Peter Joseph Velush, 64

Peter Joseph Velush, 64, died Wednesday, March 11, 2009, in Clearlake, Calif.

Anyone who met Pete was immediately swept up in his enthusiasm for life and treated to his humor.  One of his many friends once said that, to Peter, no man is a stranger.

Peter was born Sept. 19, 1944, in New Haven, Conn., and traveled the country in his youth.  His jobs included bowling alley pinsetter, cab driver, newspaper press operator and carrier, and mail carrier.  His favorite job was wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service.  Unfortunately, Peter couldn’t continue his line of work due to occupational asthma, but he continued to enjoy his former co-workers. 

Peter resided in Bonners Ferry with his wife, Carol, for 28 years until 2006.  They traveled the Northwest doing craft shows, which gave Peter great pleasure.  They took their dream trip when they left Bonners Ferry in a motor home and traveled across the country.  They eventually landed in Clearlake, where Peter enjoyed meeting new friends.

Pete enjoyed wildlife and bird watching.  Music was a huge joy in his life.  He appreciated good tools, good books and good brew.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Peter Velush Sr.; and a sister, Judy.

He is survived by Carol, his wife of 32 years; a son he had with Cathy Milazzo, Lukas Velush, and Lukas’  wife Natalie and their daughters, Lola and Tansy;  sisters Marty, Joan and Ann;  many nieces and nephews and his in-laws. 

A memorial gathering will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Keith and Laura Snider’s house at 6266 Alder St.  For information, call 267-5426.