Peter Lee Wilson, 85, of Boise, Idaho, passed away on December 22, 2023. “Pete” as he was called by most who knew him, was born on June 1, 1938, in Enterprise, Oregon, to Jim and Murrielle Wilson.
Pete was a wise, capable man with a sly sense of humor and a strong sense of tradition. Family was his primary focus in life, and he took great pride in supporting his kids, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family in all their pursuits.
The second of four sons, Pete’s earliest memories were from the Hat Point Lookout, where his father worked as a forest ranger. The family later moved to Riggins on the Salmon River, where he enjoyed a childhood growing up in rural, small-town Idaho.
Pete had two daughters, Monique and Renee, with his first wife Barbara Otterbacher. Striving toward academic excellence, Pete moved the family to Washington D.C. where he graduated from George Washington University while working for Idaho Senator Len Jordan. In 1968, Pete began his career as a property tax administrator with Boise Cascade Corporation, retiring in 1991. Loving community involvement, he began a lifelong relationship with the Exchange Club of Boise. He cherished the time spent with club members and activities to enhance his community.
In 1972, Pete married Sharon Reese, (whom he always referred to as “his bride”). Pete and Sharon were an inseparable team that faced life together, arm in arm. Their marriage of more than fifty years was one of Pete’s most treasured blessings.
Pete is survived by “his bride” Sharon, his brothers Bill Wilson (Mary Alice), Rocke Wilson (Claudia), his daughter Monique Zehner, his grandchildren Tehani Schnupp (Bill), Ty Waters (Amanda), Clay Waters, Kellie Selmer (Reid) and 13 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Tom Reese (Charlotte), as well as his countless extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Murrielle Wilson, his brother, Philip Wilson, and daughter, Renee Wilson. A special thank you to nephews Greg (Aly) and Ken Wilson for their love and care of Uncle Pete. Honorary family members Marlene Smitchger Lewis, Ryan and Blake Smitchger and the Bill Schnupp family.
A service to celebrate Pete’s life will be held at Bowman Funeral Home, located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Drive, Boise 83714, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riggins High School library. Your support will help continue Pete’s love of books and legacy of education. Thank you to Bluebird health for your kindness in his care.
Please join us in remembering Pete Wilson and honoring his remarkable life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.