Charles "Charlie" Everett Peterson

Charles “Charlie” Everett Peterson died of heart failure, Thursday, April 7, 2022 in Eagar, Arizona. He was born July 23, 1947 in Coulee Dam, Washington to parents Richard Peterson and Lois Ruth Sanderson; and so began his extraordinary, eclectic journey. 

Growing up in Hermiston, Oregon, Charlie had varied interests including scuba diving, playing the bagpipes, tinkering with Model T Fords and he was a great cook (except for that one time when he put the salt in twice while making escargot for the French Club dinner).  He participated in DeMolay and went on to join the Masons, eventually reaching 32nd degree Mason and becoming a Shriner.

Charlie attended Oregon College of Education where he discovered an interest in radio broadcasting. Charlie followed in his father's footsteps, enlisting in the Navy in 1968. He served on the USS Bon Homme Richard and was honorably discharged in 1972; having earned the rank of Radioman, 2nd Class. At Blue Mountain Community College, Charlie received a degree in media and broadcasting. For a brief time he had his own program on a local radio station. In his mid-twenties Charlie headed to Tucson to care for his grandmother. He fell in love with the area and never looked back. 

Charlie befriended many native peoples of the Southwest; Hopi, Apache, Navajo, Pima and the Havasupai who live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. While working as a prop-man on the old Tucson set, he got to blow things up and/or set them on fire. He met a multitude of western stars from the 60's and 70's. After that, Charlie became a cowboy himself and worked on several ranches, perfecting his wrangling and culinary skills. Oh man, could Charlie cook! Most of his family and friends recall special recipes and meals he prepared.  He could perfectly cook and season fish, whip up a delectable meal from a recently shot wild turkey, prepare superb green corn tamales and his baked goods....ooooo that bread!  He was a raconteur extraordinaire and could intelligently converse on any subject...for a long time. Conversations and phone calls with Charlie could last for hours, and yet, Charlie was a private man. He kept his friends tight and close.  

Charlie's last adventure with his dog 'Bear,' was living in cabin #7 and working as a year-round chef at the Hannagan Meadow Lodge. There strangers became friends. Many "regulars" looked forward to returning to the lodge and Charlie's cooking and companionship. After breaking his hip in an ATV accident and another fall in the winter, Charlie moved to less harsh climes in Eagar, Arizona. His friends remained close and cared for him while he recovered. He died unexpectedly at home.

Charlie leaves behind a brother, Rick (Lisa) and sister, Jacque (Mike), along with two nieces, Kelcey and Whitney and many friends and acquaintances. Charlie's earthly remains were cremated and will be spread up in Arizona's alpine country on August 6, 2022 when the flowers are blooming on the mountainsides. Charlie built a life he didn't need to take a vacation from. Good-bye and Godspeed you ol' Coot.  

A memorial service will be held, Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Hannagan Meadow Lodge. A hosted dinner will follow. Guests can make room/cabin reservations at the lodge for Friday August 5th and/or Saturday August 6th by calling 928-339-4370 (no host). 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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