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Peter Tomarken Obituary
According to the Internet Movie Database, Tomarken was 63.
Coroner's officials identified the two bodies late this afternoon. Tomarken's death was first reported by "Entertainment Tonight."
The plane was on a volunteer medical transport flight to San Diego to pick up a passenger who needed treatment at UCLA Medical Center.
A third person aboard the plane remains missing.
The Beech A-36 went down 200 yards offshore while apparently trying to return to Santa Monica Airport because of engine trouble.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
330 Entries
Earlene Brewer
August 19, 2025
I'm So Sorry I Had No Idea Condolences To The Family.
Don Stowe
July 1, 2025
He Is in the Kingdom of God no doubt
Don Stowe
July 1, 2025
I use to watch Peter on Tv in the 70s passed helping a cancer patient u all know he is in the Kingdom of Almighty God Jesus is lord
Janet McClelland
June 18, 2025
I´m watching a rerun now. He was a great host.
How you can show support
Carol
May 1, 2025
Peter I think of you every time I watch the TV show you Hosted. The Lord took you and your wife while you were doing a medical trip. Why he took you no one will ever know but you are sorely missed. Love U
Rosalie Aquino
March 26, 2025
Peter Tomarken was doing a good deed and paid with his life. God Bless him always.
Rosalie Aquino
Dwayne Weaver
March 3, 2025
To the Tomarken Family,
I loved Peter as the Host of Press Your Luck. I wanted to go on that show just to meet Peter. Thank you for sharing Peter with the world
Ruby Bowen
February 10, 2025
He was my favorite press your luck Host. Nice looking man
Lynette Scott
January 31, 2025
great host happy all the time still watch the show
Ken Nelson
December 9, 2024
A self actualized man.
Justin Licklider
December 3, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
JOHN I'M UCKETT
November 26, 2024
You were the greatest fun loving , happy game show host everyone loved.
Leslie Redaway
October 16, 2024
Rest In Heaven
Karen Evans
February 4, 2024
I loved Peter Tomarken. I loved Press Your Luck. I never missed the show. He was the best game show host. Great personality. Great comic timing. Great smile. Great with the contestants. I was so shocked when I learned of his passing. I felt as though I had lost a friend. When I watch the current version of Press Your Luck, I always think of Peter. Rest in peace.
Jerry Hanlan
January 14, 2024
my condolences..excellent game host...superb
.sharp as a razor.remembered all time..Detroit/Windsor area of reruns.
Migdalia Cruz
December 5, 2023
Sadly missed
Darlene Welch
September 16, 2023
I´m sitting here now watching reruns of press your luck, one of my favorites, loved Peter as the host, the best and is missed.
Janet Moss
September 3, 2023
He was a great host for the show press your luck
Lynn Prigg
August 26, 2023
Seems the good seem to go tooo soon. He was great on press your luck!!!
Mary Ann Hall
August 24, 2023
Loved your Dad on his game show. I am so sorry for your loss.
Karyn
June 10, 2023
My sincerest condolences. Peter had a great energy about him. I loved press your luck show used to watch it all the time
Robert Kretch
February 10, 2023
Peter will be missed. Watched press his show.
DERRICK HICKS
November 23, 2022
November.23rd,2022 WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 1:33PM...Remembering you again today PETER TOMARKEN & YOUR WIFE...REST IN PARADISE"...Bless ALL the "TOMARKEN FAMILY" Today and ALWAY'S...From; Derrick Hicks/ CLEVELAND,OHIO..
Pat Alder
November 23, 2022
Peter and the GSN crew came to see me as part of their "Pacific Northwest Tour" back in 1995. His visit did a power of good to me, not to mention fun. Ever since his passing I make sure on his birthday, to send a bit to the Heroes fund in his and Kathleen's name. He's certainly not forgotten by those Peter met. Zichrona livracha! ( may their memory be a blessing)
Laura Bowe
November 22, 2022
Peter was my favorite game show host of all time. I was shocked and saddened when I read about his tragic death just a few years ago when I was surfing the net.
May he and his wife forever rest in peace.
Tyler Hollifield
May 24, 2022
I truly love your show called Press Your Luck on GSN & Buzzr. I love it when you said "If the whammy is sort of a cute little guy as it's only shows up when someone else is spinning". I just been thinking that I hope that GSN can go bring a Press Your Luck 1983-1986 and 753 Episodes on the air.
