Ronald Merle Peterson

Ronald Merle Peterson was born on August 1, 1931, in Lethbridge, Alberta. He and his twin brother Rulon were born as the third and fourth children of Elgin and Doreen Layne Peterson. He spent his childhood in Stirling, Alberta. The family later moved to Lethbridge. Ronald attended Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (L.C.I.) with his identical twin brother Rulon. Ronald and Rulon were very involved in athletics. It was at LCI that Ronald met the love of his life, Nurae Karren. They were married on July 6, 1955, in the Cardston, Alberta LDS Temple. They had a loving relationship that would extend over 65 years.

After high school, Ronald decided to pursue a career in engineering. In 1949, he began attending the University of Alberta where he was an honour student. After three years of engineering studies, he made the decision to go on a mission. In June of 1952, he was called to serve in Finland as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was released in 1955 after serving two years and six months. While serving, he had the opportunity to be a translator for the United States Olympic team, which included translating for the Decathlon Gold Medal Champion Bob Mathias.

He returned to Edmonton, Alberta where he completed his engineering degree. Ronald and Nurae then moved to Calgary, where he was employed as an engineer with the Alberta Conservation Board for 7 years. In 1962, Ronald returned to the University of Alberta to pursue a law degree. After graduating in 1964, Ronald and Nurae moved back to Calgary to raise their four sons, Brent (Tami) Peterson of Nashville, Tennessee; Greg (Deborah) Peterson of Calgary, Alberta; Doug (Linda) Peterson of Edmonton, Alberta; and Darren (Michelle) Peterson of Calgary, Alberta. In 1969, the Peterson family moved to the community of Lake Bonavista where Ronald was active in the community association, as well as being involved in his sons' sports endeavors. He was loved, respected, and highly regarded in the Lake Bonavista community.

Ronald was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held many positions. He was affectionately known as “the Bish” by many young men of the Mapleridge Ward. At the center of Ronald and Nurae’s life were the four boys. They supported and cheered their sons on in school, community, and sporting activities. They rarely missed an event or game. This trend continued with their 14 grandchildren.

Ron and Nurae especially loved to travel. They enjoyed 22 cruises visiting every continent in the world, making cherished memories.

Ronald along with his sweetheart Nurae, left a loving and cherished legacy of 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren

A Funeral Service for Ron will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Parkland Stake Centre (14540 Parkland Blvd. SE, Calgary) on Wednesday September 24, 2025 at 10:00am with visitation at 9:00am. 

Graveside Service will take place at Edenbrook Memorial Gardens (24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary).