BONNERS FERRY — Century 21 has bid farewell to Mike Peterson, who has been a real estate broker for about 28 years.

In 2007, Peterson was awarded Realtor of the Year, which was presented to him by the Selkirk Real Estate Association.

As a man that would rather work behind the scenes, Peterson has supported the community with donations to sports, food bank drives, and many other charities, without asking for any recognition.

“He has personally helped many in need, wanting to remain private and anonymous,” said his wife, Elizabeth Peterson. “He went to bat for his people. He is one of the few who did not do this just for the money. He behaved as he wished to be treated. There is no greater honor.”

Investing in property and home ownership is a large step for anyone, and Mike Peterson helped make the transition easy and fruitful for community members both new and existing.

“Buying a home is most people’s largest investment. He made it easier for them, and protected his clients and others involved in the sales. He was and is, extremely conscientious,” said Elizabeth Peterson. “There were times when he even would talk clients out of buying certain real estate that he knew had too many problems for them to handle.”

The community members and Century 21 staff will miss him being an active part of their lives, but wish him the best in his retirement.

Mike Peterson plans to spend quality time with family members and his ranch during his retirement.

Retirement is not a vacation, it is a continuation of the work you did while you had time off, in Peterson’s case, ranch work and keeping up with the young ones.