BRIGHAM CITY, Utah, June 13, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Funeral services have been scheduled for former Brigham City Mayor and state Sen. Peter Knudson, who died June 5 at age 86.
A celebration of Knudson’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Brigham City South Stake Center, 865 S. 300 West. Visitations will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 21, and 1-1:40 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the same location.
Knudson served on the Brigham City Council from 1974-78, then as the city’s mayor from 1978-1990.
The Republican was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in November 1994 and served until January 1998, and then served in the Utah Senate from January 1999 to January 2019.
“Abby and I send our sincere condolences to the family of former Utah Sen. Peter Knudson,” Gov. Spencer Cox stated on social media Thursday. “As a mayor, city councilman, and state senator, Sen. Knudson was a dedicated public servant whose passion for the people of our great state and local government will not be forgotten. He was a good friend.”
The Utah Senate noted Knudson’s efforts to make March 29 Vietnam War Memorial Day in Utah.
“His work honored those who bravely served,” the social media post says. “We mourn his passing and revere and the impact he had on so many.
Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, called Knudson “one of the best individuals,” and noted “his kindness and humor were unmatched.”
“Our country is blessed by his service as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, along with his contributions to Utah as a city councilman, mayor, representative and senator have left an invaluable mark that will never be forgotten,” Adams said on social media.
“It was my honor to serve with him in the Utah State Senate. May his loved ones find comfort and strength in the memories of his remarkable life.”
Knudson was born and raised in Brigham City. He received academic degrees from the University of Utah and Utah State University, and earned a doctor of dental surgery from the University of Pacific. He also earned master’s and orthodontics degrees from Loyola University Chicago, according to his obituary.
Knudson practiced orthodontics for more than 50 years. During his time in the in the Utah Legislature, Knudson advanced legislation for the creation of the School of Dentistry at the University of Utah. He also helped get legislation passed allowing for the construction of the school and ultimately become an adjunct faculty member.
“Making connections was what Peter did best. Peter savored those connections he made throughout his life with family, friends, and his community. Especially when these connections were shared over a bowl of ice cream. His brilliant mind and sense of humor will be greatly missed,” his obituary says.
