It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Steven Clyde Peterson. He was deeply loved, cared for, and honored during his final days. He passed surrounded by family February 4, 2018.

Steve was born July 5, 1954 in Mount Vernon, Washington to parents, Clyde Ernest Peterson and Carol Lee Crane (Woessner). He spent his early childhood with his mother and younger brother, Scott, in Stanwood where he enjoyed many afternoons at his grandfather's barbershop playing on a calculator which proved to be the start of his fascination with numbers. In fourth grade, they moved to Mount Vernon where Steve attended grade school, making many close friends in what would become his lifelong community. He was especially close to his mother, who helped foster his growing love for baseball by teaching him and his brother how to throw a ball. Those childhood games would be the start of a true brotherly bond. Steve attended Mount Vernon High School, where he earned the nick names "Petie," "Pete," and "Stub" and lettered in baseball and basketball. After high school, he furthered his education at Skagit Valley College earning his AA and at Western Washington University graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. In 1973, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Connie, and ten years later they welcomed their daughter, Carissa, into the world. With his educational background, Steve worked as a juvenile probation officer as he felt called to help change the lives of troubled adolescents. In 1992, Steve and Scott, along with others, shared an interest in real estate and formed a partnership. A year later they established Section Street Market & Deli, their first convenience store in Mount Vernon. In 1996, Steve showed a special interest in Short Stop Market & Deli and dedicated his heart and soul to this store for the next several years before retiring. Additionally, he volunteered as an assistant softball coach at Mount Vernon High School and traveled across the state watching his daughter and her friends play select softball. Upon retirement, Steve and Connie managed their 40 acre farm and rental homes on the property. Steve further enjoyed participating in Lions Club activities, trading on the stock market, running the scoreboard or announcing baseball games at Sherman Anderson Field and Skagit Valley Playfields, and attending Mount Vernon High School baseball, basketball, and football games. He loved traveling to San Francisco and San Diego, visiting everything the two cities had to offer as well as vacationing at the "Happiest Place on Earth" (Disneyland) with family. He also held fond memories of traveling to Florida and Branson with close friends. As a diehard University of Washington Husky fan, he loved cheering on the Dawgs, often echoing his famous phrase, "Woof! Woof! Woof!" Fishing trips, Silvertips hockey games, and weekly coffee visits with close friends were special times to Steve. He also enjoyed all things Christmas, listening to his favorite bands and other musical artists, and reminiscing of childhood memories. He was a devoted father, and when he became a grandfather, his grandson, Aiden, wrapped Steve around his little finger. If it involved good times with family and friends, it was a moment he cherished deeply. To the lives he touched, Steve was the most humble, kind-hearted, and loving man who always put a smile on your face with his humor or thoughtful

gesture. He embodied a strong work ethic and, through blood, sweat, and tears, put everything he had into his work and those beliefs he felt passionate about. He would take the shirt off his back to help someone in need and always put others before himself. As a son, son-in-law, grandson, husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, he will always be remembered. The selfless nature he inspired will live on in our hearts and lives forever.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Ernest Peterson and Carol Lee Crane, and aunt, Lois Winters.

Surviving are his wife, Connie Peterson; daughter and son-in-law, Carissa and Chris McGarvey; grandson, Aiden; mother-in-law, Peggy Rundgren; brother, Scott Peterson, and his wife, Colette; sister-in-law, Karen Towne, and her husband, Dave; aunt, Mona Kerr (Jack); nephew, Gordon Towne (Tiffany), and their children, Hannah and Sadie; niece, Brittany Stroh (Justin), and their daughter, Rylee; niece, Courtney Kelley (Colin), and their children, Carson, Kinley, and Kyler; cousins, Danell Brewster (Peter), Denise Anderson (Paul), Mike Shelley (Peggy), Vicki Loney and her partner, Michael, and John Shelley. Steve also leaves several extended cousins and many close friends who love him dearly, and finally, his grand pup, Coco.

Please join us in a celebration honoring Steve's life at Hillcrest Lodge Saturday, February 24 from 1-4 pm with a brief tribute at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a bench will be placed at Skagit Valley Playfields for use by all visiting. Memorial donations may be made to Steve Peterson Memorial Bench and mailed to 1030 S. 16th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98274.