Charles (Charlie) Vernon Peters

Charles (Charlie) Vernon Peters, 63, passed away January 7th, 2012 with his family at his side in Portland, Oregon.
Charlie was born March 12th, 1948 in Iowa to Charles and Marjorie Peters.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Peters of Astoria, Oregon, his five children, Jason Suttlemyer of Utah, Nathan Davis and his wife, Jennifer of Colorado, Corey Davis of Colorado, Shannon Peters of Colorado and Ryan Peters of Oregon, his mother Marjorie McKinney and her husband Bob of Missouri, two sisters, Peggy Christianson and Sharon Hodge and their three children. He was also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren, Aeden, Kianna, Roman, Bryce and Elijah.
Charlie “Pete” Peters joined the Marine Corps in 1966. He was a beloved member of the 1st Battalion 4th Marines Alpha Company, 3rd Marine Division. As a young squad leader in Vietnam, he served honorably and was responsible for saving the lives of many of his squad members. His bravery earned him many medals and ribbons including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Marksman Rifle Badge.
Charlie was proud to serve and loved his country and fellow service members. The sense of camaraderie and accomplishment he took from serving in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest.
After leaving the military, Charlie eventually settled in Astoria, Oregon and retired from Northwest Natural Gas Company. He lived for many years in Svensen, where he was able to enjoy the outdoors and wildlife he loved so much.
Charlie’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, poker and photography. He made beautiful and melodic wind chimes from found items such as keys, nails and shells. He loved traveling and made annual trips to connect with his Marine Corps League. He also enjoyed exploring the Pacific Northwest and spending time on the Columbia River. Charlie spent a couple of years crab fishing in Alaska, and his children fondly remember the stories he shared after coming home from a season of crabbing.
Sasquatch was not just a legend for Charlie; he firmly believed. He told many stories of both hearing and smelling Sasquatch while wandering through the woods. The two statues of Sasquatch in his driveway were tributes to his passion.
Charlie loved people and had an engaging personality that drew others to him, and he was known for helping anyone he came in contact with. He shared his lively spirit with many during his time as one of the Astoria Clowns.
Active in several fraternal organizations, Charlie was a member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion, the Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Toys for Tots and Wounded Warriors were charitable organizations that Charlie supported.
A Memorial Service will be held at:
The American Legion
1132 Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 1:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions should be made to:Wounded Warriors/Navy LeagueWarrior Foundation2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101www.warriorfoundation.com
Please sign our online guest book at caldwellsmortuary.com.