Richard K. “Rocky” Petersen, 69, of Eureka, passed away in his home on Oct. 17, 2016

Rocky was born and raised in Eureka to Hans and Janet Petersen on Sept. 28, 1947. He grew up on Hayes Street playing with the neighborhood kids at Carson Park, and graduated from Eureka High School in the Class of 1966. He enjoyed attending his class reunions including the most recent, his 50th.

Rocky was married to Denise Wyman on May 11, 1974, and remained married 42 years, until his death.

His 50-year work history included Fred and Robert’s, 20 years in the lumber industry at Louisiana Pacific and more than 20 years as an insurance adjuster for Property Damage Appraisers, until retiring in 2014.

His love of cars began as a teen and he soon after found himself as a crew member, along with his lifelong friend Billy Gillespie, as part of the Don Price and Liquid Filled Racing team, traveling to many different tracks to race. While working on race cars he became skilled at paint and body work. It was Don Price who gave him the name “Rocky,” which stuck for the rest of his life.

Rocky owned a shop where he fabricated custom cars and sand rails, one of which earned a national first place trophy at a southern California car show. His favorite car was a teal Model A which he finished in 1987, just as his daughter was born. The next 10 years were spent with his family traveling to rod runs and car shows, winning many awards and developing friendships that would last a lifetime, quite literally. If you were involved in any way with cars and in Northern California, then you knew Rocky.

He spent his last years doing exactly what he wanted to, calling his friends and visiting them at their jobs or homes.

Rocky was also an enthusiastic 49ers fan and attended many games in San Francisco with friends.

Honesty and integrity were always present. One of the greatest compliments ever spoken was attributed to Rocky by one of his close friends, “He doesn’t even know how to lie.”

Rocky is survived by his wife Denise, daughter Rachelle Petersen, best friend Billy Gillespie.

Rachelle wishes to thank his countless others who have supported and stood by as great friends over the years.

All friends and family are encouraged to attend Rocky’s farewell party on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at Steve and Dave’s, located at 200 First Street, Eureka.

###

The obituary above was submitted by Rocky Petersen’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.