William “Bill” J. Peak, age 86, a lifelong resident of Hoquiam, passed away on Jan. 26, 2023, at Providence St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia. Mr. Peak was born on Oct. 18, 1936, in Chehalis, Washington to Jess and Dorothy (Erickson) Peak Landstrom. His parents divorced and he was brought up by his paternal grandparents, Anna and Will Peak of Hoquiam. He also spent a lot of time with his maternal side of his family, especially his cousins, Roney Erickson of Elma and Karen Ostergard Small of Poulsbo, Washington.
He graduated from Hoquiam High School, class of 1955. Bill went to Grays Harbor College and Western Washington University. He worked part time with his grandfather at Blagen’s Sawmill. After working at Blagens, he started working summers at Stouffer Lumber Company while still attending college. He then started working full time at Stouffer’s in 1960 where he later became sales manager.
In 1959, he married Barbara A. Linker at Saron Lutheran Church in Hoquiam. After marrying Barbara, he signed up for the Marine Reserves. He spent some weekends and vacation time he accumulated at Stouffer’s to train for the Marine Reserves at Camp Pendleton, California so he and Barb would have to postpone their vacations. He continued to work for Stouffer’s for over 30 years making business associated friendships along the way. After working for Stouffer’s, he went to work for Levee Lumber as a salesman. He retired from Levee Lumber in August of 2010. He knew a lot about the lumber business and was very successful at it.
Bill was an avid fisherman and fished the Humptulips, Clearwater, Queets and Hoh rivers since he was a young kid. He had wonderful memories fishing with his dad and grandfather. He later taught his grandsons the art of fishing. He had a cabin on the Hoh River and loved being there on weekends. He also enjoyed clam digging, hunting around Grays Harbor and Lake Chelan with family and friends; traveling to Reno, Nevada with friends; and gambling and playing the slots at Grays Harbor casinos.
Mr. Peak had been a member of the Hoquiam Elks and became the Exalted Ruler in 1982. He continued to be involved with the Elks, later becoming a trustee. He had also served as co-chairman for the Logger’s Playday Parade.
Surviving relatives include three daughters, Tammy (Dennis) Reynvaan of Hoquiam, Cindy Carrigan of Hoquiam and Kelley Madison of Aberdeen; six grandchildren: Tyler Reynvaan of Glendale, Arizona; Erik Reynvaan of Hoquiam; Kyle Carrigan of Ellensburg, Washington; Jacob Carrigan of Missoula, Montana; Anthony Madison of Aberdeen, and Christina of Spokane; and seven great-grandchildren. The extended family includes two half-brothers.
His son, Mike and wife, Barbara preceded him in death.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge, 624 K Street.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his name to the Hoquiam Elks.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a few moments of reflection to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at: www.colemanmortuary.net.
