Wade Charles Peterson

Wade Charles Peterson, 58, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. To know Wade was to have a story about him, usually one that made you laugh, shake your head, or marvel at how he managed to squeeze so much life into every single day. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will be told, retold, and cherished by the countless people whose lives he touched and were lucky enough to know him.

Wade was predeceased by his mother, Esther Peterson; his father, Doug Peterson; his brother, Erik Peterson; and his grandparents, Esther and Victor Kane, and Marion and Edward Doidge. He is survived by his sister, Dana Allison, and her husband, William Allison of Bow, NH; his sister, Melanie Young, and her husband, Brian Young of Two Rivers, WI; and his uncle, David Kane of Henniker, NH. He also leaves behind his nieces, Jessica Allison, Lauren Allison, and Nicole Allison of Bow, NH; his nephews, Brenden Peterson, Bryce Young, and Blake Young of Two Rivers, WI; and his great-nieces, Lucy Freese, Aili Ouellette, Leighton Ouellette, and Teagan Ouellette, all of Bow, NH. Wade also leaves behind his chosen brother, great friend, and Marine brother, Mike Mesa, along with a wide circle of friends and loved ones who truly became like family.

Wade was born on January 27, 1967, in Manhattan, New York City, although he spent the majority of his childhood in Colonia, New Jersey. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1985. His time in the Marines helped shape the foundation of who he became. Brotherhood, honor, hard work, loyalty, relentless determination, and goal-setting became the cornerstones of his life. He developed the grit and discipline that would fuel his future. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and Wade lived by that creed every day. These values guided him not only through his professional pursuits, but also through his deep care and devotion to the people he loved.

Wade was the dependable brother, always watching out for his siblings and stepping in whenever he was needed. With his nieces, he was the quintessential fun uncle, cracking jokes, stirring up laughter, and making even ordinary moments feel special. Anyone who knew him could attest to his big dreams and bigger drive. Wade believed in possibility. He believed in taking chances. He believed in building something meaningful with his time on this Earth.

That belief propelled him west when he took a leap of faith and moved to Seattle, WA, in 2004. There, his entrepreneurial spirit fully ignited. He co-founded Cowgirls, Inc. in 2004, Venom in 2005, and Amber Seattle in 2006, as well as countless other business ventures over the years. He had a rare gift for envisioning opportunity where others didn’t see it, and he poured his energy, creativity, and heart into everything he built.

Wade’s larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable. Wade was magnetic and his charisma was contagious. He was fun-loving, spontaneous, and always ready with a smile or a story. He lived boldly, embraced adventure, and had a unique ability to bring people together. Wade connected with others in a way that turned strangers into friends and friends into lifelong companions. Once you were in Wade’s circle, you were in it for life. He cared deeply, gave generously, and made sure the people around him felt valued.

Wade found a special kind of peace on the open ocean, a place his love of deep-sea fishing brought him back to again and again. Those long, sunny days fishing were some of his favorites as they were full of good company, easy happiness, and the quiet joy of being exactly where he loved to be.

One of his greatest joys in recent years was spending time with his good friend Mike at the Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary. There he connected with a wide variety of animals, forming a special bond with Sierra, a Gray Wolf, and Sasha, a Siberian Lynx. These peaceful, grounding moments reflected a tender side of Wade that those close to him knew well: a side full of gentleness, curiosity, and quiet appreciation. The sanctuary became a place of deep comfort and joy for him. It was a bright, meaningful part of his life that he felt great pride in.

Wade was loved by so many, and his absence will leave an unfillable space in countless hearts. His spirit, humor, and fierce love for his people will live on in every story shared, every laugh remembered, and every adventure taken in his honor. At your next opportunity, we ask that you raise a glass to Wade, a man who lived fully, loved deeply, dreamed boldly, and left the world brighter than he found it.

A celebration of Wade’s life will be held at a later date, where all who knew and loved him will be welcome to join in honoring his memory. Details will be shared with family and friends when arrangements are complete.

Donations in Wade’s memory can be made to Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary located in Oak Harbor, WA. This can be done monetarily via Venmo @northwestwildlifesanctuary or NW Wildlife Sanctuary Square Site. You may also donate by fulfilling donation requests through the organization’s online wish list found here: Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary Amazon Wish List.