Richard Allen Peterson

MADISON- Richard A. Peterson, age 76, lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, August 14 under the compassionate care of Hospice.  Richard was the son of Harold Arthur Peterson and Bernice Ellen Peterson (nee Clark), who passed away three days after his birth.   Richard was raised by his Uncle and Aunt, Kenneth and Thelma Evenson.  He graduated from West High School in 1951.  Richard attended the Kehl School of Dance and studied under Mr. Kehl and Billie Sidell. He was also trained by Robert Lunnon of the Allegro American Co.  And in 1953 studied under Richard and Christine Ellis of Chicago.  Richard had the opportunity to take extra parts with The Festival Ballet and The Royal Ballet of England.  Richard also had the pleasure of being partnered with Diana Welch for five years and together they traveled the Midwest dancing original ballets, as well as performing traditional pieces like The Nut Cracker and Les Sylphides.  While Richard was dancing, he was also working in the medical field.  He began in the film library for the American Hospital Association.  In 1969 he entered x-ray training at Madison General Hospital.  After graduation his first jobs were with The Michael Reese Hospital and Northwestern Memorial.  Richard spent two years at Milwaukee Area Technical College learning dental lab skills.  In 1983 Richard was hired at the UW Hospital and retired there after 13 years of service in 1996.  Once retired, he read, traveled the United States, and indulged his passion for model rail roads.  He is preceded in death by all four of his parents, his brother Harold and his dance partner Diana Welch.  Richard is survived by his cousin, Joanne La Vergne (Calgary, Canada) whom he always considered a sister; a half-sister, Karen Barry (Pueblo West, CO), nephew Brian La Vergne, niece-in-law, Chris (Calgary, Canada), and cousins Roy Peterson (Illinois) and Alan Peterson (Florida).  Richard is further survived by his dear friends Janet and Steve Buckingham of Madison.  It meant a great deal to Richard that Joanne, Brian and Chris came to visit during his battle with cancer.  Without their love and the kind care of the Buckingham's his last days would have been unbearable.  He will always cherish those moments in which he felt the power of love.  It was Richard's wish that we all remember; ""Death is not Grief, but Tranquility""   Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road, Madison 608-238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com