Bradley Alfred Peterson

WILLIAMSTOWN - Brad Peterson of Steller Road, died on Monday, December 12, 2016, with his beloved wife, Suzanne Murphy, comforting him.

He was born in Vernon, VT, on August 2, 1941, the son of Alfred and Irene Peterson, and grew up on a farm in Conway, MA. Brad was an organic farmer, raising glorious gladiolas and every vegetable he could possibly grow in Vermont. He was instrumental in keeping a small Farmers’ Market thriving in Williamstown for years.

When Brad was young, he attended Stockbridge (MA) Agricultural School, and then worked as a landscaper on golf courses. He was in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. His unit, stationed in Alaska, was readying to go to Vietnam in 1964 when the earthquake kept them in Alaska for a year of assisting with the aftermath. After discharge, Brad worked in factories in Connecticut and in Springfield, VT. Most recently, he worked for the Barre Housing Authority, where he specialized in growing flowers and landscaping. The residents of several complexes appreciated Brad’s gardening talents and his kindness towards them.

With his hearty laugh, great sense of humor, interest in people and nature and his kind generosity, Brad was loved, respected and appreciated by family, friends, and community members. They all benefitted from his garden abundance.

Brad is survived by Suzanne, his wife of 30 years, who will cherish memories of their good life together and of Brad’s kindness, humor, and caring. He is also survived by his brother, Al (Char), of Oregon; nephews Eric and Nathan Peterson, of Massachusetts, and Chip Samson of California; nieces Kristen Compton (Kevin), of California, Alissa Morton (Jack) of North Carolina, and Tamara Samson of North Carolina; grand-nephews Anthony and Thomas Peterson and grand-nieces Stephanie Peterson and Aleigh Compton. Suzanne’s children, Matthew Czaplinski (Caryn Brady) of Massachusetts, and Anne Treadwell of Burlington also survive Brad. Six grandchildren blessed Brad’s life for years: Charlotte, Jack, Bobby, and Ethan Treadwell, and Claire and Maeve Czaplinski.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Tom, and more recently by his good friend, Howie. Always a Yankee fan, Brad had a marvelous memory of going, at age 10, with his father to Fenway to see Joe DiMaggio play. Running was also a big part of Brad’s life and strength. Until his recent illness, he ran five times a week on dirt roads. He ran many races and marathons earlier in his life, including the 1982 and 1984 Boston Marathons, and was proud of his 2:47 PR in the 1983 Maine Coast Marathon. Brad often used sports metaphors in his humor and recently told a good friend that he was in “extra innings.” Brad’s humor was a gift to all who knew him, especially his family.

Suzanne wishes to thank her very supportive children, Brad’s brother and wife, and his nephews, for their visits, as well as good friends. Maureen Conway, their dear cousin from Colorado, was also with Brad and Suzanne at a critical time in his illness. Suzanne especially wants to express her appreciation for the caring staff at CVH on 2 South, Dr. Anthony Williams, Hospice, and the incredible staff of Woodridge.

There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brad’s memory could be made to the Williamstown Food Shelf, the Sierra Club, or Kurn Hattin Home for Children (Westminster, VT), which he always supported, as did his father. In Spring, a gathering may be planned. Brad’s ashes will then be scattered on his farm, near his parents’ graves, and in Lake Champlain, where he loved to fish, especially in the winter.