Donald "Pete" Peterson's Obituary
Dad passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 94 at Tacoma General Hospital. He fell while at Kings Manor Assisted Living and had hip surgery on his 94th birthday. After recovering he moved into Arbor Rose, a private nursing home just off Portland Ave. He stayed for only a short time but liked his time there, enjoyed the food, participated in group activities and loved the caring staff who made him feel at home. A special thanks goes out to the owner and manager Tammy Stimach. She has a big heart who loves caring for people and it showed vividly. To Tammy a big heartfelt, Thank You! He wanted to go home before he died but his body said otherwise.
Dad was a union carpenter all his life and an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite hunting grounds where near Packwood Washington, particularly Backbone Ridge, where he and Don Jr. shot their two big elk together. Dad was born and raised in the family home in Midland Washington, just off Portland Ave. As a teenager he worked at the local sawmill, Basket Lumber Company, just next door to the family home. He was also a volunteer fireman in Midland for a time. Dad graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949, along with mom, and joined the carpenter's union not long after. He loved the Midland area and later moved back and built a nice home in the area for his family.
Dad is survived by his 3 children: Linda(Fred)McMahan, Pennie(Lee)Combs and Donald(Cindy)Peterson. He also had 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.
Dad is finally back in the arms with the love of his life, Joyce. They met in elementary school, Midland Elementary. When mom walked into the classroom on her first day, dad told his best friend Herb he was going to marry that girl someday. They were married 2 weeks after graduation and celebrated 60 years together before mom passed away at the age of 79. She passed away in 2009 and he missed her every day. No matter what was going on in their daily lives they never went to bed without a kiss good night. Services are being held today on mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! You now have your 'Pete' back again in your arms. May you both rest in peace together and forever.
Dad requested to be cremated so that half his ashes will be buried with mom, his first love and the other half be scattered on Backbone Ridge near where we got our two big elk. Dad, your wishes will be granted.
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