Jeffrey Lash

Rick Peterson, the chief technology officer at Washington and Lee University since 2007, died at his home in Lexington, Virginia on January 12, 2011. His wife, Mary, their children Cobb and Charlotte, and Rick’s sister Kris were with him.

Richard Allen Peterson (a.k.a. Rick, Pete, QZ, paparick) was born in Aurora, Illinois on October 10, 1958. His family moved to Dunedin, Florida in 1969 as owners of the Sun-Ni-Land Motel and par 3 golf course. He graduated from Dunedin High School in 1977 and earned a B.S. in computer science engineering from Northwestern University in 1981, and an M.A. in organizational development and transformation from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in 1993.

Rick’s love of travel and new experiences took him to many places. In 1984 he moved to Frankfurt, Germany where he worked for the US Army’s Recreation Machine Program (slot machines) and met his wife. The two traveled together throughout Europe and literally around the world during their time there.

After marrying, Rick taught mathematics at University Lake School in Hartland, Wisconsin from 1987 to 1990. While working on his M.A. at CIIS from 1990 to 1993, he was the microcomputer network manager and the director of information systems and technology for the institute. From 1993 to 1999, he directed computer services at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College). He served as the director of information technology at the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1999 to 2005. At Rice University in Houston from 2005 until leaving for W&L, he was the director of academic and research computing.

Everyone who knew and worked with Rick will always remember not only the expertise and professionalism he brought to his positions, but also the friendliness and good humor that made him a colleague to value. His enjoyment and satisfaction came from knowing that he was helping others solve problems to improve their lives. Rick’s leadership was effortless and he was a mentor and role model to many.

Outside of work, Rick’s focus was on his children, family, and friends. His relationships are strong, diverse, and span years; the result of Rick’s great care and energy for nurturing others. He could always find something in common or of interest to discuss with everyone that he met. Other lifelong passions include the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Rams, golf, playing basketball, the game of GO, and the movies of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Travel with his family was also a passion and Rick enjoyed many hours of road trips and camping throughout the US and Europe.

Rick really did enjoy his life to the fullest. He packed more activities and relationships into his 52 years than most of us can even dream of. Even more remarkable is the amount of living Rick did after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007. He continued to work, travel, and just live his life taking every opportunity to see and be with the people he loved.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Coupland Peterson and their children, Cobb and Charlotte Peterson of Lexington, VA; father, Mervin E. Peterson and stepmother, Elsie Petrea Peterson of Faith, NC; sister, Kris Lash of Leander, TX; brother, Bud Peterson of Scandinavia, WS, and numerous nieces and nephews in Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Charlotte Schaefer Peterson.

A private, family graveside service will be held at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia the morning of Sunday, January 23, 2011. A memorial service for all is scheduled on Sunday, January 23 at 2:00 PM, at the Lee Chapel on the Washington and Lee campus with a celebratory reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you hug the people you love and make a donation to your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.