Obituary of William Nels Peterson

William “Tuffy”  Nels Peterson (76) resident of Fernwood, ID passed away at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA on October 10, 2018.  He was born to Douglas and Alice Peterson on February 6, 1942 in Shelby, MT.  Tuffy was raised in Montana, and for a majority of his life he and his older brother were inseparable.  They were involved in ranching for several years and dabbled around in rodeos.  Tuffy was even a rodeo clown at one time. 

Tuffy moved to Idaho in the 1970’s.  He lived in Potlatch, Clarkia, and Fernwood.  At one time he worked for Harold and Joan Metzer making cedar post and rails, and he worked some carpentry jobs.  Although he only had 3% of his vision, he loved taking care of his animals and tinkering on all of his projects.  He also enjoyed gardening, and spending time with his friends, specifically his very good friend Dave Huffman.  He was a wonderful friend, and “adopted” grandpa/great-grandpa anyone could ask for.      

Tuffy is survived by his sister Patricia Arnes of South Bend, IN, 3 nieces, 1 nephew, and all of his friends in the Fernwood Community including his two caregivers Patricia Stufflebeam and Melanie Kane.  He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Dick Peterson and Tommy Peterson.