Douglas Ferrin Peterson Jr. left this world in the wee hours of Sunday, October 23rd after a tough battle with cancer. He was greeted in Valhalla by his Viking predecessors. Born on November 13th 1943 to Florence and Elanor Synness and First Special Service Force Soldier Douglas Ferrin Peterson. When Doug Jr was born, Doug Sr. was in Europe in a rain-soaked bunker hoping for the end of WWII when a telegram announcing the arrival of his son came. Doug Sr. wrote back to his wife, “I stood up and let the rain wash my happy tears away.” After Doug Sr arrived back home safely from the war, the couple pursued many ambitions. They ran the Prickly Pear Truck Stop, a successful wrecker service, and later, Prudential Reality. In 1946, daughter, Bonnie Joy, was born; and in 1968, son, Jessie Duane joined the family. The bunch loved skiing, snowmobiling, square dancing, race car driving, hunting, rodeo, and they traveled several times to Norway to visit relatives. Doug Jr. attended Helena High where he enjoyed being on the ski team, riding horses and getting into fights. He loved skiing and was told by Don Amos “Bud” Little, who was a member of the World Ski Federation, that it was a shame he didn’t start the sport earlier. Bud’s son, Rogers, was a US Ski Team member and became Doug’s Good Friend. The two tore up the mountain and rode buckin’ horses together. Doug Jr (Pete to his good friends) started to focus more on rodeo in the 1960’s. Pete was on of the fundamental horseracing figures in the 80’s and 90’s at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds Race Track. He belonged to both Last Chance Horse Racing and Queen City Racing. He spent many years picking out race horses that were on the “cull” list of many an owner/trainer. Three of these accomplished horses, trained by Joe Scanlon and later Ken Brown were: Casual Clyde in 1992, MT Quarter Horse Racing champion three-year-old, in 1998 the Calgary Stampede $50,000 steer wrestling, shoot-out winner. Royalure – 1992 MT Quarter Horse Racing Champion aged mare, “register of merit superior racehorse” with 16 career wins. Gun Again – 1992 State Fair Futurity Winner and Charlie Russel Futurity Finalist, moved onto an outstanding career in steer wrestling with almost 2 million in earnings and 3 NFR Steer Wrestling World Titles. Pete took many different classes over the years at MT State Northern, U of M Western, Rick’s College in Idaho, and BYU in Utah. But he decided to follow his heart and his passions for skiing and rodeo. While on the BYU Rodeo Team, he competed in calf roping, bareback and saddle-bronc events, bull-riding and team roping. Pete put in 6 years in the Army and Reserves and continued traveling to rodeos all over Canada, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona as well as Montana. His rodeo buddies included: Benny Reynolds, Marvin Joyce, Buck Delano, Vern Raymond, Bob Gilbert, Mike Smith, Jim Darcy, Jim Harris, Allen Smith, Bill Baertsch and John Nalder. Pete’s other interest included golfing, floating rivers, hunting, folfing and running 10K and 20K races. His floating buddies were Jay Synness, Orley Sather and Jim Kearney. His hunting pals were Rogers Little, Griff Davidson and Richard Clough. (Remember Spam Omlette!) His fellow folfers were Jim Kearney and Dale Smith. Pete ran races alongside Bob Hollow and Dean Retz. Pete worked as a carpenter and house-mover throughout his entire life. He moved hundreds of Boise Cascade modular homes, relocated and remodeled countless small buildings. Pete and Dale Smith alone took on the challenge of moving the Empire Mine’s water tank from above Marysville Montana to the Great Divide Ski Hill, for owner Kevin Taylor’s first snowmaking endeavor. Pete’s fellow builders he enjoyed working with were Rusty Wattnem, Randy Purdom, Jim Philbin, Roger Nelson, and cousin Trent Synness. In 1997 he purchased the “Boarding House” in Marysville, which historically housed miners and their families. Pete then restored the house into a beautiful family home. Pete met Linda Jacobs in 1982 when she moved to Helena from Bend Oregon. Linda’s passion for gymnastics coaching led her to a job opportunity at Mount Helena Gymnastics Academy. Pete would meet Linda after coaching hours at the gym where he perfected his signature “Mukluk Straddle Jump” on balance beam. Linda was so impressed she decided she had to marry him in 1988. The couple had Matte Isham in 1994, and Fannie Brianne in 1998. Both of his children had passions for writing, singing, creative arts, and of course skiing. Dad made sure he supported his kids in their sports, 4-H activities, and above all, their devotion to the Great Divide Ski Racing Team. One of Pete’s proudest contributions of his life was supporting the Great Divide Ski Team and his children. When he wasn’t skiing with his kiddos, he was carving up the mountain with his ski bum buddies Bob Hollow, John Hollow, Edgar Kelch, Wayne Stewart and Shane Stewart and the infamous Hal Erickson.
