Donald Kenneth Peters
January 9, 1922 - January 11, 2010
Obituary
Donald Kenneth Peters
A veteran, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and most of all a man of great strength and unwavering love.
Don was born January 9, 1922 and was a graduate of West Seattle High School.
Don passed away peacefully on January 11, 2010 after living a life of adventure that took him from the sky’s over Europe as a B-17 pilot completing an amazing 41 missions during WWII to chief pilot for Hughes Airwest in the 1970’s and retirement as a Captain with Republic Airlines in 1982. Along the way he lived the American dream starting several successful businesses like Airway Oil in 1955 and Peters Chem-Dry in the late ’80’s.
Don and his wife Eleanor traveled the world together enjoying 65 years of marriage. May they now celebrate their lives together in peace.
Don is survived by his four children, Donna Peters, Stephen and Kathy Peters, Christine and Christopher Popich, Tom and Sue Peters, seven grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and his brother Jim Peters.
A service will be held this Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at Washington Memorial Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to the American Diabetes Assn. or charitable organization of choice.
Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com
I enjoyed working with Don through the years at West Coast and Hughes Airwest.. He was a real
professional. Gary Hjelt retired NWA Dispacher
Donna and Family,
My thoughts are with you. I am sure that there is so much sadness with your loss, but also joy of a life well lived.
Love,
Barbara
Dear Steve, Donna, Chris and Tom:
Words can’t express all my sorrow for your dad’s departure. I will always cherrish him in my heart for being such a great gentleman. It was an honour to be his secretary. I am sure he is now rejoicing in heaven with your adorable mom…..and why not, with my daughter Chantal too!!!
You will always be in my heart and in my prayers. Love, Maria
To all who have known and loved my grandfather – A sincere thank you for your heartfelt words of condolence. They are truly cherished by not only myself, but by the whole family.
To the Peters Family; Sue and I share in your loss. I remember how the memories flood, the words are remembered, the generosity felt, the experiences are repeated, the unsaid words are said, the sadness felt, the wisdom makes sense,the void expands, and the time heals. Please know that we are with you in spirit, thoughts, and prayers as you walk through this season. Kyle and Sue
Condolences to Don’s family from the HAW/RARE membership. Don was a member for many years and will be missed greatly.
Don hired me on May 27,1968. I will always remember his smile as he welcomed our class into the fold at West Coast Airlines, thus beginning my 31 year career as an airline pilot.
Gone but not forgotten.
Great memories of the summer time dip in the pool and driving dad’s new Volvo. Our thoughts are with you.
To all the Peters Family,
Our sympathy to you on the loss of your father. I was his secretary for 4 years when he was Chief Pilot and enjoyed having him for a boss. Through him I got to know all of you and your mom. I have fond memories of him as a boss and a friend.
We are so sorry that we can’t be at his memorial service as we are “snow birds”. I remember hearing of many of their motorhome trips and got inspiration from them. Julene & Gary Hayett
Dearest Steve and Kathy,
Our deepest sympathy to all of your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
with Love,
Bill and Janice Schroeder
Gladys Pennington
There are a handful of people that have had a profound and lasting affect in my professional life. Don Peters is high on that list. First, of course, when he hired me, then later when I had the great pleasure of being senior enough to bid his trips and crew, with and for him. In our world of aviation, there are Pilots and there are Aviators. Captain Don Peters was an Aviator. It was an honor and pleasure to have been allowed into, and shared a bit of Don’s professional world
Gear Up Don, have a pleasant flight West,
Jack
It was an honor to be able to care for such a wonderful human being. Don was loved by everyone that met him. Whether it was a resident in the home, or a nurse he spent only minutes with. We’re going to miss that smile. Love,
Adi ,Chelsea, Ayden
Steve, we should all be so lucky to have had such a rich and wonderful life as your Father. Now I better understand the genesis of your ballooning. This is a tough time, but your family and the network of friends who care so much for you will help.
Love, Diane and Carey
Steve and Kathy – our love and prayers are with you and your family.
love
Scott and Katie
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as you go through this difficult time.
With Sympathy from Gerardo and Ingrid Andaluz
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dear Chris, Chris, and Famly,
We are sorry for your loss and wish we could be there to show our support sunday. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. Fond aloha, sheri and mark
Lest We Never Forget.
Dear Don,
We are forever indebted to you for your selfless and consummate help in defending our homeland.
The songs and music you so enjoyed throughout your life, were made for the pure and free.
It is thanks in particularly to you and others, that they shall never sound in slavery.
Now you may listen to your music in peace, in a world such as God intended,
As we pray that all the bitterness of man should cease, and every battle must be ended.
Signed
Born in the U.K. and very grateful for being a free man today, as a direct result of your actions.
Unfortunately, we are still striving to be worthy of your selfless help and sacrifice.
Dear Chris and family,
We extend heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May he forever remain in your memory. We will try to get an earlier flight home. If not, we will have you in our thoughts on Sunday. Much love, Jim and Linda
I worked for Hughes Airwest in the late 60’s, early 70’s and Don Peters was as classy as any man could be and we all looked up to him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Don was Chief Pilot with West Coast Airlines when I applied for employment as an Airline Pilot in 1967. Don invited me to fly from Portland to Seattle for an interview and hired me for a class date October 2, 1967. I thank Don for the opportunity that led me through a career of 31 years starting with West Coast and subsequently Air West, Hughes Air West, Republic, and finally Northwest Airlines.
Don was a highly respected and well liked part of so many people’ lives.
So long, Don. You were always a gentleman, and were always fair and square with me. Thanks.
rw
Dear Donna and Family,
For me your Dad will be forever young as I remember the dashing pilot and loving father of my best childhood friend, Donna. May happy memories of your Dad sustain you at this time of sorrow. We’ve lost another one of the “good guys.” I shall be with you in spirit on Sunday.
Sincerely, Susie Mackenroth
My sincere condolences to all of Don’s family. Don was a great guy, with many accomplishments. None of which outshine the father, grandfather and great grandfather he was. A tip of the glass to Don and Eleanor.
Steve and Kathy,
Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship. You are in our thoughts.
Lee and Marcia
My thoughts and tears are with you all. My Uncle Don will always be special in my heart. I love you all. Barb
Dearest Peters Family
We are so sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was a terrific guy, and will be missed. Our thoughts are with you all.
Our deepest sympathy.