Gordon Lee Peterson

Gordon Lee Peterson passed away on Oct 10, 2023, after a life that can only be described as big: he owned big trucks, closed big deals, wore big hats, and managed to build a life and a family who knew nothing but his big heart, big hugs, and unconditional love. He was born on December 25, 1940, in Ephraim, Utah to Webley Lewis and Margie Martina Peterson. He was and continues to be a Christmas gift to us, and to everyone his generosity and kindness have touched.

He was a Sanpete boy from Ephraim, graduating from Manti High where he played basketball and baseball.  After saving the money he earned at Reid Nelson’s service station, he was called to the California Anaheim mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in Arizona, Nevada, and California, and enjoyed being part of the opening of the Los Angeles Temple.

He met his Las Vegas sweetheart, Eve Diane Seegmiller, at Snow College. They were married in the St. George Temple on September 5, 1964. Their life together included dancing the Jitterbug, building a house, building a business, raising a family, welcoming all their sons- and daughters-in-law, and loving all the grand and great-grand babies.

He was proud of his hometown alma mater Snow College and graduated from there with an Associate degree. He then graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology.  His mentor and dear friend, Eldon Frost, took Gordon in, taught him the business of pharmacy, and then retired, selling Gordon his drugstore, knowing it was in good hands.

Gordon owned Kaysville Drug for 30 years and was known for personally delivering prescriptions to those who were aging or homebound, even on Sundays and Christmas Day. One of the highlights of the drugstore was “The Green Apple” where you could have an Ironport soda, a “real” shake or malt, and even a burger named after him: The Gordo Burger.

He served the Pharmacy community in many capacities, some of which included being the President Elect, President, Past President, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Utah Pharmaceutical Association. He was a co-founder of Scrip Card, one of the first prescription insurance companies. He was also influential in passing legislation to protect independent pharmacies in Utah.

His greatest accomplishment, in his words, was his family. He loved his kids, and yet if truth be told, he loved his grandchildren even more. They were his greatest joy. He always talked about how he wished the grandkids could have seen him in his drugstore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Alvin and Deloy, his sister Darlene, his twin sons Jacob and Gordon Peterson, and his daughter-in-law Amber. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eve Diane Peterson, his children, Jason Peterson (Amber), Marny Clark (Kevin), Justin Peterson (Tammy), Maralise Petersen (Matthew), his grandchildren Taitlyn, Jacob, Samantha, McGyver, Bridger, Ainsley, Stone, McCormick, Grey, McKade, and Cooper, and his great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, October 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Farmington, 1941 N. Main.  On Saturday, October 14, from 9:45 to 10:45, there will be a viewing at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kaysville, 500 S. Main, with funeral services at 11:00 a.m.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/p/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory-100057447129518/) and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.