Robert Warren Peter, 74, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2020 at his home. Bob was born in Tacoma, WA on October 5, 1946. His middle name was given to him in memory of a 2nd Lt. of the Army Air Corps who was killed in action during Operation Market Garden over Belgium in WWII.
Bob lived in Puyallup, WA until 1959 when his family moved to Point Roberts on the Canadian
border. There he attended Blaine High School and during the summer would grow a field of sweet corn that the locals would line up to buy. In 1964, his family moved to Anacortes where he finished high school and graduated in 1965. His love of tinkering with mechanical equipment started young. During his senior year, Bob put together a Model T Ford from boxes of parts that he brought home, and he drove that truck for years. After graduation, he trained as a steam pipe fitter under his grandfather’s legacy. Bob met his future wife, Diane Ehinger in Puyallup, married, and had two children, a daughter, Judith Lynn and a son, Robert Warren II. During the Vietnam War, Bob served in the Naval Seabees Reserve. His dream was always to have a ranch and moved to Skagit County just outside Concrete to raise beef. Later, the family moved to a smaller ranch in Sedro Woolley. Bob had a kind heart and was always willing to help those who asked or he felt were in need. He ardently supported the local blood drive and donated as often as possible, giving over 12 gallons. Bob enjoyed socializing with his morning coffee group at the Hometown Cafe and belonged to various tractor clubs where he shared his knowledge and extensive collection of antique Allis Chalmer tractors.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Judith Muller; son, Robert Peter II; two grandchildren, Stephanie Muller Rowe and Jonathan Muller; sister and her husband, Kathleen and Stephen Stewart; nephew, Brian Christenson, many cousins, in-laws and his beloved cats.
He was preceded by his wife, Diane; granddaughter, Kimberly Muller; parents George and Eleanor Peter.
In lieu of flowers please donate blood, donate to the local food bank, or donate to a no kill animal shelter in these hard times.
Bob will be laid to rest beside his wife, Diane at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:00 am at Union Cemetery with Pastor Pat Towell presiding. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Bob and sign the online guest register.
Bob was a kind individual, both to humans and animals. He stood by my sister throughout her demise. Rest in peace Bob, may you and Diane frolic in the next chapter.
Bob you were a valued part of the Anacortes Antique Machinery Shows. I was always pleased to see you at local old engine and antique tractor events. You are remembered as a good-hearted, kind and generous gentleman. I trust you are at your final rest in a warm and caring place.
I’m so glad we got to connect over the last few years. Your knowledge of tractors, farm equipment, family stories, and all those kind words at the clinic will be remembered. I know that in heaven you’re tinkering with some creative projects and probably talking up a storm with Diane, your parents, and maybe even my dad.
You’ll be missed Bob, but I’ll see you again.
I have so many fond memories of Grandpa Bob. It was always a treat to see him and Grandma when they came out for their yearly visit when we were younger. I’ll always treasure those memories. I am so sad that he went so suddenly, but I am glad that he and Grandma Diane get to be together again. They were wonderful people who made a huge difference in my life and who had great impacts on the people around them.
I want to wish the entire Peter family my deepest condolences. Bob was a neighbor, not that our house’s are next to each other, but neighbors in the sense that he would be there if you ever needed him. He helped my next door neighbor after her husband passed away. I came along to offer a hand and we became friends over the years with putting up hay, listening to Bob talk about grasses or weeds, he would answer my questions about how to raise cows and of course, talk about tractors together. I must admit that Bob has probably forgotten more about those teachable topics than I could ever learn.
I will miss our talks, our time working together, and the lessons that I would find myself learning every time we would get together. Thank you Bob for helping all of us.
Knowing that Bob and Diane are back together again makes this sad time a little easier to accept. Both of you made me feel welcomed.
I’ve known Bob for the last 9 or 10 years as he was my hay source for my horses over the years. I could always count on him for a good conversation and it always made me happy to run into him at the store or wherever else I would see him. He will be missed and my prayers are with his family.
I can hardly write this I am crying so hard. I moved into adjoining property in 2005 and Bob was my first visitor. From that moment on he was my best friend. Diane “gave me permission” to tell Bob I love him. I was so worried she would wonder why he was at my house every day that we 3 began a weekly Happy Hour at my house so I could show her all the improvements. He put lights in my barn and garage, put in all my electric fencing, let my dogs out if I was stuck at work, cleaned my stalls when I had back surgery. Hell, he came over every morning to put my socks on because I couldn’t bend. He was simply the nicest man I have ever known. I can not yet believe he won’t come down my driveway any minute now. I will miss him beyond words. I am glad he was just over and we drank beer and watched my burn pile burn. He and Diane were a powerful team and I know she greeted him home. I love you Bob and Diane and am comforted knowing they are having Happy Hour with my Dad. Thank you for helping me turn my place into my dream Bob. Truly I love you.
I had known Bob my whole life, Being cousins and the same age, we were always together at family gatherings. His money making deals like the corn field always amazed me. It was an honor to be best man at his wedding. He will be missed.
My sister Diane loved Bob, and he cared for her to the end. Very much good karma. I send a fond farewell and godspeed.
I loved my dad and will miss him terribly. That, however, pales in comparison to how much he missed my mom.
Although my heart is broken, they now rest in peace together again.
To Bob’s family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time . I know his time on the ranch up the Skagit with Uncle Paul was a true delight- not an easy task dealing with hard headed Boettchers. His stories were always appreciated- and he had a lot of them!.
What a great Man. Helped him with some of his tractor parts when I worked at Farmers Eq. He’d talk your ear off if you let him. I know he has friends above that are sharing their tractor stories.
Losing you hurts so much. I pray you are at peace and maybe heaven has tractors. I’m so proud of how many people’s lives you saved by your devotion to blood donation.
Love, your sister “Tootsie”