Dr. Tushla joined Dr. Peterson in 1973 and joined a practice that soon included Drs. David Stegman, Bill Eckmen and Gus Iwasiuk, which became the “nucleus of the Santa Clara Valley practice for years.”Dr. Tushla noted that after the group “got so big it imploded” and around 1988 “when the dust settled he worked for Dr. Jon Schrock and quit doing the surgeries he was so good at.”Dr. Peterson’s sunny disposition and medical acumen were well known.“What kind of a guy was Alan? How time do you have? Aside from being a friend he was one of the most reliable physicians I ever knew,” said Dr. Tushla. “I would rate him in the top three, which includes my dad. Alan was what used to be called a doctor’s doctor: if you needed help he was always there.”Although seriously ill for more than a year, Dr. Peterson continued to work “although he knew it was dangerous to him, but knowing Al, he never sat still for very long.”Dr. Tushla last saw Dr. Peterson about a week ago: “I could count the time that Alan was done on one finger and even then he hid it pretty well. He was handsome and smart and charismatic and led a very colorful life; it’s a real loss.”Services are pending; Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary of Santa Paula is in charge of the arrangements.
Dr. Alan Peterson passes away
November 05, 2003
Santa Paula News
A leading area physician known for his good works, good looks, good advice and good humor and who founded what became the river valley’s largest medical practice has passed away.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA leading area physician known for his good works, good looks, good advice and good humor and who founded what became the river valley’s largest medical practice has passed away. Dr. Alan Peterson died early Friday, October 31, 2003 after an almost year-long struggle with a blood disorder. He was 70 years old and passed away at the Ventura County Medical Center.“I first met him in 1966 when I was a junior in high school,” about two years after Dr. Peterson arrived in the city, said Santa Paula City Councilman Rick Cook.“Alan was a guy who didn’t care who you were or what you were; he had no boundaries and was well liked by everyone.”Honesty was among his traits, noted Cook, whether or not you particularly wanted to hear what he had to say. “I always respected his opinion as I think everyone who knew him did. He always gave me good advice and would come at you from the other side to make you think some more. I’ll miss him; he was a good friend and confidant.”The upbeat Dr. Peterson – easy to spot with his silver hair and radiant smile – was “always positive,” said Cook. “Even with his illness he was always positive. He’s leaving four great kids; his family was his heartbeat and he would do anything for his kids. Dr. Pete was the focal point of his family and Barbara’s (Barbara Fox, his longtime companion) family.”“He was a good guy and I’ll miss him,” Cook noted.Dr. Peterson was a “doctor’s doctor,” said Dr. Dick Tushla, who started with the affectionately nicknamed Dr. Pete.“Alan recruited several of us out of residency, although some of us had to go off to the military.”
