George “Judd” Peterson

George Raymond Peterson, “Judd”

Judd passed away on July 26, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to Clyde and Vera Peterson on February 10, 1937 in Murray Utah, He was the oldest of five children.  He spent his childhood playing and running the hills of Ophir and working the ranch. Judd married Barbara Anderson, whom he later divorced.  He then married Mary Tripp August 30, 1971 and together they raised 7 children.

As a young boy Judd learned the meaning of hard work and passed that legacy on to all his children and grandchildren. In his free time, between raising his family, working his full-time job, and firefighting; he roofed many houses in the county and ran Penney’s Service from 1976 to 1990.

During his life he had several jobs beginning with Tooele Army Depot as a sheet metalmachinist. Judd became a firefighter at Tooele Army Depot South Area, and later transferred to Tooele Army Depot North Area. Judd served as Fire Chief of the Tooele Army Depot for 9 years after which he retired in 1990.  In between working as a firefighter at the Depot, he was a volunteer firefighter for Tooele City where he served for 59 years.

He also taught us that there are no strangers, just new friends. Judd made lifelong friendships everywhere he went.  He was proud of and cherished his friendships that he made throughout the years especially with the firefighters and as Fire Chief.

Judd loved to be in the outdoors, hunting with his brother Byron and grandsons. He spent many hours site seeing, walking the desert plains, and driving as far as his truck would go.

Judd had a special place in his heart for animals, and it was not uncommon for him to bring them home. He loved his dogs unconditionally and treated them better than most. Buttercup, Scooter and Keller will miss going for coffee runs, his meals, runs in the park and jumping on his lap for loves.

Judd was a member of the F.O.E Eagles, B.P.O.E Elks Lodge, and Loyal Order of the Moose.  He spent many happy times at Reds, J& J’s and 48 Lounge.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Vonda Millward and Patty Peterson, brotherDerrick Peterson, and son Kevin Peterson.

He is survived by his brother Byron Peterson, wife and construction boss Mary, children; Laurie Empey (Dan), Marty Bennett (Leslie), Jamie Ahlstrom (Marty), Becky Hendrickson(Vance), Nicole Anderson (Bart) and Dawn Rae Peterson; eleven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Tooele City Park East Pavilion.

Our family would like to thank the Tooele City Fire Department for their support.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to make a donation at your local Humane Society.