Doug is sincerely missed by his family and all those who’s lives he has touched. He leaves very large boots to fill, both ski and cowboy.
Survived by his wife, Linda Jacobs Peterson; son, Matt Peterson, daughter, Fannie Peterson; his aunt, Sonja Vick; brother Jesse Peterson (Jenny), nieces Shannon Day (Colby), Darby Revious, Meghan Garden, Bre Day and Grace Revious; nephews Lloyd Revious (Theresa), Jason Revious (Trudie), Douglas Revious (Reagen), Colton Revious, Austin Garden, Jace Peterson, Justice Peterson, Spud Vick, Stormy Day and Dawson Day; and many very loved cousins.
A celebration of life pot-luck open house will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 20th at the Helena Valley 4-H Community Center, 3553 Tizer Road. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Doug.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday November 20, 2021
Helena Valley 4H Community Center
3553 Tizer Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday November 20, 2021
Helena Valley 4H Community Center
3553 Tizer Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Debbie D Olson says
Linda I’m so very sorry to hear about Doug passing. I hope you and your kids are doing okay. I know it’s so hard to go through this. I’ll be thinking about you all.
Jack Creach says
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I really hope you are doing okay. Well, as okay as you can be. This is hard.
I am thinking about you. Please let me know if there is any thing we can do
Mary Sterling says
I wish you and your family peace and rest while you grieve.
I am a schoolmate of Doug and was looking forward to seeing him this summer. Alas, it is not to be.
Blessings to your family.
Doris copenhaver says
Linda so saddened and shocked to see that Doug is no longer with us. I just remember the great times on Yellow Springs Road sitting around the table discussing relationships and drinking beer. He was a special kind of guy and I always adored him. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your children. We shared many memories also. I love you and your family.
Tom n Jeri Domme says
Good as any… Better than most
Dean Retz says
Doug and I go back so many years, even since high school. I was able to watch an help Doug with his subdivisions.
When we ran races together, Doug always had a goal to beat me. The most important memory that I have is that I was able to speak to Doug in person days before he passed away to say goodbye. My condolences to Linda and her children. God Bless.
Arthur Wilmer says
My cousin Doug;
You are an interesting guy, never seen anything that you couldn’t do. The last time we talked and reminisced, brought a tear to my eye, you will be missed. I think of you often. If you get a chance, in Cowboy Heaven, catch up that ole MAN O WAR and take him down the track. Till we meet again up yonder, rest in peace.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Doug was a classmate and friend and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
Max & Claudia Simmons says
Doug was a happy and dedicated person, a classmate in HS, and a friend we all remember will. We join hundreds of others wishing you all our very best. Be consoled in the knowledge of Dougs value and goodness to others.
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
Jim was a classmate with Doug and I remember him as well. He was always a happy guy and a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RIP Doug.
Mary Kay Bennett says
To Doug’s family & friends:
I can still see Doug “roaring” down the hill at The Great Divide (Belmont), no hat, jacket wide open, and a smile from ear to ear..having the time of his life.
When I admired his leather fringed gators he made a pair for me..and I still have them.
Gone but not forgotten. I am so sorry.
Linda Cottrill says
What a sad loss. Prayers and love Linda to you and your family.
Ken and Linda Cottrill
Rick N Beth Cottingham says
Doug was an outstanding man! Met him in the Army reserves in the ’60s. Hitch hiked from Barstow CA to San Francisco via the back roads. Never a dull moment with Doug. Rodeo’s in the ’70s and hanging at the Pheasant with Benny in Dillon. If you ever had a question, needed to take something apart (sometimes even put it back together), or just needed to talk to a friend, call Doug. One man who will be missed by everyone of us whose life Doug enriched. Catch you on the other side my friend. Prayers fro your family!
Bob Church says
Doug was a very kind man, who always had time for a joke and a laugh. I worked with him for many years on his subdivision project in the Valley, which is a project we are both proud of. I will miss his smile and always positive attitude. My prayers go out to LInda and the kids.
Wendi Kottas Peterson says
Deepest condolences, Doug was a classmate of mine. love Linda to you and your family.
Lynne (Allen) Aronen says
I was also a classmate of Doug and was looking forward to seeing him at our reunion next year. I remember him from our times with the Helena Trail Riders and the horse back drill team we were on. My condolences to the family.
