February 26, 1959 – October 30, 2025
We are deeply saddened to share that John Edward Peters passed away on October 30, 2025. His unexpected death has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 26, 1959, he knew at young age what his life’s passion would be – skiing and landscape architecture. Those two passions led him to graduate from Utah State with a degree in landscape architecture; it was not a coincidence that Utah has some great ski resorts!
John began his career in Orange County, CA, where he met his wife, Teresa. He started his own landscape architecture firm at a young age and worked on many interesting projects. He was often referred to as “Taiwan John” after many overseas trips, working on a theme park project in Asia. John eventually made his way to Ridgway, CO where he focused on land and real estate development.
In addition to being a devoted family man, John gave back to his community. He was a man of enviable faith in God and served in many capacities at his Church including that of an elder. John also served as a Ouray County commissioner.
John was a gregarious, happy soul with a dry sense of humor and rich sense of adventure. He loved the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota where he spent weeks at the family cabin, canoeing, fishing and relaxing. He would often be on the boat, alone, before sunrise finding that “new fishing spot”. He would mark “his” map with the size and type of the catch as well as the time, bait and weather conditions. His family had an opportunity to have great times with John; the Cabin will not be the same without him.
John was preceded in death by his brother William and parents Ann and Ken Peters. He is survived by Teresa (nee Lopez), his devoted wife of more than 39 years who stood alongside him through every season in life. He was a proud and caring father to his daughter Amanda and her husband Dave, and to his son Alex, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He was a loving grandfather to Penelope and Rocco.
John will also be greatly missed by his sister Martha and brother Ken and their spouses Stephen and Carolyn and the entire Lopez family. He was a beloved uncle to Charles, Megan, Ben, Will, Gretchen, Connor and Cassidy.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on February 7, 2026, at 3.30 p.m. at Ridgway Community Church, 685 Sherman Street, Ridgway, CO 81432. A reception will follow the service in the undercroft (email: frontoffice@ridgwaychurch.com; telephone: (970) 626-5692)
Ouray County Plaindealer • 2026
