Harvey Peterson, former owner of CATCO Parts & Service and former chairman of the VIPAR Heavy Duty board of directors, has died. He was 90.
Peterson was a friend to many within the heavy-duty aftermarket and was a dedicated leader, not only within his own organization, but also within the aftermarket industry and his local community.
The Peterson family founded Clutch and Transmission Service, which would go on to become CATCO Parts & Service, in 1949. Harvey Peterson joined the business in 1951 and became president in 1966. During his time leading the family business, Peterson also served as a member of the VIPAR Board of Directors for 11 years (1992-2003) and was board chair from 1997 to 2002. Current Chairman Bill Nolan of PBS Truck Parts says Peterson was influential to his career and many of the aftermarket’s current business leaders.
“Harvey was a visionary. He challenged everyone around him to constantly think differently and to fearlessly embrace change. He was usually the oldest person in the room with the freshest ideas,” says Nolan. “As a mentor, a teacher, a counselor and a friend, Harvey helped many to become [great leaders].”
Peterson was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Hazel. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joanne; children, Lia Peterson, Tom (Molly) Peterson, and Jane (John) Wlazlo; grandchildren, Gavin, Eric, and Will Peterson; Sarah, Joshua, Matthew, and Paul Wlazlo; cousin, Chuck (Renee) Payne.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S. in Minneapolis, with visitation one hour prior. Private family interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church or Augsburg University Athletic Department.
“Harvey, the industry thanks you, the VIPAR Heavy Duty Stockholders thank you and I thank you,” says Nolan. “We have been blessed to know you.”
