James E. "Pete" Petersen, died April 19, 1996 in Scottsdale, Arizona of emphysema.
Born June 22, 1918 in Salt Lake City to Layfayette and Marie Swensen Petersen.Following Pete's military service, in which he was a World War II Navy veteran, he began a distinguished business career spanning more than 40 years. Pete developed a reputation as a labor union leader, labor negotiator, business executive, and skilled practitioner of human relations. At the age of 22, his first accomplishment was president of the local chapter of the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union. During this period, he was working at the U.S. Mine in Lark, Utah. His union activities expanded to a staff position with the international union.
Pete began his 32 year career with Kennecott in 1948, as a train service brakeman at the Utah Copper Division and subsequently held positions as Miner Trainer Specialist and Industrial Relations Director at the Ray Mines Division. His concern for employees and the community was evident in his positions as Employee Relations Director and Director of Human Resources at the Utah Copper Division, a position he held until his retirement in 1980.
Pete's compassion for people was demonstrated by his development of "Insight" an employee assistance program. This program which was one of his most personally rewarding endeavers, has gained both national and international acceptance.
Community service was a high priority for Pete and earned him the title of "Do-Gooder". He served on many boards for Governors Rampton and Matheson and Mayor Wilson. His leadership was evidenced by accepting the position of chairman for the United Way Fund Drive and the Utah Red Cross Blood Bank. He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP.
In 1979, while employed at Kennecott, Pete became the interim president at Westminster College. He led the college through the most serious crisis in its history, a period of which the college was threatened with closure because of financial problems and it's academic accreditation was in jeopardy. Because of his people and business skills, Pete was very successful in his effort to save the college from closing it's doors. Today, Westminster College is recognized as a cornerstone in the academic community. During his challenge, Pete received two honorary Doctorate degrees, one from the University of Utah and one from Westminster College.
Pete is survived by his wife, Irene, of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughters: Sherry Lynn (Paul) Hohlt, Sandra (Michael) Salazar, Renee (Rex) Strand, sons: Michael (Miriam) Petersen, Richard (LaWanda) Krett, Gary (Chris) Krett, sisters: Claire Nell, Ione Bowles and Betty Oliver, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Pete requested that donations be made to the James E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship Fund at Westminster College, established to support single mothers in completing their education.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. at the Jewitt Center for Performing Arts at Westminster College.
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