Kelvin Glade Peterson
September 8, 1959 - April 8, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kelvin Glade Peterson, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Opa, and friend. Kelvin was born to Glade and Mardean Peterson September 8, 1959, in New York City, and died April 8, 2025 in Salt Lake City after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Kelvin spent his youth in Zurich, Switzerland, flanked by his two doting sisters and accompanied by a myriad of forever friends. Kelvin graduated from East High School and the University of Utah with a B.S. in Mass Communication and a B.A. in English Literature. He relished his 34-year career in the airline industry culminating at United Airlines as a Product Specialist. In addition to being a consummate professional loved and respected by all, his work allowed him to indulge his yen for travel and his curiosity about other cultures, with many journeys to Europe, China, and Latin America. A renaissance man of many interests, Kelvin was passionate about music from Beethoven to Verdi to Jerry Garcia, and was a devoted “deadhead,” frequently traveling to see shows wherever and whenever possible. He was an athlete – on the golf course, the ski slopes, or pitching soft balls. He was equally at home shooting the breeze at the Coffee Garden, cheering on the Jazz, or applauding Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. He read classic literature and listened to opera’s greatest singers. Kelvin, who spoke volumes with a wry smile or wink of the eye, was generous with his time, a champion of the underdog, and always available to lend a hand, or simply provide love and support when needed.
Left behind to mourn and celebrate Kelvin: his angel wife Liqin Qiu; his pride and joy, daughter Daniela Jex (Erik Jex) and cherished grandsons Matthew Jex and Michael Jex; his sisters Leslie Peterson (Kevin Higgins) and Michelle Peterson (Richard Scott); beloved nieces and nephews Courtney Higgins (Dan Hasleton), Christopher Adams, Emily Higgins, Sarah Scott and Sam Scott; former wife Robin Brown; and treasured friends. Preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Sandra Urzua.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, April 16, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encourage to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. In honor of Kelvin and in lieu of flowers, please consider an act of kindness or a gift to your favorite charity.
“Our love is real, not fade away, not fade away!”
In Loving Memory
Kelvin, you were a friend to all and loved by all who knew you. You always had a song in your head and made me and everyone else smile whenever you walked by jammin to your tunes. I hope you are still jamming in heaven. I am going to miss you.
If you look up the term "cool cat", you'll find a picture of Kelvin I'm sure. To anyone lucky enough to work with Kelvin, he is a legend. Knowledgeable and always willing to help, Kelvin was patient and kind and an all-around good guy. We will all miss you my friend. Have fun on the other side! Godspeed
A good man; good friend. I miss him greatly. Farewell Mr. K
Kelvin was a friend to all of us in our neighborhood. Always had a smile and a good word …He would shovel our sidewalks, mow lawns , etc. etc. A good man gone too soon.
Dear Kevin, I still remember running into you and Diana near Broadway—it feels like just yesterday. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Very sorry to hear of Kelvin's passing. We were common friends with twins Steve and Mike R. Kelvin was a true gentleman, may he rest in peace.
Kelvin, my beloved childhood friend, you graced us with your kindness. You were my fifth brother; did not have a mean bone in your body. The world is a little darker now that you are gone. But the love you gave us Moraises lingers still in the air. Richard
Dear Kelvin, you are family to us the Mills but also I am sure to many other families. Your warmth, enthusiasm is contagious. Our childhood memories will forever be with us. Thank you, thank you from all of us.
Kelvin, You are dearly missed. Decades of memories with you, and our shows...SLC, Boston, Wallingford...I will miss your kindness, your smile, your generous spirit...and the look we would quietly give each other when the band went into overdrive. Fare you well, fare you well, I know the four winds have blown you safely home. "When I had no wings to fly, you flew to me, you flew to me." Love. Aiko. Glenn
It is with heavy hearts we say farewell to our beautiful friend Kelvin. He was a special friend who Mario spent a lot of time with while growing up in kuesnacht and then meeting up over the years. He was such a wonderful person and we shall all miss him and now cherish his stunning shining star to guide us through happy and sad times. Sending heaps of love from Mario, Penny, Nena and Kim 💖🙏💞
In Loving Memory
