Virgil died peacefully at the age of 92 on April 11, 2009 at his home on Mercer Island.  He was born in Everett, WA on May 18, 1916, to Charles and Clara Peterson of Arlington, WA.  In his youth Virgil climbed many of the peaks of the North Cascades and created life-long friendships while on some of these adventures.

An Arlington High School alumnus, Virgil attended the University of Washington during the great depression and graduated with a degree in Journalism.  One noteworthy weekend while attending the UW he returned home to help his father in his Arlington shingle mill.  Unfortunately a tragic accident ensued, severing several of the fingers on his right hand.  Many remember their first meeting with Virgil from his warm smile and unusual hand shake.

After the start of WWII he worked for The Boeing Company in the Public Relations department.  Later, Virgil served as a Field Representative for The Red Cedar Shingle and Shake Bureau, eventually becoming the Secretary/Manager, a position he held for over forty years.  Originally located in downtown Seattle, the Bureau later moved to Bellevue, WA.

It would be an understatement to say that Virgil was intimately involved with most of the U.S. building codes associated with the application of cedar shingles and shakes.  Throughout the years many have engaged him in conversations regarding those building codes.  He was known to eventually testify “Yes, I wrote it that way for a purpose and I’d be happy to explain it to you.”

Virgil met Jane Berkey at a fraternity/sorority exchange while attending the University of Washington. They married in 1940 and he remained devoted to her during their 68 years together.  Virgil and Jane enjoyed the tropics of the South Pacific, including Hong Kong, Bali, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Samoa.  Throughout the 90’s they kept a second home in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife Jane, children; Carol Keaton, Dale Peterson, Mark Peterson (wife Suzanne Swadener), two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Peterson.  We will miss Virgil Peterson.

A private ceremony will be held for family members and close friends.  If you wish to share a story about Virgil, a blog for this purpose can be found at www.markcp.net.  Donations in his name can be sent to the University of Washington “Students First Scholarship Fund” (4333 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Box 359504, Seattle, Washington 98195).

His remains are being handled by the People’s Memorial Funeral Cooperative, Seattle, WA.