Notes for Alan James Peterson

Notes for Alan James Peterson

Living Individual - Details withheld!Ventura County STAR - Obituary for Week of Nov. 2, 2003: Alan James Peterson, M.D., family physician, Korean War veteran, and 40-year resident of Santa Paula passed away on Oct. 31, 2003, from complications of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
He was born to Grace and Eugene Peterson in WheAltland, Wyo., on Feb. 8, 1932, the second eldest of their four sons. In 1935, the family moved from Lingle, Wyo., to settle in Venice, Calif. In 1949, Dr. Peterson graduated from Venice High School. After serving on the naval aircraft carrier USS Oriskany during the Korean War, he married Gloria Mahla of El Segundo. They had four children together while Dr. Peterson completed his studies at Loyola University of Los Angeles, and Saint Louis University Medical School, where he earned top honors and graduated at the head of his class as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Society. He completed his residency in family practice as the chief resident at Ventura County General Hospital, before establishing his practice in Santa Paula in 1963.
Over the years, Dr. Peterson earned his master of business administration at Pepperdine University and served as a member and president of the Santa Paula Union High School Board of Trustees, the Santa Paula Memorial Hospital Medical Board, and the Ventura County Medical Society.
He made the most of every day as an avid reader, runner, pilot, farmer, golfer, motorcycle and bicycling enthusiast. What he enjoyed most was the company of his family, friends, co-workers and the patients he treated.
Dr. Peterson is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, John (wife Lisa), Jane (husband Bob Frank), Linda (husband Steve Obradovich), and Charlie (wife Jenifer); brothers Phil and Roger; 13 grandchildren, Jill Peterson, Amanda Peterson, John Frank, Katie Frank, Charlie Frank, Will Frank, Paige Obradovich, Piper Obradovich, Prestin Obradovich, Pete Obradovich, Patrick Peterson, Alexandra Peterson and Jack Peterson; he is also survived by Barbara's children, Mitchell Fox (wife Peggy), Russell Fox (wife Alissa) and Janice Robinson (husband Keith); and grandchildren, Hailey Fox, Spencer Fox, Cameron Robinson and Stephanie Robinson.
Dr. Peterson was preceded in death by the mother of his children; both his parents; and his older brother John.
He was a doctor's doctor who helped mentor and establish many of the county's most prominent physicians, while proudly referring to himself as a 'country doctor.'
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Pierce Bros. Santa Paula Cemetery.
A celebration of Dr. Peterson's life will be held between 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Saticoy Country Club. All friends are welcome to attend.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to MDS Foundation, 36 Front St., Crosswicks, NY 08515.
Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Stetler Mortuary, 128 S. Eighth St., Santa Paula, CA 93060; phone 1-805-525-5595.