Peter J. Conijn passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of Jan. 30, 2022. He was born on March 20, 1960 in Vancouver, B.C., Canada the son of Dutch immigrants, John C. and Maria H. Conijn. The young family, along with Peter's sister, Lucinda and brother, John immigrated to the Skagit Valley in 1962 to join other family members in the bulb growing industry. A sister, Susanne joined the family shortly after.

As a youth and young adult, he developed his strong work ethic on farms. First, picking berries in the fields and then joining his father and siblings working at Washington Bulb Company. He had many fond memories of bucking hay, driving tractors and creating friendships with many co-workers.

He attended Immaculate Conception Regional School, graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1978 where he was the class Salutatorian and then worked his way through Skagit Valley College and Central Washington University earning a Bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1982. Though proud of his Dutch heritage, Peter was even more proud of becoming a naturalized US citizen in 1980.

Peter returned to the Skagit Valley after college graduation. His first job as an accountant was with Bill Reehorn. He also worked for Michael Fohn and John Brown before deciding to venture out on his own in 1998. In 2000, he purchased his own building, Peter Conijn & Associates on Gilkey Road in Burlington.

Although he often worked long hours, what he treasured most was his family and time spent with them. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Debbie; his daughter, Kaitlyn; son Joel & wife Carly and son Brady & wife Lauren. He is also survived by his mother, Maria Conijn and siblings, Lucinda (Tim), John (Angie) and Susanne (Bill) as well as his parents-in-law, Jim and Marilyn Forbes and two brothers-in-law and their wives. He loved and was loved by his nine nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and incredible friends. He was preceded in death by his father John Conijn.

He was very proud of the fact that he was able to support his three children through college and be a participant in so many of their activities, events and achievements. During the warm months, he could often be found mowing the field on the property he had developed and found so peaceful. Although stoic and very matter of fact, those who knew him best also appreciated his big heart and care for others. He quietly found ways to support his community and his clients knew he cared about them.

A private family service is planned at Edison Lutheran Church with burial at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.  The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the spring with notice of date, location and time to be announced.  Edison Lutheran Church will live stream the memorial service on their Facebook Page beginning at 11:00am on February 12, 2022.

Memorials in Peter's name may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society ( https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ ) or Edison Lutheran Church, 14201 Church Road, Bow WA 98232.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.