Peterson

Milford Clay (Mel, Buddy, Pete) Peterson, 93, of Pendleton, Ore., passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016, at home of natural causes.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 6, 2016, at the Episcopal Church in Pendleton, Oregon. Rev Charlotte Wells of the Episcopal Church will be officiating. Inurnment will be held on August 8, 2016, at Olney Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Sign the online condolence book at www.burnsmortuary.com. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Burns Mortuary of Pendleton.

Mel was born in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, on March 8, 1923. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California, in 1941. In high school he excelled at pole vaulting, track and basketball. Two days after graduation he enlisted with the Army Air Corps. He graduated from flight school at Luke Air Field in Arizona in 1942. Mel flew the P47 Thunderbolt in WWII. He was stationed in the European Theater and flew 102 missions over France and Germany. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. 

Mel was married to Vera Lee Fortier on January 16, 1943; they were married 68 years when she passed away in 2011.

Mel worked as and became a skillful brickmason from just after his return from WWII until he retired in 1985. Many of the brick buildings and fireplaces in Pendleton are the result of his craftsmanship. He loved hunting and fishing and all sports. He was active with the VFW providing door security for basketball tournaments and for more than 40 years supported the Happy Canyon during the Pendleton Round-Up by running a lot and parking cars.

Mel is survived by his children, Stephen Peterson (with Gloria Flint) and Tiah Peterson (with Jeff Engelman); his siblings, Beverly Cameron (spouse Gary Cameron) and James Peterson; grandchildren Jody Reedy, Seth Peterson, Amanda Peterson, Desirae Peterson-Raffety, Kenton Peterson and Dylan Clemons; eight great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; and caregivers Traci Hallos and Robin Lehneis, without whom Mel could not have stayed at home. 

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Peterson and Hazel Peterson-Berg; his wife, Vera Lee Peterson; sisters Thelma Robinson and Dolores Bellas; brothers Clinton (Dick) Peterson and Ronald Peterson; and children Milford Clay (Pete or Chief) Peterson Jr. and Sandra  Dee (Sandy) Peterson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The VFW Cowboy Breakfast. The family of Milford Clay Peterson wishes to thank St. Anthony Hospice Program, Department of Human Services Senior Services Program, Dr. Harrison and his entire office.