Obituary of Olaf Victor Emanuel Peterson

"Vic" Olaf Victor Emanuel Peterson March 28, 1931 - March 27, 2012 Beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. Vic was born in Portland, Oregon to Hildur and Albert Peterson, immigrants from Sweden and Norway respectively. His mother named him after her brother Olaf and Italian king Victor Emanuel. Olaf is also the name of Swedish and Norwegian kings. Although Vic's mother gave him a grand name, he was modest and always went by Vic. Vic's actions early in life were indicative of the loving, caring way he lived his whole life. After finishing the eighth grade, he went to work to help support his mother and younger sister. He served in the army in Korea and was awarded a Purple Heart. In mid-life, Vic married Finnish immigrant Lisa Kujansuu and gained three daughters. Vic was always there for his wife and daughters, ready to listen and help, and cared for them deeply. He had great stories and a gentle sense of humor. He went on to impart his unique personality and sense of humor to his great-grandson with whom he formed a special relationship. Vic was loyal 30+ year employee of Giusto Farms, and friend to the Giusto family. In retirement, Vic lived at his sister Lill and brother-in-law Robert's horse ranch, Stoneybrook Stable. There Vic learned he had a natural affinity for working with horses. Vic's hobbies included spending time with family and friends, fishing, watching car races, growing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and cooking -- Vic made the best spareribs. He loved animals, especially his pets Pappy and Vesta, and the horses at Stoneybrook Stable. In December 2004, Vic learned he had cancer. Throughout his valiant 7-year battle with cancer, the dedicated employees at the Portland and West Linn VA, and the Vancouver VA Hospice, and OHSU gave Vic the best care possible, as did his sister Lill. Vic faced difficult treatments with stoicism and courage, saying one just had to do certain things, courage wasn't part of it. This was the way Vic lived his life, doing the right thing. Even though cancer treatments temporarily stole his Swedish blonde hair, his hair was blonde up until the end. Vic's doctors called him the miracle man for surviving so many cancers. We thank the VA and OHSU employees, and Vic's sister Lill and her husband Robert for the excellent care they provided to Vic. Vic truly appreciated everything they did for him. Vic is survived by Lill and Robert, Ellen, Sylvia, Dixie, Eugene, Tammy and Chuck, Pirjo and Dirk, Terja, Jesse, Kain; and Pirjo and Olli. He was preceded in death by his parents Hildur and Albert, brother Pete, wife Lisa, daughter Maureen, and niece Margie. We miss Vic greatly. For information about Vic's memorial service or to send your memories of Vic to his family, send an email to: VicsFamily2012@yahoo.com