Stephen Richard Peters, 70

Stephen Richard Peters passed into greener pastures on Saturday, June 24 surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, brother, son and doting grandpa, he will be incredibly missed.

Steve was born March 11, 1953 to Norman “Jack” and Marie Peters in Kalispell. Steve would later be joined by his younger sister, Shelley, a year and a half later. Steve spent his early years at St. Mathew’s Catholic School where he served as an alter boy for the majority of his young life. He spent summers in the Bob Marshall with his family fishing and exploring, which is where his love for the outdoors was born.

Steve graduated from Flathead High School in 1971 and went on to work for a masonry company.

It was soon after graduation that he met the love of his life, Susan Clouse, through mutual friends. The pair would marry in 1977 and stand the test of time. They welcomed their first son, Joseph, that same year and son, Joshua, four years later.

Steve and Sue would spend their time traveling the state with their boys through various sports and activities, teaching them to hunt, fish and everything in between.

Early in their marriage, Steve began his career with Plum Creek timber where he would continue to work for the next 41 years. He would be one of the few that continued with the company even after their sale to Weyerhauser until his retirement, creating friendships that would last a lifetime.

Steve would spend his retirement doing what he loved most, recreating with family and friends enjoying all Montana has to offer. He knew every back road and riding trail of the valley like the back of his hand, and then some. Steve loved camping, four wheeling, rafting and just enjoying life outdoors with his friends and family. He served as the ultimate outdoor guide to those that knew him best.

He was also known for being the ultimate prankster, to put it mildly. Steve always knew how to make people laugh, even if it was at themselves. From sneaking a hole in your beer can when you weren’t looking, to a silly rhyme for his grandkids, he was always good for a laugh. He smiled with a twinkle in his eye and you knew he was up to something, and you couldn’t help but smile back.

His grandchildren however, were the apple of his eye. He instilled his sense of humor in them early, and they became quick competitors in his game of laughter and wit.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Norman Peters. He is survived by his mother, Marie Peters; his loving wife, Sue Peters; son, Joe (Jane) Peters, and grandchildren, Ashlie (Riley) Nelson, Jace and Jakaleigh Peters; son, Josh (Sarah) Peters and grandchildren, Madison and Brady Peters, Sister Shelley (Bob) Wagnild, all of Kalispell; along with numerous extended family and friends alike.

A celebration of life open house will be held for Steve at Blaine Creek Events in Creston on Saturday, July 8 from 2-5 p.m. Please come and share your favorite memories and laughs with all those that loved him.