Celebration Of Life Planned For Granada High Grad

LIVERMORE, CA — Robert “Bob” Mathew Peterson died on December 23, 2017, from kidney failure at South Sacramento Kaiser Hospital at the age of 54. Bob was born in Mountain View, CA, on December 14, 1963, to the very proud parents of Blaine and Barbara.

He went to elementary school in San Jose before the Peterson family moved to Livermore in 1973. He finished his grade schooling in Livermore at Joe Mitchell Elementary, Mendenhall “Moles” Middle School and graduated from Granada High School in 1982.

Throughout Bob’s school years he played on many basketball, baseball and football teams and was always considered a very good athlete. Bob had a wonderful personality that seemed to draw in a crowd whether he was in the classroom, playing sports or during his career as a carpenter. It was during Bob’s school years playing sports that the Peterson was truly blessed to meet so many other wonderful families whose sons were Bob’s teammates and still to this day the Petersons consider our closest friends.

Bob was a very good athlete, loyal teammate and shared many great victories with his teammates. It was during his sporting teams and school years that Bob found one of his important blessings in life; the wonderful and special people that he called his “Friends”. As his friends will tell you, Bob was one of the most loyal, dedicated, funny, kindhearted and just a plain old good guy to have as a friend. Bob loved each and all of his friends from the first day they met to his last breath!

After graduating high school, Bob pursued a career in carpentry and building residential houses and small commercial structures. He started his apprenticeship with Coy Sanders Construction Co. and after graduating from the apprenticeship program he stayed with Coy Sanders for many years working his trade. Bob was always thankful and loyal to Coy Sanders as he enjoyed working with talented co-workers, many of whom became some of his closest friends.

During his time away from work, Bob became “Coach Peterson” to his younger brother Doug when Doug played youth baseball and football. Coach Peterson coached the same way as he played; with a smart game plan and calculated strategies. Bob’s coaching priority was to always play with more intensity, toughness and determination than your opponent. Using his skill set, knowledge of the game, and humor, Bob was an outstanding coach to Doug and all of Doug’s teammates.

Bob’s greatest moment in his life was in March 1995, when his beautiful daughter Sarah Nicole was born. Bob loved spending time with Sarah teaching her the dos and don’ts in childhood, taking family trips and watching her blossom into a fine young lady (with such an infectious laugh). Bob loved his immediate family but his greatest love then and to this day is his love for Sarah Nicole!

Bob was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 27 and struggled with the effects later on in his life. Despite his longterm battle with the disease, he enjoyed many wonderful and loving times with his friends and family watching sports, bird hunting, playing golf (not very good golf) and loved good food.

Robert is preceded in death by his Uncle Joe and Cliff, Aunt Marilyn, niece Yvette and his great friend Cameron. Robert is survived by his loving parents Blaine and Barbara, little brother Douglas, older sister Debra, daughter Sarah, nieces Baylie and Victoria, along with many Uncles, Aunts, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of sending flowers please on behalf of Bob, buy a drink for someone who enjoys football, baseball and appreciates the skill of great carpentry work. Love you.

Celebration of life for Bob will be held on May 20, 2018, starting at 2:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building at 522 South L Street in Livermore, CA.

Photo, obituary courtesy Sherry Macias