Donald A. Peterson

Donald A. Peterson, private pilot, “flew West” on Sept. 3, 2026.

Don was born in Kalispell, Montana on Oct. 23, 1942.

In sharing love and remembrance through Don’s life, Don was down to earth and compassionate about his friends and family.

Don is survived by his wife Fran of Libby, Montana, sons Peter Eastman of Reno, Nevada, Bill Ericksmoen of Juneau, Alaska, daughter Tori Howard of Kalispell, Montana, brother Doug Peterson and sister DeeDee Balum of Winnemucca, Nevada, and several uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Russ Hudson of Ajo, Arizona was Don’s close friend and mentor. John Kennedy, retired Arizona Justice Court Judge was a close friend and fellow bluegrass musician. Don was gifted in music and was a band member of Dave and Roxie Burns’ band “Lovin Country” in Libby during the 1980s. Bluegrass music was Don’s favorite genre.

Don was a member of the Ajo Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers to assist the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in public safety. 

Don was a private contractor and did hazardous fuels reduction by mechanical treatment in Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. He worked with Bob Wilson, formerly of Libby, Montana, on the Nevada Greater Landscape Coalition project, doing mechanical hazardous fuels reduction.

Don was a man of integrity and honesty in his business dealings with local, state and federal projects.

Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and business associates.

Forever in love, faith and hope.