Washington after a day spent with his loving wife of 61 years, Marj, his children, and his
grandchildren. His life was marked by kindness, faith, curiosity, and a belief in possibilities.
Doug was born in 1935 in Seattle, Washington to Ruth and Henry Peters. After marrying
the love of his life, Marjorie Johnson, and graduating from the University of Washington
School of Law, he began his legal career in Selah, Washington. He was mentored by the
firm’s founder, Robert Felthouse, as well as Robert Brachtenbach, who later became the
Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. Doug eventually became the senior
partner of the firm Peters, Schmalz, Fowler, and Inslee. Doug was a mentor himself, hiring
and serving as a role model for Governor Inslee as well as many other attorneys, including three current Yakima County and Washington State judges. It was a small firm with a large
reputation, supported by Doug’s integrity, wisdom, and 42 years of practice, including
many as the attorney for the City of Selah.
His commitment to service went well beyond his legal career. Doug was dedicated to
making Selah, Yakima, Washington State, and the world a better place through his work in
the community. His particular focus was on education and the environment. He helped
found the Yakima Valley Greenway, and the Selah Kiwanis club. He served as board chair
for the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, the Nature Conservancy of Washington State, the
Yakima Bar Association, the Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys, and the
Yakima Valley College Board of Trustees. Additionally, he served on the board for the
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. Volunteer Attorney Services, the Yakima
Valley College Foundation, the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity, the
Yakima Regional Library, the League of Women Voters, OIC, the Yakima Community
Foundation, and as a Commissioner on the State Parks and Recreation Board.
Doug had many interests that fed his curious mind. The world and people were endlessly
fascinating to him. He devoured good journalism and political news. He loved strawberry
milkshakes, music, movies, coffee, conversation, and “characters.” His circle of friends
was diverse and appeared everywhere he went. Doug’s faith, and love of organ music,
was enhanced by his time as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church (Grace of Christ) in
Yakima. He enjoyed Saturday morning with his Bible Study Fellowship group. He was an
avid sailor. For many years, he co-owned a sailboat with his friend Stan Clark. He was at
home on Rimrock Lake, ending most voyages on the water with a slice of pie at The Cove.
Each summer for over 30 years, Doug and Marj attended plays at the Shakespeare
Festival in Ashland and concerts at the Britt Festival in Jacksonville. As a lefty pitcher for
Roosevelt High School, Doug developed a passion for baseball, taking Marj to a Rainiers
game in Seattle on their first date. His devotion to the Mariners included many games at
the Kingdome and Safeco Field, including the first games ever played at each stadium. He
traveled with his sons to Boston, New York, and Detroit to see his team play in legendary
parks before they were remodeled. For decades, he and Marj traveled to spring training
games in Arizona with relatives and friends.
Doug’s sense of curiosity extended to travel. He and Marj visited countries all over the
world. They imparted a love of nature to their children by camping throughout the western
United States, but their favorite place to camp, maybe their favorite place anywhere, was
close to home at Ohanapecosh in Mount Rainier National Park.
As extensive as his involvement was in the community, Doug was even more dedicated to
his family. Doug and Marj’s marriage was a true partnership. Their natural gifts
complimented each other and formed a strong, faithful bond. They were present for every
major event, birthday, graduation, and performance of their children and grandchildren. He
especially loved attending their sporting events. His warmth made them feel important and
embraced. His frequent phone calls and letters were an early form of curated news for his
children. It meant he was constantly thinking of them, and reaching out to share his boundless interests, and theirs. His open and generous heart is a gift they will carry and
pass on to their children. Through his enthusiasm and love, he taught them that the world
is a place full of wonder and possibilities.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ruth Peters and his son, Roderick
Peters.
He is survived by his wife, Marj Peters, his children Heather (Dick) Magruder, Sally (Rob)
Gray, and Dan (Amy) Peters, and his grandchildren, Carly, Lauren, Mary, Ella, and Whit.
A family memorial is planned for November in Neskowin, Oregon.
Those wishing to honor Doug’s life are encouraged to make donations to the Yakima Symphony, the Yakima Greenway Foundation or the Yakima Area Arboretum.
Doug fulfilled almost all of his dreams in life. He had a career he believed in, and a large
family that loved him. There were only two things left on his list. The first was to pitch for
the Yankees. His family believes that the fact that he passed on the anniversary of Don
Larsen’s perfect game checks that box. His final wish was that he could vote in the
upcoming election. One of his proudest moments was meeting Congressman John Lewis
in the U. S. Capitol. If you want to honor his memory, his family encourages you to register
and vote this and every year.
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