Obituary for Walter Edwin Peterson
W.E. “Botch” Peterson
August 2, 1930 - May 4, 2022
Walter Edwin “Botch” Peterson was born August 2, 1930 at Hoquiam to Pete and Johanna “Hanna” (Niemi) Peterson. He grew up on his family's East Hoquiam farm with his two older brothers and three older sisters. He graduated from Wishkah High School in 1948.
Following high school, he continued to work the family farm until joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He had several career paths in the Navy. He started as a mechanic in the diesel engine room of a logistic supply vessel (LST). He was later invited to test into a school to learn new technology in hydraulics. He was one of three who were invited into the program. Later, he was assigned to an aircraft carrier retrofitted with this advancing technology. This technology also helped him in his later career with trucking, logging and road building.
In November 1957, “Botch” married his wife, Violet Cecelia West (d. August 12, 2021). They shared 74 beautiful years together, raising their 5 children, traveling to every state in the U.S., and many countries. Their favorite visits were with family in Finland.
“Botch” joined his brother F.G. Peterson, in purchasing a large fleet of log trucks and low-beds used throughout Western Washington. F.G. Peterson and “Botch” became business partners of Peterson Brothers Trucking Company, and F.G. Peterson Inc. “Botch’s” excellent mechanical skills with diesel engines and hydraulic equipment kept trucks and equipment running and on the road. The brothers together partnered to run the largest gyppo log truck company in the state of Washington. Their operations included trucking, contract logging, log sorting yards and partners in the Washington Coast Lines bus company. At the height of their business, they employed 400 Grays Harborites.
Always a farmer at heart, “Botch” enjoyed working on the family cattle ranch east of Montesano. He especially enjoyed the calving season and seeing the mama cows and their new babies.
“Botch” is survived by three of his children, Paul (Claudia) Peterson, Jim (Marcy) Peterson, and Gayle (John) Peterson-Arbaugh, seven grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet (West) Peterson (d. August 12, 2021), daughters, Marilyn Peterson (d. June 6, 2009), and Julie Peterson (d. May 1, 2021).
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, and loving, caring family man, and a dedicated business man in the community.
Botch’s life will be celebrated on May 20, 2022, at Wynooche Cemetery in Montesano, at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Grays Harbor Country Club.
August 2, 1930 - May 4, 2022
Walter Edwin “Botch” Peterson was born August 2, 1930 at Hoquiam to Pete and Johanna “Hanna” (Niemi) Peterson. He grew up on his family's East Hoquiam farm with his two older brothers and three older sisters. He graduated from Wishkah High School in 1948.
Following high school, he continued to work the family farm until joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He had several career paths in the Navy. He started as a mechanic in the diesel engine room of a logistic supply vessel (LST). He was later invited to test into a school to learn new technology in hydraulics. He was one of three who were invited into the program. Later, he was assigned to an aircraft carrier retrofitted with this advancing technology. This technology also helped him in his later career with trucking, logging and road building.
In November 1957, “Botch” married his wife, Violet Cecelia West (d. August 12, 2021). They shared 74 beautiful years together, raising their 5 children, traveling to every state in the U.S., and many countries. Their favorite visits were with family in Finland.
“Botch” joined his brother F.G. Peterson, in purchasing a large fleet of log trucks and low-beds used throughout Western Washington. F.G. Peterson and “Botch” became business partners of Peterson Brothers Trucking Company, and F.G. Peterson Inc. “Botch’s” excellent mechanical skills with diesel engines and hydraulic equipment kept trucks and equipment running and on the road. The brothers together partnered to run the largest gyppo log truck company in the state of Washington. Their operations included trucking, contract logging, log sorting yards and partners in the Washington Coast Lines bus company. At the height of their business, they employed 400 Grays Harborites.
Always a farmer at heart, “Botch” enjoyed working on the family cattle ranch east of Montesano. He especially enjoyed the calving season and seeing the mama cows and their new babies.
“Botch” is survived by three of his children, Paul (Claudia) Peterson, Jim (Marcy) Peterson, and Gayle (John) Peterson-Arbaugh, seven grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Violet (West) Peterson (d. August 12, 2021), daughters, Marilyn Peterson (d. June 6, 2009), and Julie Peterson (d. May 1, 2021).
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, and loving, caring family man, and a dedicated business man in the community.
Botch’s life will be celebrated on May 20, 2022, at Wynooche Cemetery in Montesano, at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Grays Harbor Country Club.