Donald L. Peterson

Donald Leslie Peterson, age 66, a longtime resident of Novi, passed away on June 14, 2017. He was born June 11, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Edwin and Ethel (nee Carlson) Peterson. Donald spent his childhood in Inkster and Dearborn Heights, graduating from Inkster Cherry Hill High School in the class of 1969.  Donald lovingly wed his bride Cheryl Elaine Baginski on August 8, 1980, spending 36 years devoted to one another.    Don lived life with a spirit unlike any other, always with a smile on his face and a joke at the ready. His love for family and friends seemingly had no end, as did his small acts of kindness. Even as a boy, Don worked weekends helping his father run the family business (Cadillac Custom Catering). Don never minded the tough tasks or long hours, but rather viewed life’s responsibilities as a better way to bond with those around him. Ultimately, Don seemed to measure his success in life by the happiness of others, a scoreboard that only counted inside jokes, laughs and smiles. By trade, Don was a teacher, but his kindness and care for others extends well beyond any generic job description.  He spent most of his career at Birney Middle School, starting in special education and eventually transferring over to the physical education. Don retired after more than 30 years of teaching, but couldn’t manage to stay away from the classroom long.  He returned to teaching after only one year of retirement, where he had a once in a lifetime opportunity to teach alongside his loving daughter Erica.   Don also spent much of his life coaching, where he combined his love for teaching with his passion for sports.  Whether the star of the team or the last player off the bench, Don always had a unique way of bonding with his players, creating the ultimate sense of unity and team.  The consummate encourager, he enjoyed building others up, and watching them succeed.  In his free time, Don loved spending time with his family and friends in Northern Michigan, enjoying the family cottage on Mullet Lake. His parents and their closest friends vacationed there for years, and he continued the tradition by building the next generation of his up north family. Don had a unique gift for making people laugh, always providing encouragement and loving unconditionally. An intense man of faith, Don had a strong personal relationship with God. He read his bible daily and spent a great deal of time in prayer. He maintained a special relationship with each member of his family, always finding a unique way of showing his love.  Whether it was cooking happy face breakfasts, buying you the hat of your favorite sports team, always having gluten free bread, discussing the NFL draft, or showing up with flowers, Don always had his own way of making you smile.  An incredible husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, colleague, and friend, he touched many lives, and his legacy lives on through those who were lucky enough to share in his light.  Smile once more Don, and rest peacefully knowing our lives our forever changed just by knowing you. Donald is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl E. Peterson; his children, Erica Peterson and Brian (Madelyn) Peterson; and his brothers, Dean Peterson, Curt Peterson, and Ron (Joyce) Peterson.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  The visitation will be held Monday, June 19, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  Pastor Christopher Fairbairn from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Northville will officiate the service.  Mr. Peterson will be laid to rest at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia.