Obituaries Terrance Peterson
Terrance “Terry” Peterson, 78, of Watford City, N.D., formerly of Froid, died Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, at his Watford City residence.
He was born on May 6, 1942, in Powers Lake, N.D., to William and Esther (Jorgenson) Peterson. He graduated from Powers Lake High School class of 1960. His college days were spent in Sioux Falls, S.D., Fargo and Minot, N.D. He graduated with a degree in education from Minot State University in 1964 and, little did he know at that time, the impact he would have on so many through his legacy as an educator and a person.
He met Camille Mickelson while in Minot. They married Aug. 8, 1965, and spent their first years of teaching in Richey. He taught business classes and also got his first taste of coaching. Three years later, they found themselves trading in their royal colors for the red and black attire of the Froid Cardinals. He got busy right away balancing teaching, coaching and family life. Two years later, their daughter, Terrille, was born just prior to district boys’ basketball tournament time. The family had seemed to establish their home in Froid — that was until he took a road trip alone one summer weekend to Powers Lake, N.D. He came back with the idea to move east — to Detroit Lakes, Minn. But, after just one year, he was made aware that his positions at FHS still remained open and they jumped at the chance to move back to be Cardinals again.
He truly had a passion for education. He loved his career and all the students he came in contact with. He held the positions of teacher/coach/ administrative assistant/guidance counselor/athletic director with utmost respect. He coached several athletes in the sports of football, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, track and cross country. Quite a number of his teams had successful runs, while others were a “work in progress.” Either way, he had a way of bringing the most out of every athlete fortunate to play for him. He was nominated for the state Athletic Director of the Year Award for the state of Montana. Upon retirement, he was awarded the Athletic Directors Life Pass. He has held on quite proudly to that card in his wallet for the past 15 years.
He enjoyed staying busy. He grew up building houses, working with his uncle. He loved fixing and remodeling. It didn’t matter what home, he always worked on it to make it his own. His most recent project involved designing an outdoor patio in his Mesa, Ariz., home where he enjoyed sitting and enjoying the heat of the sun, having coffee with friends. He spent several summers crop adjusting in Montana and North Dakota. He was a longterm member of the city council and later became mayor of Froid, a seat which he held proudly for several years.
He loved spending time with his family. He often was a shoulder to lean on for advice for Terrille and her own sports teams and was often seen supporting them on the “50- yard line.” He and Camille purchased their first “southern home” in Watford City for the purpose of watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting events.
He had a love for music. Gospel music was by far his favorite. He often jumped at the chance when asked to join in church choirs, the last one being a member of the Lutheran Church choir in Watford City.
He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Gudrun; two infant sons; and his brother, Bradley.
He is survived by his wife, Camille; daughter, Terrille Jacobson; and two grandchildren.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services were held Friday, Oct. 16, at the Froid High School gymnasium. Burial was at Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Powers Lake.
