William Edward Peterson, November 12, 1930 to April 14, 2011.
William or “Bill” was born November 12, 1930 to Harry Oscar and Antonia Johanna (Thorstenson) Peterson in Mobridge, South Dakota. He had one brother, Robert John (Bob) Peterson, who was his life long friend and colleague. The family lived in Timberlake, SD until they moved to Yakima, Washington. While growing up Bill enjoyed playing baseball, was trained in classical piano and sang in the church choir. By high school Bill had developed an interest in fast cars, jazz, boogie-woogie, blues and rock-n-roll. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in 1945 and graduated from Yakima Senior High School in 1949.
After high school Bill attended Yakima Junior College and enlisted in the Army Reserve National Guard. He was Honorably Discharged on November 14, 1951 and then moved to Seattle to work for the Boeing Company. Bill was ready to find a nice girl and settle down. One night he hit the dance hall and spotted a beautiful girl across the room, he asked her to dance and spent the evening getting to know her. That was it; he found the girl of his dreams, before long William and Dolores Elaine Ellefson were married on April 12, 1952.
William enrolled at the University of Washington in Seattle to continue his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering on March 8, 1955. Bill went to work as an engineer right away while working towards his professional certification. On October 2, 1961 he received his license as a Professional Civil and Structural Engineer and soon after he launched his own practice. Early on he was awarded the engineering contract for the alternate design for the SR520 Lake Washington floating bridge. Throughout his career he made his mark on the local landscape as a structural engineer. His practice mainly focused on the structural design of bridges, roads, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings sprinkled with some residential and signage work. Bill was the local representative for American Standard Testing Bureau and served as an expert trial witness. He was active in the local Burien Rotary and Toastmasters clubs, was a member of the Burien Elks and served as local Precinct Committee Officer for the Democratic Party. Bill was ahead of his time and invested a large portion of his life working on developing a project to combat global warming. He received a considerable amount of news coverage in the associated press and local newspapers in the 1960’s and 1970’s for his innovative ideas.
By 1960 the family had moved to Burien purchasing a home right behind the Gregory Seahurst Swim Club. William and Dolores had three daughters Linda Jean, Antonia Lee and Eena Oline. Bill and Dolores would swim laps daily in the summer and he played tennis often. He was a good provider for his family and loved his wife and children dearly. Bill was an engaging conversationalist and was respected and admired by many. William closed his professional engineering office after thirty years and went to work once again for Boeing doing contract work. He enjoyed commuting to Everett in his white 1968 Ford Mustang convertible until Parkinson’s disease eventually took its toll and forced him to retire. Bill still enjoyed working on his project to the end. He suffered many ailments over the years; however, finally it was his eleven year battle with Parkinson’s disease that eventually took his life on April 14, 2011.
William is survived by his daughters: Antonia Stegin (Mark), Linda Hughes (Gregory); Son-in-law: Gary Hibbs; Nine grandchildren: Ryan Hibbs (Lauren), Abra Hibbs, Alina Hibbs, Casey Stegin, Carly Duke (Jordan), Garrick Hughes (Heidi), Alissa Moor (Benjamin), Ana Hughes, Joel Hughes; Great grandchild: David Moor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years: Dolores Elaine Peterson; daughter: Eena Oline Hibbs; brother: Robert John Peterson; parents, Harry and Antonia Peterson.
The family will hold a public Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 3pm at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 109 SW Normandy Rd, Normandy Park, WA 98166. A Graveside Service will be held earlier the same day, Saturday, May 14th at 1pm at Bonney-Watson Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd, Sea-Tac, WA 98188.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be sent to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, ATTN: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, PO Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780.
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