Donald "Don" E. Peters

Donald E. "Don" Peters, 87, longtime upper county resident, passed away at his home on Thursday, June 22, 2023. A memorial will be held at 1:00 pm October 8th, 2023 at The Eagles Club in Cle Elum.

Don was born on June 17, 1936 in Gig Harbor, Washington to Richard & Lila (Vasser) Peters. He grew up in Granite Falls and Seattle where he attended Franklin High School. Following high school, Don served in the United States Army for one enlistment and was honorably discharged.

Like his father before him, Don was very mechanically inclined and was always fixing cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and more for his friends and family members. Often, if he didn't have a tool for a job, he would make one out of scrap metal instead of buying one. Don was a proud sheet metal worker by trade (Local #66) and enjoyed building things in his garage in his spare time.

Don married the love of his life, Annette Mitalas, on May 27, 1967 and they honeymooned in Packwood, Washington. In their nearly 53 years together, they built a beautiful life and family, making many memories along the way. Their favorite activity together was dancing, mostly doing the west coast swing!

Following retirement, Don and Annette moved to Cle Elum where they built a beautiful home. Don enjoyed everything the region had to offer, including fishing, projects in the garage, snowmobiling, traveling in the motorhome and getting together with friends and family. He was a frequent guest at the Cle Elum Eagles, the Thursday Round-Table at the Easton Saloon and The Cottage Cafe all knew him on a first name basis.

While Don may have come across to some as "caustic and abrasive", once you got to know him you realized that he had a big heart, a kind soul and was a tender man behind that facade. In addition to everything else he was handy at fixing, Don was also good at "fixing people" who came to him. Using truth as his compass, and a touch of humor, he was able to help people see a way out of their predicaments. Don had a great sense of humor and he will be remembered for his lightning-quick wit, strong sense of right and wrong, and having a big generous heart.

Don was very adamant about not being "put in an old folks home", frequently saying "the only way I'm leaving my home is feet first!" This wish was granted, through the loving support of his family and the amazing care team at KVH Hospice, Cle Elum Fire Paramedics and Medic One.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Annette; his parents Richard and Lila; brother Dick, sister JoAnne, nephew Jeff and cousins Jim and Claudia. He is survived by his son Mark; daughter-in-law, Paula; granddaughters, Sheree & Shawna; great granddaughter, Khasaria; his daughter, Sarah; niece, Marie; nephew Dominic, sister in law Cheri as well as his step-brother, Joe and his family. He also leaves behind many extended family members from Annette's side of the family as well as his many friends.

We miss him dearly, yet we are comforted in the thought of he and Annette being reunited on the other side, dancing together for all of eternity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com