Margaret Woo says
Dear Linda,
Doug was a true original, a dreamer and a schemer, and genuine to the core. It seemed like he always had something up his sleeve! I’m sure everyone has a story or two to tell about him. Back in 1985 when we were making a “do it yourself” move across town to our new home, he offered up his one-ton truck to haul our belongings all in one trip. We sure appreciated the help! Loading our furnishings on and off that truck with the high ground clearance was no easy task, but he just pitched in with a smile.
I’ll always remember that twinkly smile of his and how good natured he always was when I saw him. Life was always good when he was around.
Condolences to you and your family.
Cindy Williams and Joe Sandoval says
Linda and family, we are so sorry to hear about Doug, what a loss. He always had a good story to tell, what a great guy. Many prayers of comfort for all of you. God love you all.
Bill Ranard says
Doug was a classmate of mine. We ran into one another some 5 or 6 years ago at Bridger Bowl and talked for 30 or so minutes. I just looked to see if I still had his phone number that we had exchanged in that visit. I do. I am sorry that I never used it. I don’t know why I don’t take time to maintain those friendships, but seems that old friends just slip away. We both enjoyed car racing, partly why we were friends in high school. Doug was genuine. I am taking a moment now to pray for his family.
Sharon Valentine says
Linda, my deepest sympathy.
Doug was a classmate and the hole he leaves in our universe cannot be filled.
Tal abs Wendy Williams says
Linda and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Doug. We have great memories of him and the kids at ski races! He was always smiling and happy. We would visit all day long on the chair lift and reminisce over beers at night. The guy was a legend! He will be missed!
Rena Carlson says
Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Prayers to you and the family.
Stacy Baird says
Linda and family,
I’m saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. I have fond memories of the two of you growing up and allowing me to help with the barn and horses. You continued to support me after we moved in sports and then again at my wedding. You both hold a special place in my heart. Prayers for you and the kids during the difficult time.
Love,
Stacy Baird (Bauer)
Greg Victor Synness says
Doug was one of those guys that had done about everything. As my dad used to say “The only thing he never did was cook at the Placer Hotel! I really enjoyed listening to Doug’s stories during lunch when we worked together. R.I.P. Doug. Greg Synness
Carella’s says
I’m am beyond words. Such sadness. Literally the MOST nicest Man anyone could ever know!! I’m so sorry Linda and kids. Broke my heart when I saw this. You are in our prayers.
George and Sargina Carella
Bob E O’Connell says
Wow. This is a shocker. My sincere condolences to Linda and the Peterson family . Doug was a great guy. A mans man. He always greeted us with his smile and usually had a interesting story to share. I’ll miss seeing him. Wish I could have said goodbye. RIP Doug. I believe Your going to a better place . Bob O’Connell
Rick Oconnell says
Linda and Matt. Sorry to hear of Doug passing. Will sure miss his big grin and passion about life.
Rick and Jan
Ron & Judy Bauer says
Linda, Matt, Fannie & Jesse & family, God Bless “Pete’s” journey! Always great to see him out & about. Super nice guy, he will be missed! Our family met the Peterson’s in 1983 when we rented the ranch house. Doug Sr, Flo were great landlords for 7 years & Bonnie showed us several houses when we were ready to buy. The entire family made a lasting impression in our lives. Linda took our daughter Stacy under her wing with the horses, she had no fear & we trusted she was in good hands. Jesse allowed our son Randy to watch on the corral fence while he practiced bareback. We followed Jesse’s rodeo career from High School & beyond. Hugs to family & Linda please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Ron & Judy Bauer
Evy Burris Sass says
The best years sking Belmont – Great Divide can’t be replaced. My son Kirk Burris & me also still have our leather fringed gators with our name on them made by Doug. We all had the best years to enjoy & have good times, great memories. Sad to say goodbye to our wonderful friends & people we truly love & care about. /We skied Belmont using the rope tow to the top, down to the “Mine Dumps” & more. WOW, what great fun. Our Sincere condolences to Doug’s lovely family & all his buddies that miss him. God Bless Us Everyone Evy & son Kirk Burris
Melissa Quigley says
RIP Doug. Last I ran by you was at Bob’s and we talked horses… as was the norm when we crossed paths. You’ll be missed.
Evy Burris Sass says
Kirk Burris posted his gators Doug made for him in the photo album. KL for Kirk Lee. Thanks for sharing the photo with the Hat, ski, & items Kirk. Wish we could be at the celebration of life for Doug. We’ll be there in Spirt. Blessings to all. Evy
Brenda Synness says
Doug always helped anyone he could. He always had a smile and a good story. He was a genuine soul
You could tell he loved people, family and traditions . Keep the love going cousin
Brenda