Born in Tacoma, Washington, Rick (72) grew up in Gig Harbor, graduated from Peninsula High School and attended the University of Washington before embarking on a long entrepreneurial journey as owner and CEO of All-West Components and Fasteners, Inc. He was highly regarded in the industry and held key leadership positions with noted trade associations.

He shared his life with his wife Jill (née Hofferber).They met in high school, leading to a remarkable 51 years of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and steadfast devotion.

Rick was truly loved by so many and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor and unwavering loyalty. He had a life-long enthusiasm for the Puget Sound, car racing, travel adventures, lutefisk dinners, and The Rolling Stones.

He leaves behind his wife, Jill; brothers Chris, Mark, Scott, Brad, and their spouses; cherished father-in-law Bob, and Jill's immediate family, with whom he shared a deep bond; aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous dear friends and colleagues. Rick was preceded in death by his treasured mother-in-law Delores, brother Tim, and parents Orlando and Dorothea.

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride! '" ~ Hunter S. Thompson.

A celebration of Ricks life will be held at a future date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Dec. 31, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Peterson

Sponsored by Haven of Rest Funeral Home, Cemetery, Crematory - Gig Harbor.

7 Entries

Bobbi Thompson

January 22, 2026

Rick showed kindness to all. I worked for him a long time and saw his actions over and over. Rest in Peace friend.

Jean Medley

January 7, 2026

Jill, I am so sad to hear of Rick passing. I always enjoyed being around Rick. He was also so positive. Hugs to you.

David Bigelow

January 5, 2026

Rick was an all around nice guy , I enjoyed talking with him when he had the time , he will truly be missed by all that knew him

Ron Baker

January 2, 2026

Jill and family, I'm very sorry for loss. Rick was a good classmate, with a great smile and laugh, he indeed lived a good life, with a wonderful partner. Sending payers and blessings your way. Ron baker

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Theresa Elizabeth Miller

January 1, 2026

Jill, my heart aches for your loss! I´m so shocked to hear about Rick´s passing. Sending you a tight hug. Best to you and your family!

Dave Tarabochia

January 1, 2026

I remember Rick as being a positive and fun person to be around. Jill, I am so sorry for you and your family.

Paul Spadoni

January 1, 2026

Rick had a huge positive influence on my life during high school. I was quiet, introverted and shy, and he was a great model of an outgoing, friendly and confident person. Thankfully, a little of that rubbed off on me, helping me to be a little more outgoing and confident. Also, during the early months of junior years, we were both slacking off a bit on our studies and getting some mediocre grades in our Biology class. One day, Rick looked at a C grade he got on a test and said, "This is ridiculous. I´m smarter than that." And then he started to do his homework regularly and prepare for tests. I couldn´t let him outdo me, so I did the same thing, not just in Biology but in my other classes. This kind of saved my GPA and helped me qualify for the UW, so I´ve always been grateful for that simple decision and comment he made. I mentioned this to Rick at our 50-year reunion and thanked him. Of course, he didn´t remember making that comment, and I didn´t expect him to, but I will never forget it.
I have another special memory of Rick. During the summer between our junior and senior years, a group of civic-minded students came in during the summer and painted all of the old green lockers, using various bright colors. Rick´s locker was kind of orange, but it was a light orange, almost pink, so I liked to tease him that he had a pink locker. He insisted it was orange. So I bought a can of pink spray paint and made it truly pink. Rick took it all in good humor. We heard during lunch that the administration was looking for the person who had done this, and I knew that Mr. Knickerbocker had unfortunately walked past me while I was doing the deed, so eventually I would be identified. Rick and I went together to Mr. Skurdall, and I confessed. Mr. S was concerned that I was perhaps persecuting or bullying Rick, so he asked Rick, "What did you think when you saw your locker?" Rick put that memorable big grin in his face and said, "I thought it was hilarious." Mr. Skurdall stared at him for about 5 seconds, and Rick just held the grin. I had to go to the art teacher and get orange paint and repaint Rick´s locker. Mr. Skurdall was understanding (he was, in fact, a great principal in many ways!).
Rest in peace, my old friend.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

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