Gary ““Coach”” Peter Peterson

Gary "Coach" Peterson 10/06/1942 11/05/2019 Gary Peter Peterson (aka Coach Peterson) went to be with the Lord on November 5th after a brave battle with bladder cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Julia (Tilleson) Peterson. Gary leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Carla Peterson; his daughter Annie (Brian) Falck; his son Ted (Tasha) Peterson; his step-daughter Amy (Terry) Scroggie; his grandchildren Emily F, Benjamin, Donovan (Chelsea), Dalton (Tiffany), Andrew, Ashley, Emily C (Mikey), Amber, Patrick (Raegan), Katie (Dalton), Cody (Courtney); four great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law Scott (Rosemary) Mathews; nieces and nephews; and mother of his two children, Mary Ellen Peterson. Gary was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated from Central High School. He then attended Wayne State Teacher's College and earned a Master's degree from the Univ. of La Verne. He taught for 36 years, primarily physical education, at Jurupa MS, finishing his last 6 years at Mira Loma MS in JUSD. He enthusiastically coached basketball and baseball and officiated softball, baseball, volleyball, and basketball throughout the area. He had many interests including: hiking, golfing, physical fitness, shooting pool, traveling, and enjoying his home with his wife, Carla and beloved dog, Twister. They also loved spending many months each year in the desert. However, his strongest passion was studying and spreading God's word and message of salvation to everyone that would listen. He was involved in many ministries, including: Gideon's, Prison ministry, Harvest Crusade, Men's Bible Study, Victory Club, Billy Graham phone ministry, and passing out Bible tracts. The family would like to thank Kaiser Hospice, Fresenius Dialysis Center, Harvest Woodcrest and friends for the loving attention and care he and his family received. Gary's Memorial Service will be held at Harvest Christian Fellowship 6115 Arlington Ave, Riv., CA 92504 on November 22nd at 12 pm. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse. Service Harvest Christian Fellowship 6115 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA 92504 Friday 11/22, 12:00 pm Cemetery Evergreen Memorial Park Friday 11/22, 2:00 pm