Honoring Gov. Russ Peterson, 1916-2011

Gov. Russell Wilbur “Russ” Peterson passed away at home Monday, Feb. 21 with his wife, June, standing by his side.

Peterson was born in 1916 and led a life dedicated to public service and the environment.

From 1969-73, Peterson served as the governor of Delaware.

During his time in office, Peterson passed the Coastal Zone Act of 1972, which helped protect Delaware’s coastline and remains intact today. He also reorganized state government from a commission model to its current cabinet model.

In the Cape Region, Peterson helped champion the environment and in his later years provided support for the wind power movement here.

He served the nation on the Council on Environment Quality from 1973-76, where he co-chaired a task force, helping eliminate chlorofluorocarbons in aerosol sprays.

Peterson also worked closely with the Delaware Audubon Society and that national society, where he served as president from 1979-85. He has earned hundred of awards and honors, but is remembered best by those who knew him along the way.

Here, local leaders remember Peterson and the work he did in the Cape Region.

IN OUR OWN WORDS

“I remember when he was governor, he came to inspect the state dredge and I was captain of the dredge. Gov. Peterson looked me up and down and I was nervous because I knew he probably wasn’t too happy about all the machinery, being that he was an environmentalist. He asked me what kind of birds were on the beach. I told him they were laughing gulls. Twice more that day he asked me about birds. I knew he was testing me, but I enjoyed being tested, and I was proud of myself for getting the birds right. We later became friends. Any time I voted in defense of the Coastal Zone Act – that was his pride and joy – he would call me up and tell me I did the right thing, then he’d hang up.”
- John Hughes, former secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

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“I first met Gov. Peterson back in 2005 when we initiated a capital campaign to raise support for Center for the Inland Bays’ new headquarters at Indian River Inlet. I phoned Russ (as he told me to call him) out of the blue one day and asked whether he would help us out by becoming our honorary campaign chair. He invited both Sally Boswell and me to his residence near Greenville where we spent a wonderful afternoon listening to Russ share stories about his run for governor, his fight for passage of the landmark Coastal Zone Act, and his many years of outstanding environmental service.

There were so many inspirational lessons to learn from Russ that I was a bit overwhelmed after our first meeting. But, even though I had just met the man, when I said good-bye to Russ and June that day, I felt like we were old friends.

Gov. Peterson loved Delaware’s natural wonders and he took great joy and pride in his efforts to protect them, even if it meant that he had to sacrifice other things that were important to him. I’ll cherish the man and the memories of him. Those Delawareans who didn’t have the great privilege of getting to meet Russ like I did missed out on knowing a great man.
-Ed Lewandowski, director, Center for the Inland Bays

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“In the past few years, as an elected official, I was lucky enough to work with Gov. Peterson. Even as recently as last year, I attended a conference on sustainable Delaware. His presence had such an impact. It was an honor to be with him and have a conversation. He was amazing. Even at his older age, it was amazing to see his drive and passion. The state and the people of Lewes have certainly benefitted from having him.”
- Lewes Mayor Jim Ford

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“During the hearings for new power generation, which ultimately led to the contract enabling Bluewater Wind to build a wind-power facility off Delaware, several faculty and students from the University of Delaware presented analysis of this option before the Delaware Public Service Commission.

I was honored to have Gov. Peterson contact me during this time to encourage us in what we were doing and to ask for more information about the planned facility and about offshore wind. Even in his late 80s, he was wellinformed on this new topic - curious and thoughtful about evaluating potential negatives as well as positives. He wrote about this opportunity for Delaware in local papers and appeared in person to make the case. This was a great morale boost to us, encouraging us in our efforts, and also made our analysis and testimony more credible to others in the state. So, well after the accomplishments for which he is so wellknown and recognized, Gov. Peterson was studying and taking on new issues, encouraging the newcomers to Delaware environmental advocacy and taking a stand.”
- Willett Kempton, University of Delaware professor

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“I am one of the many presidents of Delaware Audubon who worked with Russ over the years.  I think what impressed me the most was how steadfast he was in pursuing goals that he felt were beneficial for everyone.  Sometimes this unswerving dedication to a cause was costly to him personally.  Men of his stature are rare.”
- Ann Rydgren, Delaware Audubon Society

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“Our state mourns the passing of a true legend. Russ Peterson lived the kind of life that leaves multiple legacies, each making a profound and positive difference. I was blessed to count him as both a mentor and a friend. He was a source of wisdom and strength.”
- Gov. Jack Markell

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