Wayne Peterson of Fort Collins, CO has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
Wayne held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith is a quiet companion through a long life. Wayne's walked beside him.
Wayne was born on September 30, 1943, in Milaca, Minnesota. He graduated from Denver West High School, earned an Associate’s degree from Colorado Mesa University, a B.A. in Business at the University of Denver, and later an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from Denver Seminary.During his seminary studies, Wayne interned at Calvary Temple, where he had previously met his wife, Barbara, and where they were married on September 5, 1969, beginning a partnership rooted in faith, service, and hospitality. Wayne’s pastoral work took the couple to Minnesota, where he served with First Baptist Church. In 1980 they returned to Colorado with their son, Drew, when Wayne joined the staff at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church. He later became a founding pastor at Parker Presbyterian and Creekside Community churches, before finishing his pastoral career at Fellowship Community Church.Later in life, Wayne worked at Costco where he became a well-known greeter and could strike up a conversation with virtually anyone. A quick Costco trip was rarely quick—anywhere in the country—because Wayne was always stopping to talk with people and make them feel seen.He had a heart for service, volunteering as a chaplain at Swedish Hospital in Denver and later at Mercy Hospital in Durango after the family moved there in 2020. Wayne also joined Barb in supporting Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child as year-round volunteers.Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Sue Peterson. He is survived by his son, Drew; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and his grandchildren, Jordyn (15) and Austin (13), who brought him immense joy.Wayne enjoyed photography, cars, biking, and tennis, turning to pickleball later in life. He especially loved taking trips with his family and exploring new places with his grandchildren.A memorial service will be held at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church on June 9 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts and donations in Wayne’s name may be made to Samaritan’s Purse in support of Operation Christmas Child.