Ella Sylve
February 11, 2022
Peter Tomarken is missed. I enjoyed the show before and watch BJ´sit often now. R.I.P.
Guy Thornton
December 24, 2021
I watch Mr.Tomarken in Press Your Luck reruns every chance I get. He was one of the best game show hosts ever. One thing he was especially good at was thanking contestants for being on the show. My condolances.
Debbie watson
September 21, 2021
I am very deeply sorry for the Tomarken family. I loved Press Your Luck and feel very sad.
Derrick Hicks
August 20, 2021
From; Derrick Hicks Cleveland,Ohio..Friday, August.20th,2021...Mr.Peter Tamarkin..I'm looking at you on your show " Press Your Luck"..On antenna channel ; BUZZR TV..chi 41-2..Right NOW"....as I write this"...Me and my mother who passed on in 2004 watched your game show when you first aired in the 1980's...It is so sad to have loss you and your wife...You were a charismatic Gameshow host..You will never be forgotten...GOD BLESS PETER TAMARKEN AND HIS WIFE IN PARADISE..We love you "FOREVER ETERNAL".....IN GOD'S LOVING CARE, FOREVER ETERNAL!"
Carol Luci
November 9, 2020
Peter and Abby Tomarken were angels on earth, helping others who needed it. Now they can help all of us every day from heaven. God bless your souls. You are loved forever.
Ryan Sirkin
June 16, 2020
I didn't know Peter personally but he was an icon of my childhood when I watched reruns of Press Your Luck starting at age 4. Every time I watched the show, he always put a smile on my face. The man is a legend to me, hands down. I hope in spirit he finds this message knowing that to a young kid and still up to now, that he was and will always be like a game show superhero whose goal was to fight evil by taming the whammy. Thank You Peter, Big Bucks, No Whammies
Kenneth Sizemore
May 25, 2020
May your memory be eternal and your wife
Joe Gentissi
May 22, 2020
May you and your wife rest in the arms of God the father.
B.Ward
May 18, 2020
Just found out about Peter and his wife today. May all who were aboard RIP.
Beverley C.
December 30, 2019
Even though it's been years since your death, every time I see Press Your Luck, I think of all the joy you brought to us game show addicts. Game shows were minor to the work you and your wife did for the sick. Miss you always.
Connie Roy
November 14, 2019
R.I.P
Connie Roy
November 14, 2019
I seen press ur luck on abc i was wonder where is Peter?I didnt know both has passed,Peter was my favorite game show host, so sad will pray for the family. R.I,P Mr& Mrs Tomarken
Alba Gonzalez
September 4, 2019
Rip...you were a great person
June 20, 2019
Press Your Luck has recently returned on ABC.
Wanda York
June 16, 2019
Bless his/ their hearts. He was so handsome, entertaining, and passionate about his job!
Sharon Aenold
June 11, 2019
I think he was a great host of this game that I did and still love. My sympathies to his family.
Melissa Schaefer
January 21, 2019
I never knew this until today. I loved the show Press Your Luck and watch the vintage game shows. Even though this was many years ago, I am extremely saddened to find this out. My condolences go to his children and family. God Bless You.
Tiffany Estep
January 5, 2019
We missed you Peter! You brought us so much laughter and smiles. I looked back on the times you ran on stage on Duel in the Daytime and Hit Man before Bargain Hunters Press Your Luck and Wipeout. Also you did Paranoia. We will never forget you when you're gone Peter. The whammys will not see you in Heaven. So we will always remember you now always and forever.
Shevehz McKinnley
December 10, 2018
It was truly sad to hear of Peter's death my mother and I loved to watch press your luck back in the day. I still watch all the re-runs everyday on buzzr network. #ANOTHER ANGEL GOT HIS WINGS!
Bill
November 23, 2018
Why is it that ,the good die young? May you and yours rest in peace. Miss the " whammy" entertainment you made so inviting and addictive. I know God knows of all your good deeds and you were rewarded for them. Sadly missed!
Lourdes Rivera
November 12, 2018
Prayers, n my condolences to both families.
Lourdes Rivera
November 12, 2018
I was shock to hear this bad news. Loved watching him on "press your luck". Which I still do on the buzzer channel. Will be missed. May he R.I.P n his wife too. My prayers n condolences.
