John Arthur Peter Of Gainesville, Florida, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2009. Arthur was born on July 1, 1918 in Wilmington, DE, the oldest son of Albert and Hulda Samuelson. On August 1, 1942 he married Laura K. Ornstedt. They raised their two sons, John Lorin and Don Arthur, in Brunswick, ME, then in Newton and Norwood, MA, before eventually retiring in Northport, ME for most of the last 25 years.

After graduating from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, he attended Seminary at the Boston University School of Theology and later received his Master's of Theology from Harvard University. For nearly 65 years, he was an ordained United Church of Christ minister who had pastorates in Wilmington, Mystic Side, Norfolk, Newton Highlands all in MA and Brunswick, ME, as well as numerous interim pastorates throughout New England.

In addition, he was a Navy chaplain, having served with the 143rd Sea Bees in the Philippines during World War II, the Dean of Men at Boston University and an assistant Vice President at the First National Bank of Boston. He is survived by his two sons and their families. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baker University.

Memorial service is scheduled for Sat. Oct 2, at 9:00 am in the Forsyth Chapel at Forest Hills Cemetery.