Thomas James “Tom” Peterman, age 75, a 17-year resident of Addy, Washington, passed away on April 21, 2022, in Spokane, Washington, following the onset of cardiac decline and valve failure. Tom was born on Nov. 27, 1946, in Clarinda, Iowa, the son of James R. and Norma L (Addington) Peterman.
Tom’s youngest years were spent in Wyoming and Colorado where he began school. In 1965, Tom graduated from Kent-Meridian High School in Kent, Washington. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas as a radioman on the U.S.S. Joseph Strauss Alpha-class destroyer. They offered protection in the seas near Hong Kong, Hawaii, Vietnam and the Philippines. While in the Philippines, Tom met Nenita “Nita” S. Navidad. Their courtship let to an exchange of vows on Oct. 1, 1968, in the Philippines. Following Tom’s honorable discharge, he and Nita moved to Winthrop, Washington. There he began a 25-year career with the U.S. Forest Service as a surveyor. Tom retired in the early 2000s on the Hawaiian island of Maui and worked for the Haleakala National Park Service for two years. Tom and Nita moved to the Big Island of Hawaii where he also helped pollinate Hawaii’s beautiful flowers by constructing bee boxes for a local apiarist. He and Nita remained on the Big Island for three years before returning stateside, where they built a home in Addy. They have resided in Addy for the past 17 years.
Tom loved the outdoors and shared this passion with his wife and family whenever possible with camping and hiking adventures throughout the years. His passion for the outdoors inspired him to author stories and reflections of his adventures which he submitted and was occasionally published. Tom spent countless hours with hook and bait dangling in the surrounding lakes and rivers with his beautiful wife Nenita. He was a voracious reader with a special interest in history and science. He enjoyed watching hockey quietly at home and the Seattle Seahawks with family and friends. Tom had a patience and understanding that was astonishing, and his humble intellect offered wisdom and guidance whenever called upon. His love knew no boundaries, carried no grudges and was offered with stoic character, unwavering and without end.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Ariel.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nita Peterman, at the home; two daughters, Laren Upton (Kirk) of Walla Walla, Washington, Plenette Garcia of Portland, Oregon; one son, Andy Peterman (Katy) of Colville, Washington; one sister, Judy Blackburn of Colville, Washington; four grandchildren, Ella, Nelly, Brigette and Marvin; two nieces, Leathy Barrons and Molly Martin; and a host of extended family and friends.
The funeral service for Mr. Thomas “Tom” James Peterman began at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, Washington. Cremation followed the funeral service at the Danekas Crematory. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA 99114 is entrusted with the arrangements.
