David A. Peterson

David A. Peterson passed away peacefully at home in North Salt Lake, Utah on April 6, 2025 at the age of 86. He was a man of steadfast faith, profound intellect, and lived a life defined by selfless service. David leaves behind a lasting legacy of devotion - to his family, his country, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Born in San Francisco, California on January 15, 1939, David was raised as a classic California boy listening to the Beach Boys and driving his MGTD sports car. He was an American Field Service exchange student to Germany and graduated from Capuchino High School, where he was honored as “Graduate of the Year” in 1957 and voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” David was honored to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany where he was the European Mission Secretary to Alvin R. Dyer.

David pursued a distinguished academic path, earning a B.A. from Occidental College, studied at Stanford University, received his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from George Washington University, M.P.A. from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He also received certifications through the National Security Law Program at the University of Virginia Law School.

Throughout a prolific career based in Washington, D.C., David served under seven U.S. presidential administrations. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, the Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He worked as a special assistant at the U.S. Department of State, where he edited the fifteen-volume Digest of International Law under Marjorie M. Whiteman. He later held key roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce, including Director of the Legislation Division and Senior Policy Adviser for Economic Affairs. His global service included representing the United States at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France and the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland; Counsel to the Committee on Foreign Investment the United States (CFIUS); Counsel to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC); Counsel to the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Special Assistant to the Counselor on the International Law, Department of State; Senior Investment Advisor, Bank of America and Counsel to the Argent Hedge Fund Group.

David had a gift for teaching and worked as an Adjunct Professor of Law and Business at George Washington University for over 20 years. He was honored to serve on several boards including The National Christina Foundation, Brigham Young University-Hawaii President’s Advisory Board, Presidential Advisory Committee Utah Valley University, and Legacy Films Advisory Board. He also served on the Church International Affairs Committee, was a Senior Fellow at Brigham Young University Law School, and a member of the Harvard Club of New York City and the Harvard Mountaineering Club.

David had a tremendous love and respect for The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of The United States of America. His deep admiration for George Washington and the Founding Fathers was evident in his lifelong studies and the many hours he spent strolling the banks of the Potomac River near his beloved Mount Vernon.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David served faithfully in numerous ecclesiastical and leadership callings including Bishop of both the Mount Vernon Ward and the Colonial 2nd Single Adult Ward, Stake President of the Mount Vernon Virginia Stake, President of the Hungary Budapest Mission, Director of the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, Temple Ordinance Worker in the Washington D.C. Temple, and as Representative to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium for the Church.

David married the love of his life, Darelyn Servoss, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 15, 1966 while in law school. Together they raised seven children—Paige Peterson Cram, Heather Peterson Nader (John), Lindsey Peterson Randle (Dave), Jordan Peterson Beaird (Jason), John David Peterson, Ashley Peterson Barton (Kirk), and Taylor McKay Peterson (Alyssa). David found his greatest joy in his family and was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. He is survived by 25 grandchildren—Morgan Henderson Cram (Nathalie), Samantha Cram Butler (James Taft), Reagan Cram, McKay Peterson Cram, John Nader Jr., Mckenzie Nader, Madison Nader, Jack Peterson Nader, Emerson Randle, Henry David Randle, Oliver Richard Randle, Charles Peterson Randle, Bailey Beaird Anderson (Jake), Chapman Peterson Beaird, Gracen Beaird, McLane Beaird, Tatum Beaird, Harper Beaird, Beckett David Barton, Graham Bradley Barton, Lucy Mae Barton, Piper Faye Peterson, Jackson McKay Peterson, Peyton Ruby Peterson and a baby due in August—plus two great-grandchildren: Kingsley Grace Cram, William Henderson Cram.

David Peterson lived with conviction, led with integrity, and gave his full devotion to his family, his faith, and his career. Those who knew him felt the strength of his character and the clarity of his purpose as a true disciple of Jesus Christ. His influence runs deep and will be felt for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to his beloved Mount Vernon, to preserve George Washington’s home and legacy in honor of David’s legacy of service and faith.

https://checkout.mountvernon.org/donate/i/honor-memorial?

Memorial service to be held in Alexandria, VA- details forthcoming.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Spring Hill Ward, 351 Lofty Lane, North Salt Lake, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah and Saturday morning 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.