- Born
- Died
- Birth nameIvan Allen Peterson
- Dr. Ivan Allen Peterson DVM was a well respected person and Veterinarian in the San Marino, Pasadena and Hollywood areas of Los Angeles County, California during the late 1940's-1960's. He is the son of Oscar Peterson and Minnie Nelson (of Forks, Washington). He was married to Mary Jane Weidenbacker Daniel.
He is most well known for being the Veterinarian and adviser for several famous Hollywood pet actors, including several of the Lassie (1954) dogs. He was also friends with Jane Goodall.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Kristin Groulx
- He is also known for assisting with the monkeys and chimpanzees that went into space in the 1950's and early 1960's. The missions were successful. Contemporary accounts believe he may have assisted with Ham the Astrochimp, a chimpanzee that went into space in 1961. He was also a good friend of 'Jane Goodall', helping sponsor her chimpanzee research.
- His Swedish grandparents also immigrated to Forks, Washington. The Peterson's from the Village of Ölån in Bäcke, Älvsborg, Sweden and the Nelson's from Linderöd, Kristianstad, Skåne, Sweden. Several generations of his Swedish ancestors were Blacksmiths.
- His is also of English descent on his father's side, with the family originating in Southwark, Surrey, London, England.
- He is the grandfather of author and actress, Kristin Groulx.
- He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity and the Crimson Circle, honorary for outstanding upper classmen, at the State College of Washington in Pullman, Washington during the years of 1939-1942. He graduated with honors in Veterinary Medicine.
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