Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Pete Lea Obituary
"This is my ranch. Almost everything around here, I built with my own two hands," he would say, and it was true. But for Peter Ronald Lea Jr. this particular truth stretched farther than even he could imagine. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, on September 10, 1938, Peter couldn't help but leave the deepest of impressions, building upon the lives of all who knew him. He was a mechanic of the future for children and adults; always giving, rarely receiving save for the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of his labor come to life. He was an artist, a father, a husband and an engineer. He passed away on the 12th of April, 2009, and will always live in the hearts of those whose lives he has changed.
He owned and operated Pete Lea's Automotive Medical Center for 35 years in Olympia, Washington.
He leaves behind his family, wife, Ruth Palmerlee; brother, Ralph Lea (Diane); sister, Anita Rogers (Don); his children, Stan Lea (Donna), Peter Lea III (Karen), Leona Stanley (Michael), Kristeen Johnson (Dave), Ryan Pougiales, and Blair Palmerlee; grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon, Brian, Chase, Peter IV, and Emma. Other children in his life have included the many children attending Far View Ranch Camp over the 15 years that he operated it in the California foothills with his wife Ruth Palmerlee. He will be forever missed.
A memorial celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2009, beginning at 2:00 p.m., on the Hilltop at Far View Ranch. For further information and directions, check the website at - www.farviewranch.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pete Lea
Sponsored by anonymous.
3 Entries
Philip Garnett
May 30, 2025
He was a fine man glad I knew him
Lisa Miller
April 30, 2009
I came to know Pete as my auto mechanic. He was a remarkable man. Unforgetable.
I'm glad I knew him.
Gregg Akehurst
April 29, 2009
Dear Lea Family and friends,
I am deeply saddened at ther loss of Pete. I knew him to be a kind and generous man. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Pete Lea's name
Memorial Events
for Pete Lea
How to support Pete's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Pete Lea's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
