80s, Dave and his father Ralph thought it was a good idea to become gold miners so they, along with their crew of friends and extended relatives, tried to strike it rich by mining an area along the north fork of the Chena River, east of Fairbanks, Alaska. They would soon move on to other things. One of his favorite and most frequently talked about periods of his life were the years he volunteered as a bush pilot for the Iditarod Air Force. An avid bush pilot, Dave loved taking to the skies for just about any reason. It was something he took pride in and loved being able to share with his children and grandchildren.

Dave moved to the Kenai Peninsula in the mid-90s, and lived happily there for the remainder of his years. Having traveled extensively throughout his entire life he said recently, "I can't think of a single thing in this world that I wanted to do that I didn't get to do." In his later years he was always happiest fishing the waters of Kachemak Bay with anyone who would join him, but it was always extra special if those joining him were his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Peterson; and parents, Ralph and Ina Peterson. He is survived by children, Scott, Chris, Sharon and Benjamin; stepsons, Rodney and Robert Bean; and grandchildren, Caitlin, Lauren (Rey), Sharryn, Pierce, Joshua and Claire.

His family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life on April 21, 2024, at the Soldotna Senior Center, 197 W Park Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, from 12-3 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring a dish for a potluck lunch and any pictures and stories they'd like to share.