Walbert S. "Bud" Peterson Jr.

On the 14th of December, Walbert S. “Bud” Peterson Jr. relinquished his position at the helm of the Peterson family. He was 96 and still knew he had guidance to offer. Bud is survived by his four children, Ric (Paula), Jyl, Leslie (Ron Olson), and Jim (Patty), six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Bud resided in Bellingham and on Lummi Island with his wife, Lois Marie, until her journey ended in 2019. Bud’s life began in Ferndale as the second child to Walbert S. Peterson Sr. and Elizabeth Magdolina Schmidt. Bud’s nickname was bestowed upon him by his older brother Cecil, who referred to him as “Buddy.”
Bud attended grade school at Marietta (proudly deemed Marietta Tech by his youngest son), junior high at Whatcom, high school at Bellingham, and graduated from Western Washington College with a bachelor's degree in 1952 and a master’s in 1957. His story book life really began while serving in the US Army, first in Japan and then in Korea. His mother had sent a picture of the Bellingham Blossom Time queen and princesses. One lady caught his eye and, after returning home from duty, he arranged to meet her. Lois Marie and Bud were married in 1949 after he built a house for her. Their mutual love and devotion was unparalleled.
Starting in 1952, Bud taught at Bremerton Elementary School, Ferndale Elementary School, and Bellingham Elementary School. He became Vice Principal at Washington Elementary School, Principal at Silver Beach in 1958, and finally Principal at Columbia Elementary School from 1962 to 1968. He moved to the Bellingham school district office where he retired as Assistant Superintendent in business operations. Bud was always a teacher, even after leaving the classroom. His lessons were shared with his children and extended family. He was the Peterson family godfather.
Bud was never one to sit still and always had multiple jobs. He fished on reef net gears and painted houses in the summer between teaching. Together with his brothers, they built Alderwood Park Convalescent Center which he and Lois managed. Success followed and they purchased and ran Highland Convalescent Center. Bud’s resume included President of DKW Corporation, Executive Administrator of Alderwood Park and Highland Convalescent and Retirement Centers, and Managing Partner of Woodland Associates. Publications include co-authoring “Successful Techniques for Severe Disabilities” in The Pointer, fall of 1969. Professional activities include honorary membership to Kappa Delta Pi, Golden Acorn Award from the Washington Congress of Parents and Teachers, and Outstanding Member Award from Whatcom County Unit of American Cancer Society. He had professional memberships in Washington Association of School Business Officials, Washington Association of School Administrators, and Bellingham Administrators Association. Bud was also a Delegate for the National Elementary Principals in Boston. He was appointed by then Governor Dan Evans to the Washington State Board of Licensing for Nursing Home Administrators. Elective positions held include President of the Bellingham Administrators Unit of the Washington Education Association, President of the Bellingham Elementary Principals Association, and member of the American College of Nursing Home Administrators. Bud’s community activities included Commodore of the Bellingham Yacht Club, Founding President of the Bellingham Yacht Club Chapter of the International Order of the Blue Gavel, Chairman of the Bellingham Rotary BRAVO in 1983, Chairman of the Whatcom County Dan Evans for Governor re-election committee in 1972, President of the Washington Division of the American Cancer Society, Chairman of the Public Education Committee Washington Division, American Cancer Society, and Chairman of the Northwest forum on Smoking and Public Policy with the American Cancer Society.
Bud’s favorite memories are his time with his wife aboard their boat, the “Lois Marie.” Together they sailed the San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, and Southeast Alaska. They were seasoned mariners and spent over a hundred days a year on the water after retirement. With all he accomplished, his greatest happiness came from his partner in life, Lois Marie, and seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren flourish. We are most grateful for the wonderful caregivers at the end of his journey, they include Stephanie Olson, Celestine Rivera, Tanya Beech, Hanah Warthan, Lisa Silva, Carmen Pichardo, Todd Margeson, and the wonderful staff at Brookdale Fairhaven.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, 12/28 at 12:30pm at Westford Funeral Home followed by a reception at the Bellingham Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Whatcom Hospice, https://whatcomhospice.org/donate-online/