Edward Peter Garrett

1917 - 2018

Edward Peter Garrett

Edward Peter Garrett, a true gentleman of the Greatest Generation, died peacefully during twilight on the winter solstice at his family's home. He was 101.

Born in Seattle on December 7,

1917, Peter grew up near Volunteer Park and attended Lakeside School. In the early 1930's, he enrolled at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, travelling cross country during the summers by train. He earned a chemistry degree from Yale in 1939, followed by a business degree from Harvard. His passion was downhill skiing, and in 1940 he was selected as a member of the U.S. Ski Team.

Peter served in the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Glenview in Illinois as a flight instructor during World War II, having previously learned to fly. It was at Glenview where he met his first wife, Pandora Briggs, a volunteer in the Navy's WAVES program.

After the war, the couple married, honeymooned in Havana, Cuba, and settled back in Seattle where they began a family. Peter also began a career in his family's businesses, eventually assuming the leadership role of Merrill and Ring, then a third generation timber company. In 1960, he also founded Welco Lumber Company. Evolved forms of both companies are still operated by his family today.

In 1989, several years after Pandora's passing, Peter married Hope Ryan. When they weren't traveling, the couple split their time between Seattle and Sun Valley, Idaho. Hope's zeal for fun and adventure undeniably extended and improved the last 30 years of his life.

Peter was a true sportsman of the era, ardently pursuing skiing (well into his 90s), bird hunting, flying, and golf. But he is best remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend to many, both near and far. Deeply involved in the Seattle community, Peter served on numerous boards. A great story teller, with a wry wit and a mischievous sparkle in his eye, his magnetic presence will be dearly missed by those he has left behind.

Peter is survived by his wife, Hope Garrett; his four daughters: Hope (Richard) Stroble, Leslie Garrett, Deborah Garrett and Alden Garrett (Charlie Eriksen); his step-daughter, Hope (Garrison) Belles; his four grandchildren: Peter (Diana) Stroble, David Stroble, Porter (Rachel) Stroble, and Liliane Eriksen; his step-grandchild, Beau Belles; and nine great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of his life sometime in early spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bush School, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center or a charity of your choice.