Robert James Petersen passed away peacefully with family surrounding him on June 21, 2016. He was born to Jacob Petersen and Margit Braaten Petersen in their home on the Pleasant Ridge Dairy on November 10, 1929 in Bend, Oregon. He had four older siblings, John, Lloyd, Laura, and Carl. He graduated from Redmond Union High School, where he met Joan Shepard, who became his wife November 19, 1950. Four children, Jim, John, Doug, and Anne (a particular delight, born on his 30th birthday!), joined the family while they ran the dairy with his brother Lloyd. In 1963 he purchased 160 undeveloped acres of farmland near Burbank, Washington, where he built the family farmhouse and he and Joan raised their children, as well as their crops. He was a dedicated community member, serving on the Burbank School Board for many years. One of the highlights of that service, was the opportunity to present high school diplomas to three of his own children. He was active in Lions Club International, and was a founding member of the Sunrise Rotary. Among his many accomplishments, he was the first recipient of the Washington State Hay King award, Central Oregon Grass Grower of the Year, and Walla Walla County Conservation Farmer of the Year. He served as Walla Walla County Commissioner from 1982-1990 and as Port Commissioner from 1992-1997. In February of 1988, Joan, his loving and devoted companion of 37 years, died of breast cancer. Five years later he married Marie (Molly) McFarland Cone of Kennewick. Bob enjoyed dancing, golfing, bridge, an occasional deep sea fishing expedition, travel, and most of all, his family. He leaves behind Molly, his wife of 22 years, "the best kids" (his words, not ours) and their spouses, Tressa, Lorna, Cheryl, and Jerry, 11 grandchildren and 28+ great-grandchildren. He taught us well and we'll love him forever. Thank you, Dad. Join us as we gather to remember Bob at South Hills Church, 3700 W 27th Ave, Kennewick, WA on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m. We will share memories, stories, and celebrate a life well lived.