Roll Call Tribute

Donald Spencer Peterson 

May 31, 1970 - December 26, 2024 

Donald Spencer Peterson of Dallas, Texas unexpectedly passed away on December 26, 2024 while on a family vacation in Cape Town, South Africa with his beloved wife Kerry and their children, Elsa, Henry and Sydney.

Don was born May 31, 1970 to Donald Lee Peterson and Gayle Spencer Peterson at Barksdale Air Force Base, LA. The son of an Air Force pilot, Don and his family moved many times during his childhood, to Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, Germany, Texas and back to Florida where he graduated from Rutherford High School in Panama City. It was during these early childhood moves that his ability to make friends easily and his love for travel and adventure was born.

Don attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a BBA in Finance. Following graduation, he began a career in wealth management, working at Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank Securities before joining UBS as a Managing Director Wealth Management, where he spent more than twenty-two years. At UBS, Don managed the financial affairs of clients who had been with him for decades, and whom he respected and was proud to represent. He was recognized for his financial expertise by Barron's, Forbes, Financial Planning and the Financial Times during his 32 years in the business. Don truly loved his career, colleagues and clients.

Don loved his work, but lived for his family. Don met Kerry in November 2002, and they were married in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in November 2005. In 2007 they became parents to their first daughter, Elsa, who was joined by Henry in 2009 and Sydney in 2013. He was a loving and engaged father, jumping at the chance to have conversations, cook or run carpool. He was an active fixture on the sidelines of cheerleading competitions, football games and school events. The family enjoyed adventures around the world and shared in priceless memories in the United States and abroad. Don played tennis, was pursuing his Visual Flight Rules pilot license, and spent hours planning and anticipating his much-loved annual boys trip sailing in the Bahamian islands. He energized and entertained any group he was in, and was deeply loved by all who knew him.

Don is predeceased by his father, Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson; grandparents Robert and Neda Spencer and Beatrice Peterson. He is survived by his loving wife Kerry; his children Elsa, Henry and Sydney; and his mother Gayle. He will be enormously missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The services honoring Don will be held on January 14 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Highland Park United Methodist Church.