Paul Peterson

Royalston-Paul B. Peterson, 88, passed away after an illness, surrounded by loved ones on March 28, 2018, in Royalston. Born November 3, 1929, in Seattle, WA, Paul was the firstborn son of the late John and Hannah Peterson, hard working immigrants from Sweden. Paul served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He graduated from Walla Walla College in 1957 with a B.A. in Religion, and later attended the Seventh-day Adventist Seminary to earn an M.A. in Theology to prepare for service in Pastoral Ministry. In 1964, Paul, and his wife, Joyce, with their young family, made Massachusetts their home, where he pastored in various Seventh-day Adventist Churches for over 30 years; including Athol from 1968-1973 and 1982-1987. During the years he lived in Athol, Paul made time to “recharge and renew” by hiking along lakeside trails, and at Bearsden and Mt. Monadnock, as well as paddling his canoe on Lake Ellis or Tully Lake. He found peace and joy in the out-of-doors, enjoying God’s creation in nature. He leaves his wife of over 60 years, Norma Joyce (Berkeley) Peterson, brother; John and his wife Lee Peterson of College Place, WA, daughters; Brenda Porter and her husband, Ernest of Royalston and Judy Hayes and her husband, Dan of Springfield, son; Eric Peterson of Clinton, grandchildren; Nicole Peterson and Robyn Peterson of MA and Andrew Maclean and Peter Maclean of Ontario, Canada, great grandchildren; Joel and Maddy of MA. The family wishes to express gratitude to the GVNA Healthcare Staff; Nurses, PCA’s, Hospice Volunteers and all who helped care for Paul so kindly during his final weeks. As he would say, “God Bless You All”. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 5pm at the Athol Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3200 South Athol Rd. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd. Orange, MA is assisting the family with arrangements.