Jack Douglas Petersen, 70, of West Hartford, beloved husband of Karen (VanWhy) Petersen passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 47 years beside him on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Born in Hartford, on August 16, 1951, son of the late Frank and Clara (Hansen) Petersen, Jack was a resident of West Hartford most of his life. He was a graduate of Conard High School and the Hartford State Technical College.

Jack worked for NU-Communications for almost 30 years, where his "boss" became one of his closest friends. Jack was calm and methodical, which served the business well.

He enjoyed going up to his cabin in the woods of New Hampshire, the aptly named Hippie Camp, where he and his brother and a group of regulars have been going since the 60's. They were weekends of calm, maintenance, beer, and cards. His wife, Karen always marveled at his ability to build almost anything.

Jack’s sense of humor was dry, wicked, and sometimes unexpected, which one friend would vouch for. She was afraid of clowns, and she would occasionally receive texted photos of scary clowns from him.

Jack was a member of the Hartford Obedience Training Club for over 25 years. He was the longest - standing president in its 84-year history. He had many good friends in the club that were very dear to him.

He and his beloved dog, Zoey, were very active in the Greater Boston Area Earthdog Club and was on the board of directors. Both loved the competitions, to the extent his license plate read "GOT RATS". In recent years he became an AKC earthdog judge.

Of special pleasure to Jack, his wife and Zoey were the regular outings with the Northeast Bull Terrier Playgroup, when he and Zoey got to participate in earthdog and barn hunts. The outings were most special because of the many friends we had there.

Jack was a member of the Sports Car Club of America for 41 years, starting as crew for a racing friend.

He liked to target shoot, belonging to various gun clubs over the years and was a past member of the Charter Oak Photographic Society, serving on its board. He would enter the monthly photo competitions, earning more and more ribbons as his photography skills grew.

Whenever things seemed bad, he would always say "You can't keep a good Dane down".

He deserved more time.

Besides his wife, Jack leaves his brother, Gary Petersen and his wife Joan of West Hartford; a sister Billie Souney and her husband Paul of Kennett Square, PA; nephews, Jared Souney of Portland, OR and Jeremy Souney of VT; several cousins and many friends.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jack will take place in the Spring. Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com