Peter Albert Erlandson

Peter Albert Erlandson, age 80, died in his Northglenn, CO home on October 30, 2024. Born in Newton, MA on June 4, 1944 and raised in Weymouth, MA, he was the oldest of three sons to Betty (Ross) and John Arthur Erlandson.

After graduating from Weymouth High School in 1962, Peter briefly attended Boston University before joining the U.S. Air Force. His service years included a tour of duty in Vietnam as a weather specialist supporting ground forces. Upon returning home he completed his college education at the University of Northern Colorado and his Masters Degree at Colorado State University.

Along with his abiding patriotism, Peter’s lifelong passions encompassed automobiles, planes and firearms — interests connected by his fascination with all things mechanical. In his teens Peter spent hours repairing and “improving” cars in various family garages with his cousin, Eddie Carnell. His expertise grew over time and led to his twenty-year career as a master automotive technician with Ford. 

After his military service Peter earned his pilot’s license and eventually became the proud owner of a Cessna airplane. One of his favorite memories was flying to Alaska with his good friend Dave Holdsworth. He also earned certifications in flight training, and when advancing age made piloting and pilot instruction no longer feasible, he continued as a flight instruments instructor into his later years.

His lifelong interest in firearms deepened during his military service, and expanded to become a very impressive knowledge of gun history and evolution. He built a small but selective collection of his own; enjoyed hunting and honing his skills at firing ranges; and especially loved the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts at gun shows. 

On retirement Peter brought his experiences as both a trainer and trainee into the field of vocational education and spent his final working years as a high school automotive technologies instructor. In addition, he dedicated many hours — day and night — as a volunteer with the Adams County Victims’ Advocacy Program, providing assistance to victims of crime and abuse. 

Peter was predeceased by his parents and his brother Karl. He leaves behind his brother John Arthur Erlandson, Jr., of Palo Alto, California, and one son, David Jack Erlandson of Hollister, Florida. In honor of his military service, Peter will be buried at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Services will be private.