Birk James Petersen

Birth date: May 1, 1933 Death date: Nov 25, 2015

Birk James Petersen, 82, collector, restoration craftsman, builder of scale models, and appreciator of old mechanical things passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at UVRMC due to complications from surgery. Birk was born on May Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

C. Gal Stout

523w ago

Dear Petersen Family:

I am saddened to hear of Birk's passing. I had the honor of getting to know him and his sweet wife Darlene as I served as hospice chaplain for Darlene during her last days. I will always remember the sweet and gentle care Birk gave his sweetheart and how she responded to him when she knew he was near. What an example for us all.
During the last year Birk invited me and my two teenage grandsons to his home to see his "museum" of creations. I had been there before and couldn't wait for my boys to see what can be accomplished with a creative mind and skilled and gifted hands. They were overwhelmed and continually talk about this wonderful memory created.
Birk leaves a great legacy. I'm so grateful to have known him.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May you find peace during this time of loss.
C. Gail Stout

Susan Beck Taylor

523w ago

Greetings Petersen Family,
I send my condolences to you. Birk was a gentle giant with many talents that he willingly shared with many. Annie, I hope you are still in Provo and working for Provo City-probably by now you are retired. Thank you for some fond memories as friends and roommates. My best to you and your family. Susan Beck Taylor (my phone number is in the phone book for Sandy, UT

Janet Bradshaw Izatt

523w ago

Birk taught a lot of boys how to be a man. My husband had the opportunity of being a scout master with Birk. He cherished the lessons learned from Birk and the great friendship they enjoyed. I'm sorry I am out of town and will not be able to come to the viewing, but I honor your family for the good they have done. I send my love and sympathy but also feel to rejoice in the full life your father lived.

Janet Bradshaw Izatt (former ward member and Primary teacher).

Bob Weirick

523w ago

Birk was a friend, mentor, and confidant. He shared his skills and his accomplishments with grace and good nature. He talked me though a difficult time of moving away from Salt Lake City after 40 years and beginning again in a new place with an as yet unfinished shop now six months later. He never believed my doubts and always included an inquiry about my progress in his e-mails, sometimes two or three times a in a day.

I am very sorry to be unable to return to Utah right now to pay a personal tribute to Birk and to extend my sympathy to you his family. My own ladder-incident injury several years ago suddenly flared up last Wednesday and it is requiring continuing medical attention.

I will certainly be there in spirit.
Bob Weirick
Bozeman, Montana

Sarah Yorgason

523w ago

Our family just moved to Provo in August and I just knew I needed to meet the man behind the creations by the school Birk invited us in to see his creations and we were amazed by his skills. I returned several times and got to know him better each time. I took two items which needed repair and he fixed them on the spot, not wanting to have something hanging over my head. He also generously gave me boxes of his canning jars from his basement. I am so saddened by the news of his passing, but I am glad for the short time I knew him. Sarah Yorgason

David Hurtado

523w ago

When I was in first grade we moved to Edgemont due to my parents divorce. My first friend was John Giles. He took
me over to see Birk many times. As an adult I've been fortunate to live near him again and to have my kids get to know him. We are all saddened at his passing. He was a true friend and a great personal role model to me. I have always admired his skill and craftsmanship.
Yesterday I dug through boxes in my garage looking for the neckerchief slide he made for me. It's a microscope.
We will miss him.
David Hurtado family

Perry Bowers

523w ago

what a amazing man, and a great family !!!
god bless
Perry Bowers

Deb

523w ago

I was so sad to hear about Birk. I consider him one of my dear friends and am glad that the kids, Andy and I were able to visit him when we were in Utah last July. I consider him and Darlene family (Darlene babysat Harrison for the first 4 years of his life - he called them Grandma Darlene and Grandpa Birk). I was honored to continue to correspond with him via e-mail for the past several years. So lucky to have known this man and his family!!

Love,

Debbie (Nixon) Riggs

Melanie Misbach Ballard

524w ago

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father! Being a friend of Lizz when I was young, I have many fond memories of your home and family. I remember the great kerchief ties he made the scouts, particularly the one for John Giles which was a toilet. I remember him fixing a tent pole for me before I went on the young women you went to backpack trip.

When my parents went on a mission to Mongolia, my husband and I moved into my parents house, and I again had the opportunity to visit your parents. My son Cameron was about 18 months old when your father took him on a tour of his models. Cameron loved the monkey that would climb up the rope, and your father let him try it over and over again. He even mentioned Cameron in an article he sent to a machinists magazine. Couple of months ago I took the rest of my seven children to see all of the wonderful things your father has made. He remembered Cameron right off the bat and the day that we came by 15 years earlier.

His work and creativity were truly amazing and inspiring! I hope that there will be a place to have them displayed for generations to come. He will be remembered in our family was great fondness for many many years to come.

Much love,
Melanie Misbach Ballard

Lynn Mikesell

524w ago

I enjoyed imensley the time I spent getting to know Birk and working along side him at PDM. He was a great mentor and truly loved his family. Birk will be sorely missed.
Lynn Mikesell.

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall