Reed Kay Petersen, 72, passed away September 25, 2013, at his home in Sandy, Utah after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kay was born to Reed B. Petersen and Elva Mignon Nielsen Petersen on August 16, 1941 in Bingham, Utah. He was married to his sweetheart, Marie Alane Terry in the Salt Lake Temple September 1, 1967.
He graduated from East High School. He earned a BA degree at Westminster College and his master's degree from University of Utah. He was a doctoral candidate at BYU, but soon his family and career became his focus so he didn't complete his dissertation. However, he never lost his love for learning and spent hours reading and studying.
Kay was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love of teaching and service to others was evident in all of his callings and career. He served a mission to Uruguay and recently at the Riverton Family History Library.
In his career, Kay touched the lives of many students both adult and youth. His teaching career began at the Clearfield Job Corps Center, the Vocational Improvement Program and ended with the Salt Lake School District. He was both vice principal and principal at Clayton Intermediate School and at East High School where he was principal for 15 years before his retirement in 1999.
Kay was a well-rounded man and valued his ability to communicate fluently in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. He mastered anything from household repairs/building, auto repair, electrical, furniture refinishing, to just about everything. If he didn't know how to do some thing he would learn how to do it.
He loved fishing, hunting, horseback riding, gardening and anything that included his family. He was an adoring husband, a dedicated father, and a kind grandfather. His family, extended family and friends were the center of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Alane, and their children: Katie Beattie (Jeremy), Rex (Tracy), Kristin Aagard (Alan), Jake (Shea), Jim, Deanne, and David (Brianna). Grandchildren: Cicilee, Christian, Asher, Judd, Ashley, Sophie, David, Zach, Cade, Luke, and Jacob. Sister, Mignon Coombs (Arthur).
Kay was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
We wish to express our gratitude to the healthcare professionals who have treated and cared for Kay through this journey.
There will be a viewing Wednesday, October 2, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at the Crescent Ridge Stake Center, 1265 East 11000 South, Sandy, UT. Friends may visit from 9:45 to 10:45 prior to the service. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, Kay would hope for donations to the Huntsman Cancer Center. You may make a donation by calling 801-584-5800 Monday‚Friday, from8 a.m.to 5 p.m. MountainTime or go to: http://www.huntsmancancer.org/giving/huntsman-cancer-foundation/ways-to-give/in-honor-or-memory.
