Kenneth L. Peterson, 86, of 42 High Acres, Bemus Point, died Friday May 23, 2008, in WCA Hospital. He was born November 4, 1921, in Jamestown, a son of the late Carl and Laura Olson Peterson. He was a 1940 graduate of Jamestown High School. A born salesman with personality plus, Ken's first job was working for his uncle John Ecklund at Ecklund Tool Co. He also sold Watkins products, encyclopedias, promotional materials and worked at the Salisbury Auctions, Gerry, N.Y. Moving to Warren, Pa. in 1954, he opened a toy shop called "The Toy Center" and then expanded to another store in Corry, Pa. in 1957. After closing the stores, he worked for Levinson Bros. Department Store for 11 years as a manager. During this time in Warren, Ken was president of the JayCees, belonged to and was very active in the Warren Barbershoppers, doing competitive singing. He was responsible for starting and an initial member of the Warren Rescue Organization. He was a member of the Masonic Temple. In 1974, he moved back to Jamestown and started a ladies clothing shop on the corner of Third and Main streets called "Pollys," which he operated for 14 years. Three years ago he was selling cars at Gary D's Used Cars on Main Street. Ken always loved automobiles and from an early age could name the make and year of every car on the road. His love for "great" cars persuaded him to buy several classic Corvettes, Mustangs, Cadillacs and TBirds. The best and winner of first place in nearly every show was his 1962 Red Ford Thunderbird. A member of the Warren Kinzua Antique Car Club, he participated in many car shows and parades. His daughter, Maureen had an antique business and did numerous shows. He and his son, Thomas, would join her to hunt for treasures there and in auctions, etc. Ken had a prized collection of stoneware, Mettlach steins as well as other items he found interesting. Ken was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, his grandfather being a charter member. In later years when he was not able to attend, he would watch Robert Schuller's "Hour of Power" on Sunday morning. He also liked Norman Vincent Peale and certainly followed the philosophy of being a positive person. His life was an example all of us could follow. Ken was a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and frequently dined there. He also was a great friend of La Scala's Restaurant, being one of their first customers. He and a group of "regulars" went so often they named themselves the "Board of Directors." A special booth was always reserved for him. Surviving are his first wife, Caryl Peterson Swald of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; a daughter, Maureen Johnson of Baldwinsville; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Johnson of Bridgeport, Conn., Kristin Riley of Baldwinsville, Jody Schang of Talbott, Tenn. and Julie Klein of Ashburn, Va.; six great grandchildren, Alex Riley, Nicholas Riley, Max Schang, Megan Schang, Taylor Klein and Josh Klein; three stepchildren, Larry Knowlton of Russell, Pa., Doug Knowlton of Hamilton, Ohio and Karen Daley of Oakwell, Va.; as well as stepgrandchildren and great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Eva Peterson Finley; his second wife, Polly Peterson; a beloved partner, Joyce Treharne; and his son, Thomas Peterson.