Michael Westley Peterson

Michael Westley Peterson, of Centralia, Washington, died Monday, March 12, 2012 at age 65 in Seattle, Washington. He was born Sept. 13, 1946 to Charles and Iris (Ostrom) Peterson in Centralia. In his youth he attended school in both Boistfort, Washington as well as Centralia. Following high school, Michael joined the Army National Guard and served for seven years.

Michael had been a share holder with Centralia Plywood and over many years as a specialist in the field of plywood manufacturing, managed various plants in WA, SC, MT and TX. Michael also dairy farmed while in Charlo, Montana. Another employment involved aerial photography. In 1992, he and his brother Chris, created a successful underground utilities locating business for which they held contracts serving the states of Wyoming and North Dakota. It was from this venture that he somewhat retired locally in 2004.

Michael will be remembered as a problem solver who worked hard and played hard. His was a generous spirit that lived life to the fullest.

Michael married Georgie Stiles, following their divorce he married Ruby Kemp who preceded him in death. He is survived by his fiance Lenelle Cline.

He is also survived by step-mother Dorothy Peterson of Oregon; daughter Misty Ball of Centralia; sons David (Jeannie) Peterson of Helena, Mont., and Patrick Peterson of Centralia; brothers Chris (Lois) Kaech of Centralia, John (Stacy) Kaech of Centralia, Kevin Kaech of Frances, Wash., and Arthur (Debbie) Peterson of Michigan; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles Peterson, step-father Albert Kaech, mother Iris Kaech and brother Patrick Peterson.

A memorial service for Michael Peterson is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 17 at Sticklin Funeral Chapel with Deacon Loren Lane officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at Lewis County Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Washington.