Royes John Petersen, Jr. passed away July 21, 2010, in Las Vegas. He was born March 24, 1925, in Brigham City, Utah, to Royes and Elva Petersen.

Pete was a veteran of World War II, serving as a radioman on a cargo ship in the South Pacific. He graduated from Utah State Agricultural College in 1952, with a degree in civil engineering. He worked with his father in construction in Utah and Las Vegas.

Pete married Emily Gene Campbell in 1952 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Pete was an avid bird hunter and fisherman. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served many years in the Las Vegas Temple.

He is survived by his wife, Gene; children, Jon (Leslie), Ralph (Joni), Susan (Ashley) Anderson, Diane (Dave) McDonald, Catherine (Jay) Crum and Paul (Barb); 28 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Gae Cowley, Donna Pack, Colleen Nuttall, Stephen (Oneta) Petersen and Patricia (John) Prather.

Viewing will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 25, at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N.

Viewing again 9-10 a.m. Monday, July 26, with funeral services following, both at the Las Vegas East Stake Center, 4040 E. Wyoming.

Burial will be in the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund.

Messages: Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jul. 23, 2010.

Royes was one of those "great men" of the 6th Ward that I was privileged to know when I was a young father and starting out in business. He influenced me by always having a kind word of encouragement in our conversations about business and raising children. I'll always remember his smile and his quiet tenacity. Richard Parmenter July 26, 2010

Diane, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Sari Isom July 23, 2010

Dear Gene & Family, Sharon G. called us. I found Pete's Obituary in the RJ. I am sure you thought you were prepared, but when it does happen, it leaves you in shock. What would we do without the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, good friends and family. Ross says Pete was such a good help always, and if he was busy or something, you Gene filled in. What a blessing to know you in every way. I bet Pete will be out fishing or hunting with his Dad and such friends as Foremaster. However, he will be building a home for you. We will be calling you in a few days. Wish we could be there. Love, Ross & Jean July 23, 2010