Harold Peterson

After a long, valiant struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, Harold Dean Peterson, 75, passed away June 1, 2012 in Nampa at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Hobie and Tawni Peterson, with family by his side.

Born February 6, 1937, to Rudolph and Arabelle Peterson, Harold was raised on the family farm in Buhl and graduated from Buhl High School. He participated in football, baseball, 4-H and FFA. He attended Colorado A & M on a football scholarship.

June 9, 1957, Harold married Jeanette Brann. They spent their entire married life farming and raising livestock in the Filer community. Their lives were blessed with the births of their sons, Hal and Hobie which brought years of enjoyment as they followed and participated in the boys many activities.

Harold's love for horses began in childhood and remained a lifelong passion. He was a member of the Filer Jr. Riding Club, Twin Falls County Mounted Sheriff's Posse, showed quarter horses, raced chariots and raced on the flat track. Harold started the training of his race horses on chariots, which garnered him wins at the local and state levels and qualified him for the World Championships. Harold's vast accomplishments on the flat track led to his induction into the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Soon after, he was inducted into the Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame. During these years Harold was actively involved and held many positions in High School Rodeo and was State and National High School Rodeo Association President. His involvement with young people also prompted him to serve on the Filer School Board for 6 years.

As Harold's disease progressed he channeled his energy into his grandchildren and his ever increasing collection of exotic animals. Always willing to share, he entered his animals in parades, exhibited them at the Twin Falls County Fair and extended an open invitation to everyone, particularly school children, to visit them at the farm.

Harold is survived by his devoted wife Jeanette, son Hobie (Tawni) of Nampa, daughter-in-law Vicki Peterson-Guerry (Mike) of Castleford, and five grandchildren, Rio, Radley, Rabon, Josie and Jake. He is also survived by siblings Lois Mildon of Filer, Evelyn (Del) Gowland of Bedford, Texas, Carol (Charlie) Pintler of Nampa and Ray (Ronel) Peterson of New Plymouth. He was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph & Arabelle and his son Hal.

Harold was loved and will be missed by many. The family would like to thank Visions Home Health, Hearts for Hospice, and his numerous caregivers.

A public viewing will be held 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, July 5th at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave N, Buhl, Idaho. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 6th at the First Presbyterian Church, 516 Main Street Buhl, Id. Graveside services will follow at IOOF Cemetery, Filer, Idaho. A reception will be held immediately after at The First Presbyterian Church in Buhl.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to Filer Quick Response, P.O.Box 523 Filer, Idaho 83328 or Hearts for Hospice, 3090 Gentry Way #150 Meridian, Id 83642.