Remembering Doug Peterson
Honoring his legacy and contributions to the community
The Elmhurst community is mourning the loss of local legend Doug Peterson, who was known as a dedicated community member and avid supporter of the arts. Most importantly, though, he is remembered by family and friends as a kind, genuine, selfless man, as well as a wonderful husband, father, and friend.
Peterson was the founder and CEO of Chicago Records Management (CRM), a family-owned business he led alongside his wife, Cindy. His passion for theater began during his college years at Southern Illinois University, where he initially majored in business but later switched to theater after being cast in a production of “Little Mary Sunshine.”
Peterson transferred to Columbia College in Chicago to pursue this new path and, with a few classmates, co-founded Prop Thtr, a non-equity theatre group that remains active and thriving today. In a search for enhanced financial stability, he transitioned from acting to sales, founding CRM in 1988. Beyond his business endeavors, Doug served as the executive producer of the critically acclaimed and Jeff Award-nominated play “Hizzoner,” a portrayal of Richard J. Daley. He also held leadership roles in local theater organizations, including past presidencies at both the Elmhurst Children’s Theatre and the York Drama Boosters. He also played in a rock band and, more recently, performed with GreenMan in Elmhurst.
Peterson was a founding member of the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) – now the Encore Center for Performing Arts – a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering theater, music, dance, and comedy performances where artists and patrons can share their love of the performing arts. Peterson constantly worked to carry out the ECPA’s mission of creating vibrant art in the western suburbs, cementing the Centre as a long-term investment for the community. His vision and true passion for the arts will remain central to the ECPA for years to come.
Peterson loved the Elmhurst community and wanted to serve his neighbors in any way possible. He was deeply involved: He served on the YMCA board, as PTA president at Edison School over 20 years ago, and supported local businesses. In addition to CRM, Peterson and his wife also own Tailgate, a daycare for dogs in Elmhurst. His joyful presence, powerful impact, and warmhearted spirit will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Peterson died on February 14, 2025, at the age of 66.
The ECPA plans to dedicate space in Peterson’s honor and to celebrate his impact. To donate, visit ECPA-Elmhurst. org for more information.
DOUG PETERSON’S FAMILY & FRIENDS HONOR HIS LEGACY
“He was the best dad in the world and always encouraged me to follow my dreams. He had the ability to brighten any room and make any person laugh or feel welcome. Truly one of the best men I have ever met. He was also extraordinarily talented in almost every single thing he tried. My heart is completely shattered.” – Julie Peterson, Doug’s daughter
“Doug was a wonderful man who really cared. He cared about people. He always had a kind word. He cared about the community. He performed with several theater troupes, and he worked to support the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts and other community groups! Doug truly was a great person and a wonderful father, husband, and friend!” – Jeff Budgell, ECPA Co-founder and longtime friend of Doug
“It is hard to find someone who was as genuine of a human being as Doug was. All of us who were blessed to love him know that he would literally give the shirt off of his back to anyone who needed help. He was an artist, through and through, and whether he was acting, directing, or producing, cared deeply for the project in which he was part of and even more deeply for the people involved. He was fiercely proud of his daughter, Julie, who has the most incredible voice. He was determined to build an arts center in Elmhurst, and ECPA is determined to follow through in his honor.
He was, quite simply, one of the kindest people I have ever known. To say he will be missed is an understatement, but we will always have him in our hearts, guiding us to be a bit kinder, a bit more generous, and we will furiously advocate for the arts, as Doug had done. Doug always said that the arts were not a frivolity, but a necessity to understanding life.
How beautiful that Doug passed doing what he loves, and how important his life was, as he embodied all that is right and just and gave us all a reason to push forward with passion, grit, and empathy.” – Rebecca Marianetti, ECPA Board Member, York High School teacher, and friend of the Peterson family
“Doug’s generosity, presence, and sense of humor will be missed by so many. Doug’s impact will continue through the work of ECPA. His vision for a performing arts center in Elmhurst helped shape its foundation, and his contributions remain part of its future. ECPA will carry forward his passion for the arts and his commitment to the community.” – Laura Michaud, ECPA Board Member and friend of Doug
