Laurence Arthur Peterson

Laurence “Larry” Arthur Peterson passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Surrounded by family and loved ones over the years and throughout his final days, Larry knew he was deeply loved and admired by his wife Julie, his seven children, and six grandchildren. Over 83 years, Larry touched so many lives and will be missed dearly by all. 

Born in Denver, Colorado on July 18, 1937 to Arthur and Mildred Peterson, Larry lived a full life centered in the South Denver community. His youth was spent zipping around on bikes and getting into mischief with his lifelong best friend, David Kelly. He was an avid baseball player in high school and maintained his love for sports throughout his life. 

In the early 1970s, Larry began his 30+ year career at Morgan’s Pharmacy and Liquor, building a true community that followed him long after his retirement in 2003. Larry was the lifeblood of Morgan's, and he recalled those years as the best of his life. He met Julie, his wife of nearly 45 years, at Morgan's and built numerous lasting friendships that reached far and wide. Larry had a large heart and opened it to many of his customers and employees, especially those struggling or in need of quiet support. 

Larry was passionate about living life and providing memorable experiences for his family. He spent countless hours behind the wheel on long cross-country road trips and loved sharing his interest in maps and exploring new places with his kids and grandkids. Julie was his loving and patient copilot throughout the years, and the two visited many National Parks and historical monuments across the country. Of all his travels, Hawaii was Larry’s favorite destination. The warm waters, fragrant flowers, macadamia nuts, and beach-side Mai Tais with his family were some of Larry's most fond memories, and he talked about them often. 

Active in the political arena on both the local and national level, Larry loved sharing stories about organizing presidential visits, hosting fundraisers, and celebrating the successes of his favorite politicians. He also kept up with his South High School class of 1955 over the years, playing in softball games and golf tournaments with his former classmates. Larry treasured all of these relationships and remained active on the South High School reunion committee, looking forward to the regular gatherings and reunion events with his friends and classmates. 

Larry was a passionate golfer throughout this life and thoroughly enjoyed playing rounds with his regular foursome of friends. The group enjoyed the occasional travel to new courses around the country but were most content on the greens of Aurora Hills golf course in Colorado. We know Larry is now happily hitting under par on the most amazing new golf courses he could have imagined.

Beyond everything else, Larry loved his family. Julie lit up his heart, and he was extraordinarily proud of his children. He was a supportive and caring father who spent many hours at swim meets, on the ski slopes with his kids, and shuttling kids around to different school activities and sports events. In his final years, nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandkids play in the backyard that he tirelessly cultivated into a beautiful oasis of flowers and greenery. 

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris, and son David. He is survived by his wife Julie, his six children: Marcy, Jim, Scott, Stephanie, Maura, and Kristen, and his six grandchildren: Logan, Haylee, Lily, Finnley, Catherine, and Maura. A celebration of life will be held in Larry and Julie’s backyard on Sunday, July 18th, to honor Larry's birthday and the full life he lived. Larry would be pleased to know that his pride and joy of a backyard will be put to use for at least one more party in his honor. 

To remember Larry and his passion for helping others, the Peterson family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to National Jewish Health in Larry's name to help fund Interstitial Lung Disease research. https://donate.nationaljewish.org

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