Obituary of Wayne Gordon Peters

Wayne Gordon Peters was born on November 27, 1924 to Charles & Gladys (Meeks) Peters. He passed away on December 16, 2010 with his loving and devoted wife and daughter at his side. Wayne is survived by Esther, his wife of 64 years, his 5 children (& respective spouses), 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren & his brother, Gilbert Peters of Carmichael, CA. Born in Bellingham, WA, he later moved with his family to Tacoma, WA where he graduated from Lincoln High School. He joined the US Navy in December 1942 and served as a plank member of the USS Hornet. He was discharged in March 1946 with the rank of Torpedoman's Mate V Second Class. He met his future wife, Esther Albrigtson while serving on Shore Patrol in Tacoma, WA. They were married on October 25, 1946 in Tacoma, WA, where they remained other than for brief job assignments in Alaska, California & Texas. Wayne worked for Howard S. Wright Construction Company in Seattle before and after WWII. Following the war he, his father Charles and his brothers Gilbert, Robert & Harry owned and operated an ice cream scooter business (an offshoot of their Cushman Scooter dealership) and a cabinet shop. Following those experiences, Wayne returned to Howard S. Wright where he retired as their General Superintendent. He was involved with numerous landmark buildings around Seattle, including the Space Needle, the Monorail and the Seattle Center Coliseum (later remodeled & renamed Key Arena). He built the concrete pediment and flag pole in Sitka, AK where the first state flag was flown when Alaska became a state in 1959. Wayne was a 33rd Degree Mason, Past Potentate of Afifi Shriners, Past Master of Thornton F McElroy Masonic Lodge, Past Officer of Saint Albons Conclave, Past Captain of Afifi Patrol, Past Marshall of Afifi Provo Guard and was an active member of Red Cross of Constantine. Wayne was known for his deep, resonant speaking voice and his warm, engaging smile. He was the proud father of 4 sons and 1 daughter. His eldest son, Jerry Peters resides in Redding, CA with his wife Sally (Sarah). Jerry & Sally have 6 children, Lori, Tim, Mark, Regan, Chris & Sean, and 8 grandchildren: Austin (Lori); Trevor (Mark); Sydney & Ryan (Regan); Cade & Jake (Chris); Adam & Lance (Tim). His son, Steve Peters resides in Kapowsin, WA with his wife Linda. Steve has 3 children, Kim, Jeff & Randy, and 5 grandchildren: Tyler (Kim); Ashly, Randy & Savanna (Randy); and Alexia (Jeff). His daughter, Leanne Peters resides in Lacey, WA with her husband Paul during the summers and Gold Canyon, AZ, during the winters. His son, Mark Peters currently resides in Alameda, CA. Mark has 2 children, Stephanie & Jeffrey. His son, Scott Peters resides in Federal Way, WA with his wife Cathy. Scott & Cathy have 3 children, Caitlin, Matthew & Emma. Memorial service to be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 1 pm at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th St W, University Place, WA 98466 The family requests that any donations be made in his honor to the Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Office of Development 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607 or online at http://owa.edwardjones.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.shrinershospitals.org/