Donald A. Peterson

Donald A. Peterson was born July 9, 1926 at home on Magnolia on the kitchen table by Mrs. Nicholson a midwife. He was the third child of Verna and Herman Peterson. His siblings were Edna and Harry Peterson. The two brothers were known as "The Peterson Boys" around the neighborhood and their favorite hang out was Ft. Lawton. They built kayaks and would go fishing and crabbing near West Point Lighthouse and cook there catch for lunch.

At 17 years old Don joined The Navy in 1943. He was an aviation radioman and Gunner, who accidentally shot the tail off his plane during training. While stationed in Detroit with his buddies they dropped empty beer pitchers down elevator shafts and the patron's scattered thinking they were being bombed. He was Honorably Discharged in spite of his pranks in 1946. He went to work for Walker Optical where he met the love of his life, Ethel Ahner from Upham, North Dakota. They married on August 29th, 1947 and for 58 years Don would deliver one dozen red roses on their anniversary. They purchased a house on magnolia and started a family. They had 5 children; Kristi Ann Ben Harry, David Linda Peterson, Marc Karen Peterson, MerrieSue Mac Macmillan and Sarilee Dan Thompson.

Don and his brother Harry aka Bud started United Optical Company located on Second and Pike in downtown Seattle on May 14, 1950 David's birthday and were in business until 1988. United Optical or "The Shop" as it was known was the place to work hard & play hard. Hiring employees was not a problem because no one left. During lunch break you could watch some serious ping pong, play cribbage & enjoy a tasty peanut butter & pickle sandwich with Dad. He ate one everyday. After retiring he worked at Crystal Opticians in Ballard, University Opticians and Dr. McCrum in Marysville and worked until 75 years old when he had a stroke.

We had many adventures as a family - camping in canvas tents at Iron Springs and Razor Clam digging at the Ocean. The best clam chowder was cooked as a team effort. Other trips included Disneyland Marc would spin himself sick in the teacups, North Dakota, Canada, Reno, Las Vegas and fond memories of Lake Sammamish, water skiing.

Dad and Mom participated in League Bowling at Magnolia and Lei Lani Lanes for fifty years and were lifetime members of The Ballard Eagles.

The one true passion Dad and Mom both shared was "The Cabin". They purchased riverfront property in 1962 at Forgotten Mt. river tracts on the Sauk River. Dad was a builder and he built the cabins to share with family and friends. He was most proud of his 30'x 40' barn. There were lots of heartwarming times around the campfires day and night. They would play pinnocle for hours. The Mariner's games would be playing on the radio and The Bar B Que would be lit for grilling. Dad enjoyed extensive outdoor activities. River fishing, motorcycles, snowmobiling, hot tubing, river rafting, Eagle watching and horseshoe tournaments.

We will miss you Dad! He had a great sense of humor; he was loyal, compassionate, devoted, dedicated and had a love for life. Dad would want us to keep smiling & have fun. God knows he did!

His sister Edna Hill precedes Don in death. His wife Ethel & his brother Bud survive him. Don also had seven grandchildren, Mackenzie, Robyn, Katie, Chris, Don, Tyler and Carrie. And had 3 great grandchildren Samantha, Kayci and Donovan.

In Lieu of Flowers, Remembrances may be made to PAWS or the University of Washington Medical Center.