Peter Carl PUETZ 

Born in Seattle June 1, 1912, died peacefully on Saturday, June 15th at 
age 90. Pete is survived by his daughters Pat Woodcock and Susan 
Weaver and by his son David Puetz. He is also survived by his brother 
Alvin Puetz, sister Irene Kelley, six grandchildren and eight great 
grandchildren. Pete was preceded in death by his wife Dorine and son 
Mickey. He was a middle child of a large family. At age 11, he caddied 
at the Seattle Golf Club earning 25 cents per round. His dad would 
take the quarter when he got home that night, but a rare 10 cent tip 
would be secretly kept to spend on treats. He dropped out of school in 
the 8th grade to help support the family after his father died. Pete 
worked very hard throughout his life. As a young man, he worked on 
the waterfront filleting fish and shucking clams and oysters. He moved 
on to jobs in a fish market and then a meat market in downtown 
Seattle. In 1945 he partnered with his brother Al and built Puetz Driving 
Range (now operated by his son) in north Seattle. During his years 
running the golf range, he gave lessons and played in occasional 
tournaments. Having employed hundreds over the years, he cultivated 
and enhanced a great number of golfing careers. Pete was demanding 
(work always came first) and had trouble expressing emotion, but his 
big heart was revealed through his generosity to family, friends and 
employees. The Puetz brothers pioneered golf club discounting and 
established and highest standards in customer service and selection, 
making the name "Puetz" and "Golf" synonymous in the northwest. 
Pete's vacations and retirement years were spent in Washington's great 
outdoors - fishing, hunting, and golfing. He loved camping - owning 
several RV trailers. In retirement, eighteen years were spent living on 
Whidbey Island enjoying golfing, fishing, crabbing, gardening and his 
waterfront home. He was happiest sharing outdoor adventures (and the 
"catch") with friends and family. At his request, there will be funeral and 
memorial services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite 
charity. 

Jun 19, 2002
Seattle Times