Peterson is probably best remembered as a Washington State Senator. In 1954 a number of businessmen, including Mayor Devin, came to Ted to urge him to run for the Washington State Senate representing Ballard. He accepted and served honorably and capably for 16 years after which he retired.

Ted Peterson was born in Ballard and lived with his parents in the family home at the corner of 31st N.W. and N.W. 77th. He began his education at Webster School, which, like other grade schools in the community, offered classes through the 8th grade. He later transferred to Adams since Webster did not have a manual training class. During his grade school years, he delivered milk before and after school to neighbors along 32nd Avenue N.W. The Petersons owned a cow which they had purchased from someone in Bothell and, the story is told, that Ted and his mother walked the cow home to Ballard!

Ted was the son of Swedish immigrants who instilled in him a strong work ethic, respect for his fellow men and a compassion for those who were in need. He was known for providing firewood for the poor, visiting the elderly and assisting the ill.

He also had a strong commitment to community service. He was a life-long “Ballard Booster” and had a passion for working with many community organizations for the benefit of Ballard. Among the recipients of his voluntary service and fundraising efforts were the Boy Scouts, YMCA, Ballard Hospital, the Centennial Bell Tower project and the Lions Club where he served as a local activist and as an International Director for a time. He was particularly responsive and supportive of the Lions Club programs benefiting the vision impaired and the blind.