Remembering Karl Erik Peterson

Karl Erik Peterson, 29, of Scarsdale, died in the early morning hours of April 9. Born May 23, 1984, Mr. Peterson, known as Erik, was the son of Lyn Peterson and Karl Friberg of Park Road. He was the brother of Anne-Marie, Kris and P.F. Peterson.

A 2002 graduate of Scarsdale High School, he attended Syracuse University where he studied design, Mr. Peterson was the art director at Motif Designs in Mamaroneck, his parents' furniture and home design firm.

He was also a talented designer, sculptor, painter and musician. He was lyricist and lead vocalist in a number of bands. His first band, Rothko, performed at small venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The band also helped to raise money for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Erik had a keen sense of design and loved finding old objects to work into his interiors. He also had a tender heart. Once, while conducting a search on Craigslist, he came across a listing for a free dog. He adopted the dog, a huge Great Pyrenees mix, who he named Goliath and loved tremendously.

Mr. Peterson was also an avid skier who loved his family's trips to ski in Deer Valley, Utah. His sister Anne-Marie recalled a "wonderful" family vacation in February to Park City. "He was the sweetest, gentlest person I knew," Ms. Peterson said. "I have two girls. My oldest one loved playing music with him. He opened up for them and he was always available for them."

His friend Andrew Lichtenberg said, "Growing up with Erik was always exciting. He had an energy that attracted people to him. They could tell, even from afar, that he was an intensely creative and passionate person worth knowing. He pursued his passions, from music and art to skateboarding and skiing, with impressive vigor. Those of us close to Erik witnessed his passion regularly. His family's home was like a second home to us. Following Erik's lead, we felt comfortable exploring ourselves there. We could nearly simultaneously be rebellious teenagers playing music in his attic and suburban kids barbecuing with his family. Growing up with Erik shaped who I am today. I am proud I knew him. While Erik was passionate, he also had a great sense of humor."

"He has left a hole in our hearts and lives and a void that will never be filled," his family said. Read more here.

Donations in Mr. Peterson's memory may be made to JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research. Erik was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. Alternatively, donations may be made to the Dave Nee Foundation. The foundation seeks to eliminate the stigma associated with depression and suicide by promoting and encouraging the diagnosis and treatment of depression among young adults. Checks can be mailed to Dave Nee Foundation, c/o Rachael Barrett, 9412 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11209 or donations can be made online here:

A service for Mr. Peterson will be held at the family home this weekend. For information, contact Anne-Marie Peterson at [email protected]. The family asks that you please share your memories of Erik; music, pictures, and stories, by sending them to [email protected].