Michael C. Peterson

Michael Clyde Peterson, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at his home in Bellingham, Washington. He was born on April 24, 1945, in Bellingham to Clyde Harold Peterson and Lucy Helen Meyenberg Peterson.

Mike grew up on the family farm on Yew Street Road and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1964. He attended Bellingham Technical College, completing a certificate program in mechanics in 1965 while working for Bellingham Dodge.

That same year, Mike traveled to Alaska, where he worked on the cannery line and as a maintenance technician. In 1968, he began his military service in the United States Army. He served in Korea with the Eighth Army from March 4, 1968, to October 6, 1970, before transferring to the Army Reserve at Fort Lewis, where he served with A Company, 6th Battalion, 158th Aviation, until his discharge on November 28, 1973, as a Sergeant (E-5) in a Chinook unit.

During his military service, Mike received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Good Conduct Medal, Crew Chief Wings, and was Expert-qualified with the M-14.

Mike married Jyl Johnson on December 2, 1978, in Bellingham, Washington, beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 48 years.

In 1980, Mike began the longest chapter of his career at the Mobil Oil Refinery in Ferndale, Washington, where he worked until his retirement in 2005. He held a key position as head shop mechanic, specializing in vehicle and equipment maintenance for the refinery's fleet. He was also part of the team that built a computer system used to control the entire refinery from one central location in the event of an emergency. Mike was a member of the refinery's fire team and spill response team.

His mechanical talents extended beyond the refinery. Mike became a certified marine mechanic and serviced boats at Bellingham Harbor. He was also an active member of his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with District 10 alongside his wife, Jyl.

Together, Mike and Jyl enjoyed being part of a local square dance group and were active members of the Skagit Old Car Club.

After retirement, Mike stayed busy doing what he loved most—helping people. He was always willing to help friends and neighbors with their vehicle challenges and could often be found working in his shop, surrounded by the tools and gadgets he loved to collect.

Mike enjoyed motorcycles and boats, camping and fishing, Sunday drives to visit friends, and spending time with family. He loved telling his Army stories, talking about tractors, and sharing his many funny jokes. He looked forward to his monthly coffee get-togethers with friends. He loved his animals—and everyone else's, too.

And Mike was full of hugs.

Mike is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Jyl; his sons, Jerry (Yvonne) and Jeff; and his daughters, Heather (Matt) and Brigette (Ryan). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: MacKenzie; Emma, Jason, and Kevin; Madeline and Michael; and Leighann, Macy, and Marcus; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Lucy; his brother, Tom; and his sisters, Frances and Alice. He was also preceded in death by Jyl's parents, Mark and Pat Johnson; his niece, Ingrid; and his grandchildren, Kenna and Jeremy.

A memorial service with military honors, followed by a reception, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, at the Hetterley Pavilion at Berthusen Park (8837 Berthusen Road, Lynden).