Peter "Peter V" Vinedal

Peter "Peter V" Vinedal of Palm Desert, Calif., and a long-time resident of Crescent Bar, died suddenly at his home in Palm Desert on Monday, May 16, 2011. He was 56.

Peter V was born on Oct. 24, 1954 to Atly and Ruby Vinedal of Seattle. He had a sister, Carolyn Willison.

Like his father, Peter V loved the sun and sought it out at every opportunity all of his life. He always had a tan that was deeper than imaginable.

Whether it be with his buddies water skiing until dark at Crescent Bar or playing endless rounds of golf with friends at Palm Desert or Seattle, you just never saw Peter V happier than when the sun was shining and he was soaking it in.

Two rounds of golf a day or five ski sets were not unusual for Peter V. He was always asking for more.

Peter V will be remembered by his family and friends as "taking a lifetime to grow up." He reminded everyone around him of their childhoods. He had a smile and laugh that friends and family will never forget. He was a true friend who was always up for the next fun adventure.

Peter V grew up in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle and attended Ingraham High School.

There was a type A, and then there was a Peter V, Peter V's friends used to say. You never got just a little bit of Peter V, they said. It was always full-on 100 percent, go, go, go.

That was the way Peter V always lived his life, from the time he was active in Greenwood Boys Clubs surrounded by the guidance of his mentor Coach Marsh Foerster, who led Peter V as a championship athlete not only in football but also in baseball and basketball.

Peter excelled in athletics and always started on every team of which he was a member. He spent every day at the Boys Club with his buddies, from the time they turned the lights on in the morning until they locked the doors at night. One of his fondest memories, which he shared often, was that time in his life.

Peter V worked on the Alaska Pipeline as a Teamster from 1975-1979. After a short period in produce delivery, Peter V went on to a 25-year career in commercial fishing.

Peter V began fishing for crab and cod in the Bearing Sea off Alaska on the F/V Aleutian Mariner in 1986. Subsequent vessels on which he worked included the F/V Pacific Mariner, the F/V Bering Star and the F/V Wizard. He was most recently a crew member of the F/V Arctic Sea.

There were several years in which Peter V was also involved in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery.

Peter V's friends and family ask that, instead of sending flowers, friends and family take a moment to call someone they haven't spoken with in a while and share some warmth and love. That would be the best gift.

Memorial contributions may be made in Peter V's name to the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwood in Seattle.