Gary Lee Peterson

“Are you dumb or just stupid?” - Gary Peterson

Gary Lee Peterson passed away peacefully on Sunday night, February 8, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on August 13, 1953 to Larry and Marlene Peterson along with his four siblings: Mitch, Julie, Stan (Pam), and Marci (Curtis). They grew up in Milton, Utah where they all attended school together. Gary excelled in many extracurriculars including basketball, baseball, golf, opera, band, and rodeo. He briefly attended Weber college for a semester to play basketball and later left school to be, in his own words, “a slimy rat”. He continued his love for horses and rodeo and became a member of the RMRA (Rocky Mountain Rodeo Association) He was a top competitor in Team Roping, Calf Roping, and Steer Wrestling winning the all around cowboy title in 1982.

He met his loving wife Judy Andersen and later married her on February 28, 1976 in the Milton Church. Gary and Judy had two wonderful boys, Matt (Shay) and Chad (Michelle) Peterson. They are blessed with four grandchildren: Shambrae (Nathan), Brooklyn, Kash, Kendall and one great-grandson, Grady Lee. Gary was loved at every family gathering and his love for horses and sports is carried on through his family.

After his rodeo days Gary moved to Evanston, WY to pursue a career running and training race horses with his family during the summers. He had a successful training career running horses throughout the intermountain area for nearly 10 years.

Gary was a quick-witted, wise, and loving man who lived for his family. Aside from his family, there wasn’t much he loved more than fast horses, team roping, Marlboro golds, and a sip pf whiskey. His perfect day consisted of a morning rope session with his boys, watching golf, watering the arena and field, and eating dinner with his wife and kids out on the “Lizard Pit”. Many people loved Gary, and got to experience the “Lizard Pit” conversations, which you had to come prepared to hear all about the things you did right and all the things you did wrong.

Gary is survived by his wife Judy, his mom Marlene, his four siblings, his children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his dad Larry, his brother-in-law Alan, his sister-in-law Christine.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Jessica and Robin with Renew Hospice for the exceptional care during his last days. Also they would like to extend a special thanks to the ”Malahan” and “Rows”, Gary’s lifelong friends.

The family would also like to extend appreciation to all the family and friends who have stopped by, brought food, and gifts over Gary’s last few weeks.

A visitation service will be held at the Milton Church on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Primary Children's Hospital or St. Jude’s in the name of Gary and Judy Peterson.