ROBERT L. “PETE” PETERSON
Robert L. “Pete” Peterson, age 80, a longtime resident of Oak Harbor, passed away Sunday morning, November 16, 2014, at the family home, following a three-year struggle with cancer.
Pete was born April 13, 1934, in Lost Springs, Kansas, to L. L. “Jim” and Mary Francis (Steele) Peterson. He lived there until his graduation from Lost Springs High School in 1951. From there he went to work for the Kansas Department of Transportation for two years.
In early 1953 Pete enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War. Following basic training at Great Lakes, he was stationed at NAS Whidbey. It was during this time he met his future wife and best friend, Peggy Abrahamse, through mutual friends in February 1954. They were married December 16, 1955 in Oak Harbor at the First Reformed Church.
Pete’s life work was in construction. He was a skilled carpenter and took great pride in his work for nearly fifty years. He was truly an “outdoors” person. He loved working in his vegetable gardens, driving his tractor and his riding lawn mower. He daily fed the deer, raccoons, quail and various other animals that frequented their yard. Pete was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He was passionate about old cars, especially restoring his 1956 190SL Mercedes. His last project was a 1930 Ford Model A coupe that he built into a custom street rod.
For many years, Pete and Peggy spent wonderful times on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, which was a special time in their life together. One of their favorite trips was to Glacier National Park and then on to Kansas to visit with Pete’s family.
Pete is survived by his wife Peggy and their three children: Jim (Karen) of East Wenatchee, Jill of Bellingham and Mike (Amy) of Sedro Woolley; twelve grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Rhodes of Wichita, KS and brothers Richard (Joyce) of Concordia, KS; Leo of Salina, KS and Philip (Jan) of Brookeville, KS; also, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Pete’s life will be held Friday, November 21, 2014, 1:00 PM, at the First Reformed Church, Pastor Matt Waite officiating. Private inurnment will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 728 SW 134th St., Suite #101, Everett, WA 98204. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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