Present in Life & Spirit: A Holiday Tribute to Dennis

At CLI, the holidays are about more than decorations—they’re about people. For the Kent, Washington team, this season holds special meaning as we honor Dennis Peterson, a leader, teammate, and friend who helped shape our culture from the very beginning.

Dennis joined CLI at the very start of the Kent operation as an Operations Supervisor. He wasn’t just respected—he was deeply loved. He cared about people, took pride in his work, and brought humor and authenticity into every room he entered. From leadership celebrations to birthday fiestas (including one unforgettable celebration in full Mexican attire), Dennis made work feel like family.

Last November, our Kent team suffered a tremendous loss when Dennis passed away unexpectedly following surgery. The grief was profound, and it remains felt today.

One of Dennis’s greatest joys was collecting Christmas Villages. Over the years, he carefully built more than 160 miniature houses. During a leadership decorating contest, Dennis even engineered a creative display for his collection—a moment many still remember with a smile.

This October, Dennis’s wife, Sara, offered a deeply meaningful gift: several of his village pieces to be displayed in the Kent lobby each holiday season. Her only request was that the tradition continue as long as the current leadership team remains. The answer was immediate and heartfelt.

Today, the Christmas Village stands as a symbol of remembrance, healing, and connection. Employees are invited to add to the display, and many already have—transforming it into a shared tradition that honors Dennis’s spirit. Among the village scenes is even a Kenworth truck, a detail that feels perfectly at home.

While the building is filled with festive décor, this village holds the greatest significance. It reminds everyone that when CLI says “family,” it means always. One year later, Dennis is still missed every single day. His legacy lives on in the culture he helped build, the people he impacted, and the village that now brings comfort and joy each holiday season.

In Loving Memory of Dennis Peterson: Operations Supervisor • Teammate • Family

Forever part of our CLI family, RIP Dennis.