I think the first time I became acquainted with Cary Peterson was when I had signed up for a Juab High School Class in "Chorus". I think everybody in the School Halls knew I was like Barney Fife as I couldn't "sing a lick". But my father was in the local church choir and my mother loved music, so all of her kids attempted to play the Clarinet, and at least us four boys tried, but utterly failed. When Cary introduced himself-one of "us" no accounts asked if he sang and by dang he sure did, and some of us thought he was better than Robert Goulet, who became a Hollywood singer in the early 1960's, and famous. I never did learn to sing, but my brother-Gary was in school plays where Cary would sing. My mother-LaVon Jones was the Secretary for four different District Superintendent's, and she was the only one till she retired, so teachers and Principals relied on her to help them with typing; correspondence and answering the phone. After school, Cary and his father-in-law Fred Painter joined forces to work the farm and cattle. Although most cowboys find their work hard. Cary found it to be hard but really fun. He spent his younger days growing up in Cedar Fort, which was like my father growing up in Nortonville. Both of those places found the work hard, but fun to ride the horses they caught out west. At the funeral today, as I often do, I don't hear as well, but like to watch the body movement and reactions to the speakers. When the Great Grandkids of Cary & RaNee sang "Peace in Christ" I could see and feel the emotions of those young kids. One older boy was about 14 and carried his cowboy hat in his hands, but he put it up to his face to cover his tears.The others then started to let their tears of love stream down their cheeks. Judging from them alone was enough to convince this "doubting Thomas" their was a lot of respect and love for both of their great grandparents. And Cary was undoubtedly close to all his family and they learned that work, play and love all go together for a great blend. One of the speakers spoke of Cary forbidding-while he was in the State Legislature to ask "for a backroom deal". He wanted everything in the open, and I can attest to that. When I was a law enforcement officer working for the State, I was asked or "ordered" to write a Legislative Bill, then take in to the House of Representatives. That made me nervous as I knew the new House Whip and I thought our Department Chief was setting me up for failure. When I corned her and handed her the folder, she responded with "I know what that filthy thing is and then threw it in my face." We were standing near two of the Utah State Troopers who were assigned to watch those folks who wanted the backroom deals. I knew the one Trooper, who said "Jones, do you want me to arrest her for you"? I said no, their is not a Prosecutor or Judge in the State that would take my word over three law enforcement officers. They giggled and said we will pick up the papers for you and put a bandaid on your head. Only God moves in a mysterious way, but I gathered my wits and returned the next day. This time I went with my binder to Cary Peterson, who was serving as the Majority Leader of the Senate. He recognized me and shook my hand and I was about to tell my situation. He instantly responded by saying something like "How is your parents and family"? Then about my work and so forth. He finally told me he heard all about the incident the day before. He said he read my proposal and then asked a simple question, just like the farmers of yesteryear would do. I said if we made this a State Law it could very well cut down on the vicious repeat offenders we keep arresting. He then said "Give me your word on it". I did and he said he would call me. Two days later, Cary called and said it was passed and he took it to the Governor, and it was made a law. I asked him once if he was ever in the Marines, and he said only ROTC. I said he walked like a Marine and kept groomed like a Class A Mode. And he has that Christlike love for all people. Cary also taught Math, and I squeaked by, but I watched him walk sharp and look sharp as ever as he returned from doing Temple work. To all that loved him, just know he is alive and well as is RaNee and they are dancing on those Clouds of our next sphere.
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