SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Peter Warren Peterson was reported missing Sept. 25, 2010, and his remains were located Aug. 25, 2011, in Southwest Harbor. He was born June 17, 1949, the beloved son of Neil S. and Elsa (White) Peterson of Southwest Harbor.
Peter lived most of his life in Southwest Harbor with a short stint in the south where he owned a horse farm. Beneath Pete’s solitary and often gruff exterior lay a deep passion for books and animals, especially for horses. Throughout the years he had been a regular at Seal Cove Farm and Willow Winds following the progress and fortunes of many equine friends. His interest in horses extended not only to his favorite TV star, Mr. Ed, but also influenced his preferred choice of pizza and juice – both carrot. For a man without a driver’s license, Pete covered a lot of territory. Pete could be seen hitchhiking throughout the area from Bar Harbor to the western side of Mount Desert Island, Ellsworth and Trenton and as far-ranging as Bangor. One of his favorite haunts was the DVD section of Borders bookstore in Bangor and Mr. Paperback, Ellsworth. Southwest Harbor Public Library was another place where he felt most at home amongst books and friends while he was often spotted reading fantasy and horse stories in the stacks, his familiarity and knowledge encompassed many books in the library. He donated more than 200 books and DVDs to the library. Though a man of few possessions, Pete would commonly bring bags of cookies, boxes of doughnuts or bottles of soda as his contributions to community functions. His sense of humor, playful teasing and generosity will be missed by many.
Peter is survived by his aunt, Dorothy Fitch of Ellsworth; many cousins; also his library family, Carolyn “Carol” Dyer, who was also his caregiver, Kate McMullin, Julie Russell, Candy Emlen, Cathy Willey, Lisa Murray and Susannah Fisher. He is also survived by his friends, Chuck Ives, Barbara McCrum and many other friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Elsa and Neil Peterson; and two uncles, Philmore Peterson and Morris Alley.
A time of remembrance for Pete was held Aug. 28 at Harbor Ridge. Funeral services for Pete will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at Manset Union Church. Friends wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to Westside Food Pantry, care of St. John’s Church, P.O. Box 767, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 or Southwest Harbor Public Library, P.O. Box 157, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.