Daniel Richard Peterson

Daniel Richard Peterson, 69, Little Rock, departed this life Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014. He was born in Beardstown, Ill., July 26, 1945, to Algot and Edythe Peterson. His parents and a son, Tim Hoffman, preceded him in death. Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 24 years, Donna Hoffman Peterson; his children, Reggie Angel, Marc Peterson, Darcie Harvell, and Kyle Harvell; grandchildren, Taylor Anderson, Timothy Hoffman, Tayler Albillar, Autumn Leilani Harvell, Lydia Harvell; and great granddaughter, Emeri Killenberger. He is also remembered by his sister, Carolyn (Charles) Comstock; brother, Charles (Martha) Peterson, former wife and friend, Eileen Peterson, and many nieces and nephews, whom he adored and who adored him. Dan was a Green Beret and Russian linguist in the US Army (1966-1969). He was also in the Arkansas National Guard (1988-2005) and served as a Chief Warrant Officer CW4, STARC HQ, Camp Robinson, NLR. Dan had been a member of the American Legion (past president), Forty and Eight, and Vietnam Veterans Association. After serving in the Army, he and his brother started their own pressure washing business in California in 1970. Dan later earned a Masters in Public Administration (1987) from California Lutheran College, Thousand Oaks. Dan began his Federal career as a Veterans Benefits Counselor in Los Angeles (1974-1978), then reassigned to San Antonio as a personnel management specialist (1978-1979). Dan was Chief of Human Resources for the Department of Veterans Administration in Grand Junction, Colorado (1979-1980), Salt Lake City (1980-1985) and VA Medical Centers in Little Rock and North Little Rock (1985-2006). During his career, he was cited for numerous special achievement awards and served as a member of the Human Resources Managers Council, Federal Executive Association, and founding officer and president of the Central Arkansas Federal Personnel Council. Dan was proof that miracles do happen. Diagnosed in 2003 with metastatic pancreatic cancer and given 6 months to live, he sought treatment from Dr. Issam Makhoul at UAMS. After several years of chemotherapy, Dan was pronounced cancer free. Dan relied on humor and staying in the moment. Dr. Makhoul's innovative approach to medicine, Dan's positive attitude, and divine intervention helped him through one of the most aggressive cancers known. Dan's story inspired others to never give up and keep searching for treatments. The family would like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at UAMS for their service to Dan over the past 11 years. He was an avid reader of current affairs and politics, sciences, and history. He was also fluent in Spanish. Of the Catholic faith, Dan was a gentle, loving man, who touched the lives of many throughout his life. He will always be remembered for his positive attitude and love of family and friends. Visitation will be Monday, September 1, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Roller-Chenal in Little Rock. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 10 a.m., at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 224-8300. Interment will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.