Obituary of Peter Antolin

Peter “Junior” Antolin, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and husband, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023, while watching the Mariner’s game in his recliner at his home. Peter was 70 years young. 

Peter was born in Pusan, S. Korea, to Pedro and Naomi Antolin in 1952 before moving to Steilacoom, Washington, where he would grow up attending Lakes High School and Western Washington University before completing his Master’s degree at City College. Peter was drafted and chose to serve his country on trail crews, building many of the trails in the Bellingham, Washington, area that continue to be enjoyed today. Peter and his first wife, Robin, had three children, their son, Evan; daughter, Sarah (deceased); and daughter, Julia. Later in life, Peter married Kathie Wood.

Peter shared a love of public service, the outdoors, and music. His career was in government work with the Office of Financial Management, Government Affairs, Emergency Management, and the capstone of his career with the Department of Cannabis and Alcohol, where he helped engineer the State’s cannabis regulations. Peter always said, “Your reputation is all you have so never do anything you’re not proud to own up to and never lie to get what you want.” 

Peter spent time enjoying the outdoors, where he would regularly camp, hike, and enjoy the other natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest and the desserts of Arizona and California. With age, Peter transitioned his passion for the outdoors into golf. He was full of humor and philosophy on the golf course, regularly sharing anecdotes and sayings in reference to what he called “not a game of perfect.” 

Peter’s love and knowledge of music were encyclopedic, with knowledge ranging from the studio musicians on specific albums to the environment in which the artists were living while recording. The list of concerts Peter attended are enough to fill the rock and roll hall of fame, including, but not limited to his favorite, the Grateful Dead; Bob Dylan; The Spice Girls; Britney Spears; Taj Mahal; B.B. King; The Who; Paul McCartney; and the Rolling Stones. Peter attended the legendary Monterey Pop festival, several Bumbershoots, countless shows at the Gorge, Woodinville winery, and a host of other venues. He had an agreement with his children (at any age) that, once a year, they could pick out any concert they wanted and he would take them. He desired that they love music as fully as he did.

While the individual components helped define Peter, his true passion was sharing his time with family and friends. He built lifelong friendships and relationships, a community that he continued to enjoy until his passing. His presence will be missed by many.

Peter’s Volkswagen Pop-top Vanagon helped pioneer countless camping and sledding adventures. He enjoyed entertaining and spending time with family and friends over an Antolin Family Traditional Meal on all holidays and just to get together. Peter’s biggest joy at these events was announcing, “Alright, everybody line up – grandma and grandpa are leaving” indicating it was time to stop whatever you were doing and hug them and say goodbye. Peter had a large, warm loving family that cherished him and each other.

Peter is survived by his wife, Kathie Wood; his son, Evan; his daughter, Julia (Matsimela); sisters, Nancy (Jerry) and Grace (Don); his brothers, Bob (Trudy) and Ed (Sue); previous wife, Robin Rettew; grandson, Zen Ajani; many nieces and nephews; and two grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Tamayo Antolin and Naomi Park Antolin; and his daughter, Sarah Antolin.

While a short obituary will never do Peter’s life story justice, it is understood that the impact and love he left in everyone’s heart lives still. 

In honor of Peter, family is asking that you listen to a favorite Grateful Dead song and hit a bad golf shot. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Oly Education Foundation, found HERE.

Please email any photos you would like shared in the future to PeterAntolinLife@gmail.com.

 

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