Clarence A. "Pete" Gilmore

Clarence A. Pete Gilmore, Jr. was a hardworking, kindhearted man who loved the simple life. As an amateur farmer on 70 acres, he was able to raise pigs and various fruits and vegetables. He loved life and had a soft spot for both children and the elderly. He was a family man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Petes story began on a cold winter day on February 16, 1932 in Muskegon, MI. Even though many families in our country had been hit hard during this time by The Great Depression, Clarence A. and Clara (Voss) Gilmore had great reason to celebrate. They welcomed the birth of their first child, a son whom they named Clarence A. Jr. Despite his given name of Clarence, Jr., his grandfather insisted that he looked like a Pete when he first greeted the newborn, and from that point forward, Pete just stuck. Pete was later joined by siblings Joyce, Michael, Thomas and Judy. He lived a typical childhood in Muskegon spending his days at home with his mother and siblings, while his father supported their busy family working at the Norge Corp. Later on in his childhood, Petes mother did contribute to the family income when she worked at Hage, a Christian supply store. Pete attended Muskegon Heights High School which set the stage for a fateful introduction to a sweet girl named Peggy Carpenter. Pete was introduced to Peggy by one of her friends, perhaps in an attempt to get rid of him! Peggy however, decided that she would like to keep him around, and the two began dating. Pete and Peggy were later united in marriage on July 12, 1952 in Muskegon Heights. Pete was called to serve his country as a Marine during the Korean War. In 1954, after having earned the title of sergeant and two years of service, he was discharged and able to return home to his new bride and his civilian life. Pete worked as a carpenter at Campbell, Wyatt & Cannon foundry which created the standing joke that a carpenter married a Carpenter! Through his work there, Pete was able to support his family that expanded with the birth of Peter, Martin, Michael and daughter, Christine. A carpenter by trade, Pete was an amateur farmer by heart as he raised pigs, vegetables and fruit, even maintaining a 7 acre blueberry field within his 70 acres. Pete was a very hardworking man that did manage to find some time away from his work and farming to have some fun. He and his family enjoyed tent camping every year at a nearby lake. Pete and Peggy were longtime members of Temple United Methodist Church where he also had served as Sunday School Superintendent. Pete retired from Campbell, Wyatt & Cannon after 26 years and went on to work for Laketon Township, which is nestled between the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, caring for its cemetery and parks. Pete did have some trials during his life, however. He and his wife Peggy lost their son Michael, at the young age of 43, due to a heart condition. Michael's career had taken him to Japan where he would find his wife. Returning to the states, he and his bride would locate in the state of Washington. He was proud to tell his friends that his carpenter father was coming to do some extensive work that he was not capable of doing. Michael's death came before Dad could come. Pete himself also had a couple of heart surgeries through the years from which to recover. Clarence A. Pete Gilmore was a kindhearted man of faith who had a genuine love for others. He was generous with what he had and opinionated about matters he felt strongly about. He had a zest for life and will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind. Clarence A. Pete Gilmore died unexpectedly on October 27, 2008. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael and his brother, Michael. Petes family includes his wife, Peggy; sons, Peter (Carla) Gilmore of FL, Cyndi Gilmore of Twin Lake; daughter, Christine (Jeffrey) Cooke of Muskegon; grandchildren, Heather, Andy, Holly, Aliya, Ryan, Gabrielle, Jessica, Melissa, Jacolynn, Nicole; great grandchild, Daven; brother, Thomas Gilmore of Muskegon; sisters, Joyce (James) Brandt of FL, Judy (Elbert) Black of Hastings. Visit with Petes family and friends on Thursday October 30, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Funeral services will be held on Friday, 10:30 a.m. October 31, 2008 at Clock Chapel with Rev. Robert Paterson officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Please visit Petes memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Muskegon Rescue Mission.