Thomas B Peterson

I was born December 1, 1947, in Bellingham, Washington, to father Clyde Peterson, mother Lucy (Meyenburg) Peterson, sisters Frances (Carpenter) Peterson and Alice (Imel) Peterson now deceased and brother Michael Peterson. I am a lifelong resident of Bellingham. After high school I joined the Navy serving 3 years, one of which was in Vietnam, and I spent a year of duty at the Kodiak Navy Station in Alaska where I met my future wife and the beginning of the best 45 years of my life together with Theresa Ann (O’Neal) Peterson. Together we were so blessed to have 3 sons, Norman and wife Kristin, daughters, Bailey and Riley; Bradley and wife Megan, daughter, Rebekah; Stephen and wife MaryJo, and daughters, Maren and Anneliese, have made such success of themselves that a father could not be more proud. I have held several jobs consecutively: carpenter with Local #756, long time member of the Fire District #10 as a volunteer serving as Chief and EMT., Navy 3 years, and the Army National Guard 21 years receiving the Bronze Star and The State of Washington Legion of Merit award. My most satisfying profession was my tour in Iraq. My job was running a maintenance unit to recover, repair, and put back in service vehicles as fast as possible. This job, soldiers taking care of soldiers, was the best job I ever had. My success in maintenance goes back to my father, Clyde, who never told my brother and me that we couldn’t do something. Just put it back together when we’re done. Dad passed so many skills down to me and mostly my brother. One thing dad did tell me not to do was touch his brand new double blade axe. I was about 8 years old and nearly cut off my right little toe. Dad saw it happen but never said a word as he saw Mic help me hobble to the house and must have figured a lesson learned. As kids, a great deal of our time was spent clearing the land, burning stumps, picking rocks, cleaning the barn, making hay, running machinery, and hard work, but I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s. I have been so blessed with so much support from family and support from Trinity and Grace Lutheran Churches, and the many friends, over the past 2 years that I cannot begin to properly express my gratitude. The Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 25th at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham. Memorials are preferred to : Cancer Center Trials – Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center, c/o Carol Brumet, 3301 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225. Have Faith and Belief and I will see you again. Thank you Tom

Thomas B Peterson

December 1, 1947 - August 14, 2015