William Dennis Peterson

Delta, Utah – William Dennis Peterson, age 78, passed away on Monday 26 June 2023. He was born on 3 December 1944 in Delta, Utah to Walter “E” Peterson and Julia Romania Brown Peterson. He is survived by 4 children.

        Denny was raised in Oak City with his parents and siblings and learned how to work while on the farm. His parents instilled a passionate work ethic which allowed him to achieve many great things in his adult life.

        While going to school, he worked various jobs in order to support his young family. He graduated from The University of Utah in 1971 and began an illustrious administrative career.

        He worked for the University of Utah for fifteen years as controller of the Division Continuing Education, 1975 – 1977, Management Consultant Highlands Plaza Clinic, 1975 – 1981, Consultant Museum of Northern Arizona, 1977 – 1981, Director Highland Dental Clinic 1976 – 1981, served on the board of directors of the Rocky Mountain Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 1978 – 1981, served as Chairman Democratic District Committee 1979, a member of the Task Force for Utah Telecommunications, 1979, and finally serving as the Director of Media Services for KUED and KUER, 1975 - 1981. He accepted a position as the Vice President of Administration and Finance at the Institute of Mining and Technology in 1981.

        During his tenure at New Mexico Tech, he served on many committees and boards, playing a key role in the economic development for the State of New Mexico.

He was an adjunct professor of Mining Engineering, member of the New Mexico Planning Commission for Higher Education, 1984, as well as being a member of the American Association for the advancement of Science, the National Association of University Business Officers, the National Association of Educational Broadcasters, the National Council of University Research, and the Lake Front Gun Club.

He also served for 15 years as a member of the New Mexico State Investment Council, four years as Vice Chairman of the New Mexico Finance Authority, and 12 years as Chairman of the New Mexico State Venture Capital Investment Committee, which were positions appointed by New Mexico’s Governor and confirmed by the New Mexico State Senate.

After retirement he served a two-year term for the New Mexico State Legislature as Senior Analysist for the President Pro Tempore, a member of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Research Park Corporation, and member of the Board for the New Mexico Tech Research Foundation.

Personally, he loved his family, his dogs, duck hunting, listening to great music and enjoying the outdoors. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy he left behind will impact lives for many more years. Rest well, Denny.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com.