Wayne Donald “Pete” Peters, 85 a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at his home on Friday, May 14, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.
Pete was born on March 26, 1925 in Ferndale, Washington, the son of Mabel (Heidman) and Ford Cook and Edwin Peters. He was raised and attended school in Ferndale until the family moved to Sedro-Woolley in 1938. He attended Sedro-Woolley High School where he played football & baseball and graduated with the class of 1943.
From June of 1943 until March of 1946 he served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Lexington as a signalman.
After his discharge from the Navy Pete attended Washington State University and then Western Washington University. It was during his time at Western that he met his wife to be, Marjorie Nicoll, and they were united in marriage in Sedro-Woolley on April 18, 1952.
Pete worked for a time at the Skagit Corporation in Sedro-Woolley until starting a nearly 50 year career in the auto industry, working for Berglund Motors, then Vern Sims Ford as a sales manager.
He enjoyed going hunting and fishing and playing cards with his buddies. He was a longtime member of the St. James Episcopal Church in Sedro-Woolley; he served on the Sedro-Woolley Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years, and served as the treasurer, and was a member of the George Baldridge Post 43 American Legion.
Pete is survived by his children, Kilty Peters of Barstow, CA, Kirk Peters of Sedro -Woolley and Kassie Peters Walker and her husband Ken of Hollywood, FL. Two grandchildren, Sara Pugsley and husband David and Ricci Peters; one great-granddaughter, Hailey Pugsley and a great-grandson due in June. Also numerous extended family and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kent in 2000 and his wife Marjorie in 2003.
The family request memorials be made to the SWVFD Kent Peters Memorial Fund, PO Box 659, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or to the SWHS Alumni Assoc.
A Graveside Committal Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 11:30 AM followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel with Reverend Vicki Wesen and Reverend Rilla Barrett officiating.
We want to express our sypmathy to Kilty, Kirk, Kassie and the rest of the family.
Butch has many early memories of the oldest cousin of the bunch. Grandma Heidman had nine children and when Wayne came along (another story) he was “adopted” by all of Mable’s sisters and brothers. I am sure that Wayne had many stories to tell about his childhood in such a large family.
After WWII Wayne landed in B’ham and at some point lived behind the dress shop that Doris Heidman. Butch’s mom, owned. And, we are so proud that he is a fellow alum from Western — go Vikings!
Wayne was a devoted husband, father, cousin and seemed to love the car business. He helped Auntie Martha get a good used car, and we have sooo many memories of him helping us in purchasing a new vehicle. !964 1/2 is probably the most memorable because he got us into a new Mustang ( light yellow with black interior). I had just started a teaching job in Everett and Butch needed a reliable vehicle for communting. Wow, such a deal and that is how we always felt then we bought all of the rest of our Fords – I won’t go on to list them all. The point being, that Wayne ALWAYS provided us with sound advise and we always listened. Buying a car now is such a trying experience. We were so spoiled.
During our conversations, Wayne would interject with stories about the family, including Mable, Herman, Marge and those most special KIDS.
Times have changed since the “mandatory” Heidman picnics at Woodland Park, the quiet life in Ferndale and the long stay in Sedro Woolley. I am sure that you will miss your DAD and we will forever remember the man who was so welcoming, helpful, and had such a sense of self confidence.
One of our most recent memories will be the special drive we took to a Mini Heidman picnic last summer. Wayne kept the conversation going all the way to Birch Bay and back and was full of life, great memories and gentle humor.
Keep in touch.
Butch, Judy and Angie Heidman
I was so so sorry to hear of Waynes passing . I use to live across the street from Wayne for almost ten years. We were blessed to have known Marge and Wayne BOTH!! After Marge passed away Wayne and I grew very close I was there for him and in the end he was there for me….. I will truly miss him.
My heart goes out to you Kilty ,Kassie and Kirk as you already know it just takes time.
With Much Love Shari Govern