MICHAEL LEE
October 13, 2018
PETER YOU WERE A BLESSING TO ALL NO WHAMMYS IN HEAVEN! PETER YOU WERE A TRUE CHAMPION AND BEAUTIFUL PERSON !
Ronald Krusyna
August 6, 2018
Rest in peace And may the lord guide him and his wife and the unknown person.
Debra Perkins
August 2, 2018
I have always loved Peter. He was a beautiful man. I watch press your luck every day. Just found out the bad news. But he is now home safe in heaven. Love you Peter tomarken.
Nicholas Acciardo
July 9, 2018
RIP
Sherri Bingham
June 20, 2018
RIP Peter & Kathleen
Sherri Bingham
June 20, 2018
Was so sad to learn of his passing May he & Kathleen and the other person aboard the plane with them RIP.
Kathy Kline
June 19, 2018
Rest In Peace Love the show
wendy taylor
June 5, 2018
rest in peace. you were great.thank you.
March 2, 2018
I was watching a rerun of Press Your Luck and googled him & saw the news of Peter's passinghow sad. He was one of my first crushes as a young girl! RIP dear Peter and Kathleen
January 28, 2018
a very gentle man, rest in peace Peter Tomarken
CHRIS OBRIEN
November 21, 2017
I stumbled on Press Your Luck back in 1984- and it became the "must see" show in the morning.
Sounds like he died doing the greatest deed- laying down his life for his brothers.
From where I come from- that's called a HERO. May he, his wife & the other person on board that doomed craft spend eternity with joy. I can only hope to be doing something similar when my number is up.
Lucy
October 17, 2017
Very sad about this news super fan of his work thank you so much Mr Tomarken my God shine his beautiful light on you and your wife "Valla con Dios Amigo"
Jessica Tackett
August 17, 2017
I was born in 1987 and I'm now 29 and I enjoy still til this day to watch press your luck on TV...wish his legacy could continue to live on as is does today and wish they would do a new game show of press your luck it would be great...may he R.I.P...I send my condolences to the family...I sure enjoy watching the show still til this day come on TV and enjoy seeing peter smile...makes my day..his show is so relaxing and fun.
Jessica Tackett
August 17, 2017
I was born in 1987 and I'm now 29 and I enjoy still til this day to watch press your luck on TV...wish his legacy could continue to live on as is does today and wish they would do a new game show of press your luck it would be great...may he R.I.P
Pamela Rogers
July 26, 2017
Loved this sweet, talented game show host.
Cephus Love
June 28, 2017
Peter Tomarken, was a wonderful guy, and like a variety of other game show hosts who have passed on such as Jean Rayburn, Richard Dawson, Ray Combs, Jim Perry, Chuck Barris et al, watching Press Your Luck and the other classic game shows bring back fond memories when life was better for many of us when we shared our lives with loved ones who have also passed on and who used to watch those shows with us.
Joyce Hubbard
June 17, 2017
Watching Press Your Luck tonight and every night. Didn't know he had passed. Rest in Peace.
Vannetta Gentry
March 29, 2017
Just like everyone else I googled Peter and found out! So sorry to hear of his passing I still watch him on press your luck everyday faithfully. RIP and know that you will live on in the hearts of your fans!!!!
Lisette
March 7, 2017
I always loved Press Your Luck. I started watching as a little girl who loved to see the whammies come to life. Now 30+years later I love to see my nephew enjoying reruns and watching he whammies unfold before his eyes. I loved the way Peter had such a great vibe on he show. He was the heart of it. He was passionate about it, and loved his jokes. RIP to him and his wife even though it has been 11 years. My love to his family xoxoxo
February 28, 2017
RIP
Love,
The Whammies
jane
February 25, 2017
I'm watching a rerun of Press Your Luck. I googled Peter! What a shock to hear of his untimely death. How sad. Rest in Peace
Sharon Hansen
February 18, 2017
Rest in peace
Michelle Hansen
February 18, 2017
Rest In Peace
Asa Burks
February 11, 2017
Wow,I'm watching Press Your Luck,and decided to Google him to see what he's doing now,God Bless him,and his wife...
