Paul Petersen passed away from pancreatic cancer on September 12, 2016, surrounded by his best friends, Tom and Camy Paffhausen. He was born in Dillon on March 19, 1966 to Bob and Teri Petersen. He graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1984 and attended Montana State University in 1985. Paul had an unbelievable work ethic and took great pride in what he did. He loved that he was able to take his nephews hunting and was with them when they shot their first deer. He joked with his nieces and liked giving them a hard time and, in return, they would give it right back to him. Paul was "the most fun uncle ever" and was both a confidante and motivator. He was generous with his time and mentored many kids in the roping arena and in life. His prized horse, Mary, taught many kids how to rope. He was an outdoorsman and liked seeing his beloved dog, Percy work. Never one to sit around, Paul fabricated many items to improve his life on the ranch. He invented and patented the Suckle Buggy, a product that is now sold in ranch supply stores around the country. Tough and stubborn on the outside, those who knew him knew what a generous, loyal man he was. Paul's life was dedicated to his work on the ranch of which he enjoyed all aspects and which he was able to carry out to the end. Memorials may be made to the Beaverhead County High School Rodeo Team.