Peter 'Pete' Wesley Van Komen Obituary (1952

It is with deep sadness we announce the loss of our father Peter Wesley Van Komen, age 70, of Ellensburg Washington. He died unexpectedly on Nov 2, 2022 after suffering a major heart attack and spending a week in the ICU at Yakima Memorial Hospital. He was surrounded by family and showered in love, as he peacefully passed away into the next life. He was known to his family & friends as Pete and was the oldest of three children. He was born on July 21st, 1952, in Soap Lake, Washington, to Lyle Van Komen & Allene "Tiny" Van Komen. Growing up, he lived in Nevada & Idaho, before moving back to Washington during his high school years. Pete attended Quincy High School and graduated with the class of 1971. He went on to earn an associates degree from a community college in Spokane, where he studied mechanics. In 1983 Pete married Julie Bowman Van Komen, in Winnemucca, Nevada, and it wasnt long before they moved to the small town of George, Washington. While working to support his young family. Pete was actively involved in the George City Council & George Jaycees, a volunteer organization responsible for acts of charity such as building a fence to increase safety at the local school. Pete was later elected Mayor of George where he dedicated four years, two consecutive terms, to running the city. Pete was known as leader, entrepreneur, and community builder. His exceptional talent for communication and negotiation eventually led him to move into sales and hay brokering. He made a name for himself in the Columbia Basin as he built out his network of farmers and ranchers across the Pacific Northwest. In 1993 he took his expertise and love for the hay business and moved his family to the Kittitas Valley. In Ellensburg he continued to grow his hay business, making new connections, developing life-long friendships, and discovering new business opportunities. If you knew Pete, you know he was one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. Pete survived a plane crash in 1993, leaving him with a laundry list of injuries that he carried for the rest of his life. Despite his injuries, he would not keep him away from his work for too long. Even after his battle with diabetes and ultimately losing his leg and both feet, he still worked every day he could. Pete was always determined and known to be a "fighter" by his friends and family. He refused to give up, even when the odds were stacked against him. This "fighter spirit" served him well throughout his life. Pete watched over his family and those around him, serving as a protector and provider for all of his loved ones. Pete was known to play the "sugarloaf claw machines" and often gave away his winnings. Pete would give the shirt off his back to those in need, then claim he was too warm anyways. Pete was there for anyone that needed help and wanted work, especially those that were down on their luck. He is going to be missed by his family, friends, and community. Pete truly touched the lives of so many individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life. Pete is predeceased by his father Lyle Van Komen, his Mother Allene "Tiny" Van Komen, and his younger brother John Van Komen. Pete is survived by his life-long partner Julie Van Komen, his sister Debbie Van Komen, his five children, Kaylene, Karli, Stephanie, Brian and Wesley, his 14 Grandchildren, Kabrina, Terrell, Arianna, Alexia, Brycen, Tayshaun, Jayden, Kyhden, Kyler, Liliana, Kyrstin, Wyatt, Mason & Jase, and his one Great Granddaughter Lorraine. Pete was baptized into the LDS church in the last few years of his life, and sometimes attended services at the Foursquare church in Ellensburg. Please send any flowers or cards for the sevice to Brookside Funeral Home; 500 E. Mountain View Ave. Ellensburg, WA 98926 by Friday, December 2. We would love for those who knew him to remember his life with us at 11am on Saturday December 3rd, 2022. Services will be held at the Ellensburg LDS Church, 808 south Magnolia Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Casual attire is okay.