Lifelong Port Angeles resident, Pete Van Os, passed away peacefully at Swedish Medical Center, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. His wife, Cathy, was at his side.

Pete was born to Johan and Lydia Van Os, the youngest of three. He described his childhood as idyllic. Growing up in Port Angeles, summers were spent outdoors with his family camping and fishing the Hoh River. Upon his graduation from PAHS in 1971, Pete enlisted in the US Navy. After traveling the world while serving his country for four years, Pete returned to Port Angeles claiming it remained the most beautiful place he had ever seen.

Back home on the Peninsula, Pete met and married the love of his life, Cathy. They spent 45 wonderful years together. Theirs was a home filled with fun and laughter. Pete obtained his degree and worked at Peninsula College for 32 years, retiring in 2012. Some of his co-workers became great friends and remained so until the end of his life.

Pete was just 45 when his kidneys failed. He became the grateful recipient of a new kidney from his sister, Ellen. By medical standards, the 24 years of quality life Pete enjoyed following the transplantation were rare, and a tribute to his zest for life.

Pete enjoyed time with his family. Fishing, restoring old cars and houses or texting with his cousin Larry during Seahawks games were pastimes of joy in his life. A man of gratitude, Pete belonged and contributed to many organizations. His sense of community ran deep. Once, without thought for his own safety, he ran into a burning house to rescue a neighbor, and then back into the flames after learning her daughter was still inside. As his health failed, Pete took up hat making and donated hundreds to local charities so "no one would have to be cold".

Pete approached each day as a gift. He showed great strength and grace as he faced life's challenges. He always remained optimistic. A devoted husband and son, a loyal friend and fun loving uncle, Pete lived his life with integrity. He was an inspiration to all those who knew him. Well loved, he will be forever missed.

Pete is survived by his wife, Cathy, sisters Trudy Smith and Ellen (Dennis) Jasmer, brother-in-law Al Pavlak, 10 nieces and nephews and 21 greats. At his request, there will be no services. Cremation was under the direction of Drennan & Ford Funeral Home.

Pete and Cathy adopted several shelter dogs over the years and ask that memorial contributions be made to a favorite animal shelter.

Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with his arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for his family at www.drennanford.com .