Jen Lorenc
February 6, 2017
Rest in peace
Vickie Marks
January 15, 2017
I was watching reruns of press your luck. So I googled Peter Tomarken. My heart was broken to read what happen to him, wife and another quest. My heart goes out to the family. My they rest in peace
December 29, 2016
I have always loved to watch Press Your Luck. I was sad to hear that Mr. Tomarken and his wife and another passenger were killed in a plane crash. I felt so bad for their kids and family.
November 22, 2016
Prayers
David Ruiz
October 1, 2016
Wow..I was looking up the Game Show Host name for "PRESS MY LUCK" - to my Sorriest surprise I just read that this "Kool Winning Smile" fella whom me & my wife use to watch sometimes on TV...was Deceased along w/His Wife & Guest. All I can say is WOW..just Heartbreaking to say the least. I thank whom ever left this podium for us NO BODY'S to Wish Our Sincere Condolences. Great Smile that made you feel like He Cared Genuinely about all the people he came across w/his entire life. Thk you.
Chris Madsen
September 4, 2016
I guess I'm like so many other people. I'm watching Press Your Luck and decided to see what ever became of Peter Tomarken. I can't believe he's been gone for ten years. So very sad. He was one of my all time favorites.
Veronica Boyette
August 9, 2016
WOW... I'm watching Press Your Luck right now and I decided to look you up on google. I never knew you passed on. Such a terrible tragedy. May you both rest in eternal peace.
July 28, 2016
Hi I heard about something did happen to Peter to market. Peter was always smiling on press your luck. Always enjoyed watching the show. Peter did an excellent job of hosting press your luck. He was such a nice person. My condolences to the family for such a terrible loss. My name is Paul Kachaturian. God bless the family and God bless Peter and Kathleen Tomarken
faiza hernandez
July 25, 2016
loved watching you all the time. you and your wife rest in peace
Lisa Fanelli
July 17, 2016
It's 2016 and I just looked for Peter Tomarkin and was shocked to see and his wife were killed so tragically and in 2006! I am so sad about the loss of such a wonderful person, so handsome with a brilliant smile that would light up a room! At least we were blessed with his presence for a short time! He'll live on in our hearts and game show heaven on our favorite Press Your Luck!!
My mother and I give our condolences to Peter and Kathy Tomarkin, may you rest in peace!
God bless the family! <3
Linda Nettleton
July 15, 2016
Such a shame to lose such a great game show host and his wife. May they rest in peace. I wish the best for their family and that they are doing fine.
Patty Gaugler
July 1, 2016
Prayers for Peter and his wife and the children. May the good Lord watch over them and grant them peace.
Patty
J.E. Tully
June 23, 2016
I missed your show when it was on and have been watching it on antenna TV on the game station BUZZR for about a year now.
I have gotten to appreciate your style and personality very much.
The world lost a great person on the plane that day.
Praying for your children that their lives remain steady and trouble free.
Kathy Huckaby
June 22, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family still watch press your luck it my favorite beside price is right game show. Kathy
June 21, 2016
So handsome
GG Barnes
May 26, 2016
It's 2106 and I too am still watching the show "Press Your Lucky". He was a great MC . God Bless you and your family.... You were a great host.
Helen Flavin
May 26, 2016
I'm watching show right now. Love Peter. God bless him and his family. So sorry for your loss.
Joyce Mack
April 2, 2016
It's 2016 n I'm still watching Peter on press your luck on channel 292 buzzr he was a very handsome man , to the Tomarken family I'm so very sorry for your loss . I know it's been awhile ago that your lost happened. I send my condolences to your entire Tomarken clan
Anjelica Warren
March 21, 2016
Keeping your face and story going in 2016! Kids (5&12) and I watching Press Your Luck! Loved watching when I was nine and Love watching now!
Dora Clark
March 3, 2016
R.I.P
Linda Ford
January 31, 2016
So sad to read this. Peter remains forever alive every time he is watched on the reruns of Press Your Luck. May he and his wife rest in peace and eternally fly with the Angels.
Nancy Metz
January 28, 2016
Rest in peace. Great show host watched press your luck every day you and your wife are still together.you will be greatly missed,
January 28, 2016
Nancy Mètz rest peace
Sharon Younger-Hughes
December 27, 2015
R.I.P.
Sharon Younger-Hughes
December 27, 2015
R.I.P
L Eastman
December 21, 2015
Watching him on TV right now. A Christmas mini marathon of Press Your Luck. What a shame such a cheerful guy is gone. We need people like that to make the world more bearable.
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