Leroy Alvin Petersen, age 80, of Fairfield, Virginia, passed away on April 11, 2019 after a brief illness.

Leroy was born February 24, 1939 in Lander, Wyoming.

He was welcomed into the world as the only son born to his parents, Harold and Beulah Petersen, and the brother to his two beloved sisters, June and Janice.

He received his education at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colo., and University of Wyoming.

He was formerly married to RuthKay Spears in 1963 in Wyoming and he and RuthKay together raised two wonderful children, Darrin and KarleyKay. In 1992 he married Michele du Bois in Denver, Colo.

Leroy was a very much loved husband, father, and grandfather, who will be greatly missed by all of his family.

He is survived by his wife, Michele du Bois Petersen and two children, son, Darrin of Port Angeles, Wash., and stepdaughter, Kim (Barry) Pekin of Purcellville; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mrs. June (Melvin) Anderson of Bozeman, Mont., and Mrs. Janice (Gary) Griffin of Lander, Wyo., and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, KarleyKay Christian and son-in-law, Drue Christian in Denver on September 1, 2000.

Leroy thoroughly enjoyed his successful and distinguished career as a petroleum engineer, and was a loyal employee of KN Energy/Kinder Morgan for 34 years, never missing a single day of work in all that time. He retired in 1997, when he and his wife, Michele, moved to Rockbridge County in order to be closer to children and grandchildren.

After retirement, Leroy took great joy in designing and building his own home and he finally had the time to develop his favorite hobby of woodworking into a career as a woodturner and wood artist. He created many beautiful works of art and was a member of the Lexington Artists in Cahoots art cooperative, where he displayed many of his popular woodturning creations. He also had a love of gourmet cooking, gardening, classical music, art, and travel.

There was cremation. At his request, no services will be held. A memorial service for the celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Dr. John Marsh, the nurses and staff of Augusta Hospital and of Shenandoah Hospice House, for their exemplary care and kindness during Leroy's illness, and they request any donations be made to Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.