He was born to Harry Norton Peterson and Lena Emeline Cleaver. As a young boy, his family lived in the Saginaw Logging Camp in Brooklyn, Wash. The family later moved to Montesano, Wash., and he attended the Brady school. His teenage years were spent in Humptulips, Wash. In 1958, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served for 20 years until his retirement in 1977 as Chief Aviation Storekeeper on the USS Ranger (CV-61). In 1973 he was the coordinator of the Big Brother Program that began at Miramar Naval Air Station in 1971, which benefited young boys whose fathers were either POWs or MIAs. After his retirement, he bought “Thumpers Tavern” in Hoquiam, Wash., which he ran for many years.

He is proceeded in death by his brothers, Larry Norton Peterson, Gary Richard Peterson and sister, Terry Sue Howard. Surviving relatives include cousins: Joyce Davis (Cleaver) and Mark, James, Timothy and Daniel Rogers; nephews: Gary Peterson, Harold Peterson and Larry Chaffin; nieces: Sharon Ford, Denise Peterson, Dorothy Peterson, Tracey Peterson, Robin Parnell and many great-nephews and nieces.

A military graveside service will be held at the Humptulips Cemetery on Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his honor to the VFW at: 407 7th St. Hoquiam, WA 98550.

Arrangements were made by Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam. Please take a few moments to record your thoughts by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.