Charles Peterson

Charles Peterson June 24, 1960 - June 11, 2015 Chuck Peterson, age 54, passed away on June 11 surrounded by his loved ones. He fought terminal esophageal cancer with humor and humility for three years, and garnered a following from the blog he wrote recounting his experience: crowwatcher.blogspot.com. Chuck would rather not be remembered as a cancer patient, but as a filmmaker, husband, father, friend and practical joker. He grew up in Jenison, Mich., and graduated with an Arts and Media degree from the William James College at GVSU in 1983. After a brief start as an animator, he found his footing in a job he loved as the Station Manager/Affiliate Director for GRTV and then as the Acting Executive Director for the Community Media Center, serving the GRCMC for 20 years total and helping them to expand their campus and acquire the Wealthy Theatre. He will be remembered as a fierce free-speech advocate during that time, as well as a mentor for artists and dreamers who found themselves drawn to that creative space. He spent his later years as a media producer for nonprofit organizations such as the Children's Assessment Center, Healthy Homes Coalition, Kids' Food Basket, Disability Advocates of Kent County, and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Chuck is a co-founder of the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, and served the Michigan film/video community wherever possible, including in the development of youth media programs and film competitions. Last year he served as a teaching artist at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT). The steady stream of family and friends visiting Chuck at his home in his last days is a testament to the many lives he has touched. Chuck was known by all for his kindness, resourcefulness and understated sense of humor. All are on full display in his blog where, along with an unflinching account of his cancer journey, he wrote about the things he treasured in life: great food, traveling, living to see another Michigan season unfold, and most of all, his beloved family. He was a lover of technology, movies, karaoke and peanut butter in all its forms, especially in milkshake form. He also is known for being able to cure any case of the hiccups in 10 seconds or less, either in person or over the phone. Chuck is survived by his wife Mary Willey; daughters Alice Peterson, Abby Peterson and Marlee Guilford; parents Bill and Elsie Peterson; siblings Ginny Peterson, Rob Peterson and Betsy Peterson; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members, and friends that wish they were family. His family would love to be drowned in flowers but will understand if you'd like to donate to charity instead. Chuck loved to provide support tools to anyone with a creative dream, and donations should be made with that in mind. A Memorial Open House is planned for Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 4PM to 8PM at the Duren-Peabody Farm: 6087 - 100th St. SE., Caledonia, MI 49316. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles William Peterson please visit our Sympathy Store.