Obituary of Richard Peters

Richard Peters, born 5/31/1929, passed away peacefully with his family at his side April 29, 2016. Richard is best known for his lifetime love of music. He started playing trumpet in the 4th grade. Received degrees from Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan, studying with Graham Young, Clifford Lillya and James Neilson. While in school he had is own dance band, Dick Peters and the Downbeats. After college, he served in the US Army, playing with the 40th Division Band in Korea and the 5th Army Band in Chicago until discharge. His professional music career began as a public school music educator. Well known as a teacher, his students occupy important positions in orchestras, bands and schools throughout the United States and Canada. In 1967, Richard accepted a professor of music position at the University of Arizona. He was Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of the Wind and Percussion for 27 years. Richard performed as Principal Trumpet with the Tucson Symphony for 27 years and was leader of the Symphony Brass Quintet. He also served as principal trumpet with the Tucson Pops and Arizona Opera orchestras for many years. In retirement he played in the Skyline Brass Quintet. His hobbies included golf, hunting, fishing and gardening. He was happiest when surrounded by family and sharing a cherry pie! Preceded in death by parents Vera (Winkleman) and Elmer Peters and daughter Roberta Ann Peters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elaine (Kniebes) Peters, Son Duane Peters (Jeanne), Daughters Michele Razo, Denise Grant (Pat) and Jennifer Thompson (Keith). Grand Children Kevin Razo, Eugene Grant, Angela Singh, Heather Peters, Lauren and Anna Thompson, and Great Grand Son Eugene Michael Grant and another Baby Grant on the way. Special thank you to all the Bayada Caregivers, Northwest Hospital Doctors, Nurses, Techs, Housekeepers, Dietary and Lab Staff who became part of our family. Your compassion and care were instrumental in maintaining Richard's quality of life until he took his last breath. In lieu of flowers, family would prefer donations to Eastern Michigan University Foundation - Trumpet Scholarship in memory of Richard E Peters. EMU Foundation PO Box 972057 Ypsilanti MI 48197-0246 Memorial Service, Internment and Reception on May 7, 2016 at Dove of Peace Lutheran Church 665 Roller Coaster Road 85704 Sanctuary Service @ 2pm. Internment in the Garden following service. Reception following in the All Saints Hall. For those who are unable to attend services, please leave comments or pictures on the website adairfuneralhomes.com. These will be included in guest book.