Oscar Clarence Peterson, “Pete” passed away from age-related illness at the age of 96 on October 2, 2018. He was born on October 10, 1921, in Forks, Washington to Oscar Allen Peterson and Minnie W. (Nelson) Peterson. Pete was third of four children, joining siblings Vivian (Harley Witherow), Ivan (Mary Jane) and later, sister Carma (Fred Shaw), living and working on the family farm.
Pete graduated from Quillayute High School in 1940 and worked for the US Forest Service for a year before attending Washington State College in Pullman, majoring in zoology, with the hopes of becoming a veterinarian. World War II interrupted his college education and Pete joined the US Army. He was a medic with the 38th infantry, 2nd Division, landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus 2, having taken part in the liberation of Brest, France, the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and the liberation of Pilzen, Czech.
After the war, Pete returned to Forks and met the love of his life, Wilma May Gilbert. They were married on April 23, 1946, in Bentonville, Ark and made their home in Forks.
They have three children Gary, Glynda, and Stanley, who were taught by example to have faith in, and love for the Lord Jesus, to value hard work, education, and generosity.
Pete spent his life farming the original Peterson homestead in Forks, as well as having a full-time job at Rosmond’s Lumber Mill as a lumber trimmer and grader for 42 years.
Pete loved the Olympic Mountains and early in his youth, he learned the art of horse packing from his mother, Minnie. During his lifetime he took many trips into the mountains with family, friends, and groups such as the Mountaineers and Sierra Club. His love of the outdoors also led him to pursue skiing as a family, first being introduced to it during Army training. He took his family on annual ski trips, visiting many ski resorts in the northwest usually inviting many family friends to join the adventure.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Wilma, children Gary (Charlotte), Glynda Schaad, Stanley (Linda), 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Forks Assembly of God at 1 p.m., with a graveside service and reception to follow.
Pete’s favorite charity was St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations to this charity would honor Oscar. stjude.org/whoyouhelp
