WILLIAM "DALE" PETERSEN
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants" ‚ Isaac Newton
Our beloved husband, father, brother, mentor and friend lost his long and difficult battle with mesothelioma on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016. Dale is survived by his wife Geniel, his daughters, Jenny and Shelley and their husbands, Brian and Rob, his grandchildren, Garrett and Finley, his siblings, Val, Linda, Mark and Pam and his stepfather, Don Hyde.
Dale was born to Thelma Marie and Veldon Petersen on February 27, 1946 in Ogden, Utah. He grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School in 1964. Dale was a gregarious, fun-loving man who had many friends. As a young man, he enjoyed riding his bicycle up Millcreek Canyon, listening to music and joking around with his friends. He loved playing practical jokes on people and everyone appreciated his jovial nature.
He married Geniel Delene Bowcutt on June 14, 1969 and together they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Shelley. Dale loved his family and spent time with them camping, fishing and listening to music. He began working at a young age and worked as an apprentice at Utah Power and Light, followed by working as a mechanic and eventually became a Senior Buyer. After a long and successful career, he retired in 1997. In 2001 and 2002, he had the opportunity to work for the Salt Lake Olympic Games and thoroughly enjoyed that experience.
Dale had many hobbies. In the 70's he enjoyed breeding and showing long-haired collies. He loved his dogs and was successful in breeding the number one female champion in the nation, Japada Jasmine "Angie." He loved being outdoors and enjoyed running, cycling, fishing and golf. He always had a tremendous sense of humor and loved doing funny impressions for his family and friends.
After his mesothelioma diagnosis, Dale became concerned about the rights of patients and their families. He was incredibly involved in creating awareness about this horrible disease. In 2015, he traveled to Washington DC to speak with several members of Congress to help advocate for patients' and families' rights. He bravely fought the mesothelioma and never backed down. His goal was to spend as much time as possible with his family and friends.
Dale, we will never forget you. Your courage, your kindness, your smile and your sense of humor were the hallmark traits that drew so many people to you. You had so many friends that loved you and enjoyed your generous nature. We will love you forever and ever, amen.
Services for Dale will be held at Sunset Gardens, Larkin Mortuary, 1950 Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, November 29 from 6pm-8pm. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, November 30 at 2pm in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
