Leander H. “Pete” Peterson, aka “Gunky”, passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2010 at his home in Lucerne, Calif.

Pete was well liked by all who knew him and had been a local businessman and resident of the community of Lucerne off and on since 1947.

He was a school psychologist in Lake County, Marin County and Butte County. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed.

After serving as a quartermaster in the Navy during World War II, he joined his mother and father in Lucerne where they built the Beachcomber Resort in 1947, where it still stands today.

Enduring several devastating floods, the beautiful location was always a draw to him, his family and many friends who came from as far away as Germany and Europe to visit the resort.

Pete was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dora ”Jean” Peterson. He is survived by daughter Dianne Bevers and husband Terry in Discovery Bay, son Bill Peterson and wife Jeanne in Red Bluff, daughter Tina Fincher and husband Cody in Lucerne, son Leonard Peterson and wife Paulette in Camarillo; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and last but always loved, his pal, Viking, his black Labrador retriever.

A celebration of Pete’s life is being planned and notifications forthcoming. Services are courtesy of Jones and Lewis Mortuary of Lakeport.

In lieu of flowers, Pete wanted donations to be made in his name to the American Cancer Society and Hospice Services of Lake County.