Charles Douglas Peterson

Charles Douglas Peterson, 72, retired staff horticulturist and garden manager of the historic Founders Memorial Garden at UGA, died April 29.
Born in Seattle on January 10, 1945, to the late Charles and Erma Wallace Peterson, he grew up in Tacoma, WA. Doug was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Wickenden Peterson, and his brother, David (Sharon) Peterson of Tacoma, as well as stepchildren Robert (Peggy) Marks Livermore, CA; Gale (Esdon) Smith, Oakland, CA; Tracey Marks, and Virginia (Phillip) Scarborough, San Francisco, CA. Survivors also include grandchildren Natalie Marks, Alexandria Smith, Peter Marks, Taylor and Gracie Scarborough, Magdalena (Mark) de la Vega ; and great-grandchildren Hunter Carroll and Holly and Mia de la Vega. He is predeceased by stepdaughter Hollyann Marks.
Doug graduated in 1969 with a B.A. in history and political science from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, and then joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), which brought him to Atlanta. After his VISTA service, Doug became a middle and high school social studies teacher with the Atlanta Public Schools. He earned a Master of Education in secondary social studies at Georgia State University, where he and Barbara met.
Doug and Barbara moved to Athens in 1986, and he worked as a landscape designer and consultant while earning a Master of Landscape Architecture and Certificate of Historic Preservation at the University of Georgia, becoming manager of the Founders Memorial Garden from 1991 until his retirement in 2007. In addition to his work with the School of Environment and Design, Doug's community involvement included membership in the Cedar Creek Civic Association, Friends of the State Botanical Garden and a term on the Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful Commission.
Doug, an expert and enthusiastic gardener, was instrumental in landscaping the grounds of Oconee River Church where he was an active and faithful member. He found joy teaching the adult Sunday school class and served as former chair of the Board of Administration. He and Barbara were loving companions, devoted to their church, and enjoyed gardening, traveling the world, and playing bridge with their friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 6 at 11a.m. at Oconee River Church, 395 Research Road, Athens, GA 30605, with Reverend G. Richard Hoard officiating. The family will greet friends starting at 10 a.m. A reception will be held after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations: Oconee River Church; American Diabetes Association; Founders Memorial Endowment Fund; or Athens Area Humane Society.