Peter Gomes

Peter Gomes

Born June 7, 1928 to Peter A. Gomes, Sr. and Clarisse Silva Gomes, Pete passed away peacefully on October 17, 2010. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, of Portuguese ancestry, Pete kept the island spirit of “aloha” alive in his heart wherever he lived. Pete graduated from St. Louis College (high school) in Honolulu, then attended college at the U. of Dayton, Ohio and pursued his degree everywhere he lived, finally graduating from the UW. He was very proud of finally accomplishing that goal later in life. Pete served for 22 years in the Army, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1969. He served one tour in Germany and two tours in Korea. He later specialized in the missile defense systems Minute Man and Nike X. Pete received numerous awards and medals, including the Legion of Merit and the Joint Service Commendation for meritorious service. Pete then moved on to a long career with Boeing, working in military contracting. His third career was in real estate where he served a term as the President of the South King County Association of Realtors. Pete was devoted to community/religious service. After moving to Kent in 1969, he was appointed to serve as the Emergency Response Director. He served on the Kent Education Committee. He was a member of the Lions Club for 25 years, eventually serving as District Governor. Pete worked on the Cornucopia Days committee in Kent organizing the parades and Old Time Fiddlers events. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Parish in Sumner for the last 20 years and served on the Parish Council. Pete was also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. Pete was married for 60 years to his beloved wife, Kathryn Joan Cambra who survives him. They had 8 children: Peter Gomes III, Joseph (deceased), Cheryl (Andrew) Rist, Jeanette (Neal) Wanner, David (Debbie) Gomes, Margaret (Glen) Doll, Deborah (Glen) Ossiander, and Lucia (Jim) Elli. In addition, Pete is survived by 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other beloved relatives. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Liberta (Charles) Leach, of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth, and his son Joseph. The family is grateful to the gentle care Pete received from Naomi Best Care Adult Family Home of Kent and Providence Hospice during his last 6 months. Pete was a family man and was the honored patriarch of his large family. He was a patriot who loved America, ran for office, worked to back candidates he believed in, and served his country with distinction and honor. Pete believed in doing good in his home and community. He will be greatly missed.

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