William E. (Bill) Peters, 78, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital, with his loving family at his side. Bill was born in So. Charleston, Ohio on April 14, 1933 to Wilfred A Peters and Marie C. (Bauer) Peters. He attended grade school in Springfield, OH, and Jr. High in Rochester, WA, until his family moved to Aberdeen. He graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1952, and later earned an AA from Grays Harbor College. He married Barbara Sturm on August 1, 1953, in Aberdeen.
Bill was a man of few words, but many actions. He believed in family, hard work, play time, and community. He never REALLY retired --- he always had projects in the works.
Family was the most important part of Bill's life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Bill loved to take his family fishing, camping, boating, and on adventurous road trips and vacations. He built a wonderful home in Central Park at which his family loves to gather. He loved to build things, start new projects, expand their ever growing garden, and use his tractor.
Bill entered the Army in 1953, serving in Korea 1954-1955. Upon return, he continued to serve our country in the National Guard, while working at Rayonier pulp mill. In 1965 he began working full time for the National Guard, retiring as a Major in 1977. That same year, he started Bill Peters Construction, which is still in operation. In the 1980’s he and Barbara also owned and operated the Home Plate Cafe in Aberdeen. As a businessman and a leader, he joined the Olympia Master Builders, organizing and presiding over the local Twin Harbors chapter of that association.
Bill liked to make things happen. He organized annual golf trips and monthly poker games that many people enjoyed. He wanted everyone to have a good time, and made many friends along the way.
Bill wanted to help his community and to make a difference. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, served as long-time President of GH Babe Ruth, and at District and State levels of Babe Ruth. He was inducted into the Southern Washington Babe Ruth Hall of Fame in 1989. He ran for local political office in the early 1980s.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and four children: Bill (Diane) Peters, Jeff (Terry) Peters, and Stefani (Mike) Hardy, all of Aberdeen; and Don Peters of Federal Way. Also surviving him are eight grandchildren: Billy, Corey, Jeffrey, Sara, and Kylee Peters; Jay, Aaron, and Jillian Hardy; and five great-grandchildren: Will, Graysen, Wyatt, Rylie, and Macey. He is also survived by his brother Richard Peters, and sister Mary Nibert, both of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly by his family and all that knew him.
The family has formed the team "Bill's Brigade" for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Remembrance donations may be made to the team, or to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org.
Arrangements were by Fern Hill Funeral Home. Condolences or memories may be shared at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Bill did not want a funeral service, but a memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, April 21, at 1:00 PM at the Polish Club in Aberdeen.
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Army National Guard
Army
Grays Harbor College Chokers
Weatherwax High School Bobcats
The insignias listed here may be subject to copyright and / or trademarked. Those copyrights and trademarks are owned by the respective organizations. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Peters, please visit our flower store.
Bill was a man of few words, but many actions. He believed in family, hard work, play time, and community. He never REALLY retired --- he always had projects in the works.
Family was the most important part of Bill's life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Bill loved to take his family fishing, camping, boating, and on adventurous road trips and vacations. He built a wonderful home in Central Park at which his family loves to gather. He loved to build things, start new projects, expand their ever growing garden, and use his tractor.
Bill entered the Army in 1953, serving in Korea 1954-1955. Upon return, he continued to serve our country in the National Guard, while working at Rayonier pulp mill. In 1965 he began working full time for the National Guard, retiring as a Major in 1977. That same year, he started Bill Peters Construction, which is still in operation. In the 1980’s he and Barbara also owned and operated the Home Plate Cafe in Aberdeen. As a businessman and a leader, he joined the Olympia Master Builders, organizing and presiding over the local Twin Harbors chapter of that association.
Bill liked to make things happen. He organized annual golf trips and monthly poker games that many people enjoyed. He wanted everyone to have a good time, and made many friends along the way.
Bill wanted to help his community and to make a difference. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, served as long-time President of GH Babe Ruth, and at District and State levels of Babe Ruth. He was inducted into the Southern Washington Babe Ruth Hall of Fame in 1989. He ran for local political office in the early 1980s.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and four children: Bill (Diane) Peters, Jeff (Terry) Peters, and Stefani (Mike) Hardy, all of Aberdeen; and Don Peters of Federal Way. Also surviving him are eight grandchildren: Billy, Corey, Jeffrey, Sara, and Kylee Peters; Jay, Aaron, and Jillian Hardy; and five great-grandchildren: Will, Graysen, Wyatt, Rylie, and Macey. He is also survived by his brother Richard Peters, and sister Mary Nibert, both of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly by his family and all that knew him.
The family has formed the team "Bill's Brigade" for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Remembrance donations may be made to the team, or to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org.
Arrangements were by Fern Hill Funeral Home. Condolences or memories may be shared at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Bill did not want a funeral service, but a memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, April 21, at 1:00 PM at the Polish Club in Aberdeen.
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
Army National Guard
Army
Grays Harbor College Chokers
Weatherwax High School Bobcats
The insignias listed here may be subject to copyright and / or trademarked. Those copyrights and trademarks are owned by the respective organizations. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Peters, please visit our flower store.
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