WA - On Wednesday May 21, Olympia lost an iconic businessman, philanthropist, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and former voice of the KGY morning stock report

when Dennis Howard Peterson passed away at 91 following a harrowing battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Born in Yakima, WA on September 28, 1933, Dennis was the only child of Virgina Isom and Charles Howard Peterson Jr. Raised in Olympia and Seattle, Dennis graduated from Olympia

High School in 1951. Dennis attended college at Central Washington University in Ellensburg and University of Washington in Seattle, receiving his BA in Economics. Following his college graduation he served in the United States Navy, eventually rising to the rank of Commander.

While stationed at NOLF Barin in Foley, Alabama, Dennis married the love of his life, Joan Rae Fortner, in 1957. Upon returning to the Pacific Northwest, Dennis began working in the

brokerage business in Seattle, eventually opening the Foster and Marshall Olympia Branch as

manager in 1965. Upon settling in Olympia, Dennis and Joan welcomed their two children, Kirsten and Sean. Dennis continued his work as branch manager and vice-president of the

various iterations of Foster and Marshall, such as Shearson-Lehman, Solomon Smith Barney, Smith Barney, Citi Smith Barney, finally leaving his "corner office" with Morgan Stanley when he retired in 2019 at age 86.

Dennis wholeheartedly loved and served his community. He was a founding member of POSSCA (Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts), served on the operating board of Saint Peter's Hospital, volunteered with The Board of Trustees Foundation at Evergreen State College, The Bank of Olympia, South Side Investors Inc., Harlequin

Productions, The Olympia Golf and Country Club, Rotary International, and more. Dennis demonstrated his appreciation of nature, history, and the arts through his many interests and hobbies such as world travel, reading, and adding to his collections of paintings, jazz, and fine wines. He was also an avid aficionado of athletics, both as a fan and as a participant in sports such as football, tennis, and golf. Whether on the sidelines at a Seahawks or Husky game or that of one of his grandchildren, Dennis was an ardent and enthusiastic applauder.

Dennis was known by his innumerable, cherished friends for his wit, generosity, and immutable optimism. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who gifted his family with his curiosity, love of laughter, and lifelong pursuit of learning. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan; daughter Kirsten (Tony), son Sean (Maureen); grandchildren Kohl (Kelsi), Conner (Dylan), Jesse, Brandon (Jazmyne), Tanner, and Rory; and great-grandchildren Macie, Maddie, Jackson, Autumn, and Willow; as well as his cherished brothers-in-law, Rick (Susan), Ken (Rose), and Charles (Jan) Fortner and their families.

Dennis' family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Joan Kagimbi and the rest of the staff at Elite Homes for Senior Living for their compassionate and dedicated care in Dennis' last months.

A celebration of Dennis's life will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Olympia Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rotary International of Olympia in honor of Dennis. Birthday & Centennial Donations | Olympia Rotary Foundation