L. Durand Peterson, 93, formerly of Manchester Road and Aldren Avenue, died Monday December 29, 2025, in Warren Manor.

He was born July 8, 1932, in Jamestown, a son of the late Lawrence and Helen Olson Peterson.

Prior to his retirement in 1986, he was president of Asphalt Service, Jamestown Macadam, Inc and Corbett Hill Gravel Products.

He was a member of First Covenant Church, Samuel Derby Post American Legion, Mt. Moriah Lodge, New York Asphalt Association and the Chautauqua County Highway Association.

He served on the boards of Jamestown Community College Foundation, Lutheran Social Services GA Home and the Town of Ellicott.

Durand was a leader in many organizations which fostered his love of Scandinavian heritage. These include Swedish Council of America (emeritus director), American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, Norden Club (past president and director), Scandinavian Studies Program at Jamestown Community College (founder and chairman), Viking Lodge, and Thule Lodge. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Polar Star which was presented to him by King Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden and his wife. Queen Sylvia during their visit to Jamestown.

For over 50 years he served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board where he assisted with Coats for Christmas and even played Santa Claus.

An avid outdoorsman, Durand made an annual pilgrimage to Canada with family and friends to fish. In 2009 he was inducted into the Canadian Walleye Hall of Fame. He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

Surviving is his wife Janice Leathers Peterson, whom he married May 15, 1954; three children Douglas (Martha) Peterson of Jamestown, Julie Peterson of Lakewood and Paul (Kirsten) Peterson of New Florence, PA; daughter in law Valerie Peterson of Miramar Beach, FL; grandchildren Kellie (Chris) Matteini, Christopher (DeDe) Nosbisch, Kristine (Matthew) Greene, Erik (Dawn) Peterson, Sarah (JJ) Peterson, Caroline (Jake) Hawkins, J. Mitchell Peterson, Emily (Ric) Leao and Evan Peterson and 11 great grandchildren.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Peterson and a brother Donald Peterson.

A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed.

Memorials may be made to the Jamestown Salvation Army or the Chautauqua Blind Association.