LOGAN, UTAH: Howard Boyd Peterson passed away on March 19. 2004 in Logan, Utah after nearly 92 years of service to his family, friends, colleagues, students, and thousands of people around the world, he never met, but who benefit from his work in agriculture, soils, and irrigation systems.

His life began in Redmond, Utah on October 10, 1912 as the first child of Parley P. Peterson and Eva Koford Peterson. His younger years were spent in Clear Creek and Provo where he graduated from high school and earned both a B.S. Degree and a Master's Degree from Brigham Young University.

In 1940, after completing a Doctorate in Soil Bacteriology in Lincoln, Nebraska, he married Olive Thaxton and began his professional career at Utah State Agriculture College. This career spanned 38 years as an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, chairman of the Department of Agronomy, and professor of Agriculture, Engineering, and Drainage. His work took him to over 20 countries and five continents as a representative for Utah State University, the United States, and the United Nations, designing irrigation systems, improving soil conditions, and developing drought resistant or high altitude plants.

In the year prior to his retirement, he authored or co-authored nine technical publications, served on at least eleven graduate committees and was instrumental in obtaining approximately 1.5 million dollars in research and training funds for Utah State. A book he co-authored with D.W. Thome, Irrigated Soils, was translated into 13 languages and used throughout the world.

His other career was devoted to his family and friends. Right to the end, he marveled at how lucky he was to be married to his sweetheart, Olive. Treasuring her throughout their 64 years together gave him joy! Besides the lessons he taught, his example, and unfailing love; his never-ending commitment to education is a legacy his children and grandchildren will continue for generations to come.

Howard Boyd Peterson leaves behind his wife, Olive Thaxton Peterson, three children: Jan Boyd Peterson (Holli), Tana Peterson Hall (Dee), Paula Peterson Olsen (Marv); nine "exceptional" grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; his only sister, Lois Peterson Laycock; treasured friends and colleagues; and former students.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 12:00 Noon in the Allen-Hall Mortuary chapel. Friends may call at the mortuary Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:30 am. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.