Tad C. Peterson, 62
Tad Craig Peterson, 62, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in Kalispell.
He was born on April 30, 1956 in Kalispell to Donald Eugene and Marilyn (Beardsley) Peterson. Tad was the oldest child in the triple “T” lineup — Tad, Tom and Tammy.
As a young boy growing up near the Flathead River and spending summers in Glacier National Park, Tad developed an appreciation for the outdoors and for fishing, camping and hiking. He and his brother traveled across the country together and later hiked from Banff to Lake Louise.
Tad graduated from Flathead High School and attended Flathead Valley Community College.
Tad enjoyed his work as a carpenter for many years.
Tad’s Christian faith was unwavering and he quietly shared that faith in spirit, word and deed. Tad shared his appreciation for laughter and the simple things in life with his family, and had a bright sparkle in his eye.
Tad enjoyed taking long drives with his dog, Nama. His Uncle John (Beardsley) was more like a brother to Tad, and was a best friend throughout life. John was Tad’s sidekick during many adventures, including trips to Seattle, stopping off for shopping in Missoula.
On Friday mornings, Tad could be found at the Bowling Alley in Bigfork to gather with his “Dirt Bag” friends for Men’s Prayer Breakfast.
After spending years struggling with progressive lung deterioration, Tad was placed on a transplant list and moved to Seattle as a patient of the University of Washington Lung Transplant Program. After nearly a year, Tad was a grateful beneficiary of the most generous gift of life — a set of lungs that were a perfect match. Tad’s mom joined him in Seattle, where she walked several miles daily in neighborhoods near the campus and remained his faithful cheerleader and companion throughout the long process.
Tad overcame many obstacles and tended to every instruction and detail to manage his health in the six years since his transplant. His strong faith, sense of humor, positive outlook and desire to make every day count were key in this incredible journey.
Tad’s perseverance impressed many medical staff professionals throughout countless procedures and he was respected for his motivation, courage and agreeable, gracious attitude.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald.
Tad is survived by mother Marilyn, sister Tammy Peterson (Wayne) Grilley, brother Thomas Peterson, niece Kate Sue Peterson-Grilley (Jareth) Wilson, nephews Jake Grilley and Seth Peterson, and great-niece and nephews.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 23, at 1 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens, 2659 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, with Pastor Jim Holman officiating.
A reception will be held at the family home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University of Washington Medical Center Lung Transplant Program, Box 356175, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle WA 98195.
To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.jgfuneralhome.com