Obituary: Gilman, Harris “Pete”
That’s exactly what and how Pete, our father, lived it!
Born in Boston, MA, in June of 1921.
He was energetic, inquisitive and thoroughly interested in any and all things around him.
He had many outdoor adventures that included mountain climbing, sailing and skiing.
Dad went into the Army at the age of 20 and volunteered for the first Special Forces group that trained at Fort Harrison in Helena, MT.
He served as a Lieutenant in the 2nd World War and was retired from the service after receiving multiple wounds at Anzio, Italy.
Dad entered Stanford College in 1945 and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
This lead to many jobs, among them Standard Oil of California.
In 1956, he and family, moved to Grand Junction, CO where he was instrumental in getting American Gilsonite Co. off the ground.
For eight years he was the manager of American Gilsonite Co. His next working adventure, in 1974 was Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA.
At E.P.R.I.
he advised, designed and built various refineries around the world.
Dad retired in 1985.
He and Peggy returned to Grand Junction, CO until December of 2009.
At that time they moved to Spokane Valley, WA until his death on November 9, 2013.
His wife of 44 years, Peggy, along with daughters, Kelley, Stephanie and Nora; and sons, Peter and David, survive Dad.
There are also eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He lived a great and full life.
He was loved and will be missed by all those around him!!
A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2013 in the Community Center at Good Samaritan Society, 17121 E. 8th Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99016.