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BORN
1954
DIED
2024
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Thomas Peter Obituary
April 8, 1954 - February 10, 2024
THOMAS GARY PETER, 69, of Sebastopol, CA, passed away on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Born April 8th, 1954, in Sebastopol, CA, he was the son of the late Virgil Leslie Peter and Georgia Roberta Peter.
He is survived by his three siblings, Linda Duckhorn (Dave Duckhorn), Gary Peter (Diane Peter), Larry Peter (Diane Starkey); his four children, Bruce Howard (Jennifer Howard), Sheila Johnson (Kerr Johnson), Teresa Peter (Amanda Peter) Virgil Peter (Ashley Peter); his grandchildren; Cassandra Ferrill (Maverick Ferrill), Alishua Johnson (Loren Johnson), Kerr Johnson Jr., Conner Howard, Kylie Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Avery Johnson, Kamryn Peter, Hailey Peter, Jasper Peter, Hunter Peter, one more due in April and one great-grandson, Luke Ferrill. Lovingly known as Papa (a title bestowed by granddaughter Cassandra as a baby); he was extremely proud of his family.
Tom grew up working on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and the enduring ability to make friends wherever he went. He spent the early part of his career developing a passion for woodworking and truck driving at both American Door Company and Liberty Valley Door. He found community in AA for many years and loved the support and friendship that came with sobriety. When his brother, Larry Peter, built a cheese factory in Two Rock (Spring Hill Jersey Cheese), Tom worked as a sales rep and delivered cheese all over California and Nevada. He continued to work for Larry at the Petaluma Creamery up until his retirement. One of the most memorable things about Papa is that he would always slip out of parties with an "Irish goodbye," in other words, choosing to leave without making the rounds. It seemed only fitting that papa passed away in his sleep in a similar fashion to his typical farewell.
Memorial services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary: 1700 Pleasant Hill Road in Sebastopol. A celebration of life will immediately follow at The Washoe House: 2840 Roblar Road in Petaluma. Visit pleasanthillsmemorialpark.com for more information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Peter
Sponsored by Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary - Sebastopol.
Sutton Maple
March 3, 2024
I grew up just down the road from the Peter family in Sebastopol CA. I remember him and his two brothers fondly. May he rest in peace. Sutton French-Maple
Jim Corbett
March 2, 2024
Larry,
I did not know your brother well, but he had a presence around Sebastopol and we connected occasionally, but I didn´t know he was your brother. A might good guy
Blessings to you and your family especially Diane. I miss you two
Be well.
Jim Corbett. Mr Music
Vic Chiapetta
February 29, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing! I really liked Tom, and He always had a smile on His face, and nice things to say about everyone!! May God Bless Tom, and welcome Him into the Kingdom of Heaven!!
John Ball Jr.
February 28, 2024
I´m so glad I met you Tom, and your whole family through the years. Enjoyed talking with you on all things and history of our beautiful place we all lived and worked in. You will be missed.
Sheila
February 27, 2024
Tom's most recent family photo with all of his kids, and most of the grandkids. We miss you so much already! Love you Daddy.
Jan Peter
February 25, 2024
Nephew Tommy was such a dear and kind soul. Every so often when I least expected it some one would grab me and hug me and not let go. I would wonder who grabbed me and look up and see under his baseball cap his smiling sweet face. Going to be missed but never forgotten. He is with the other people that left before him and he loved and they loved him. Rest Easy Tommy~~~
Amanda Peter
February 24, 2024
Papa, we will hold your light in our hearts!
I still go to make a plate for you at dinner and then realize you aren’t next door to receive a delivery.
Jasper daily says he misses you and tells stories about how he got to pick out a candy from your giant candy bowl when he would visit!
Thank you for the memories and letting us be your neighbors for the last four years.
Love you!
Michelle Niebuhr
February 24, 2024
I always called him uncle Tommy. He was my mother's cousin but he was always in good spirit,he always had a smile and laughter when I seen him at the ranch when we go to visit or have family reunions. He will be missed and always loved.love from michelle niebuhr and family
Papa and Jasper at the candle lighting event in 2018.
Teresa Peter
February 24, 2024
This picture was taken 5 years ago. Little did we know we’d be saying goodbye and laying you to rest in this same place near Grandma, Grandpa and Mike so soon. Love you
Mary ann McKay
February 23, 2024
To the whole Peter’s family. Tom will be truly missed. Sorry to hear of his passing.
He will be truly remembered by all that knew him
Mary Ann
Steve & Linda Ortega
February 23, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time. His wonderful sense of humor and smile will be greatly missed.
Sam Claasen
February 23, 2024
Tom always put a smile on your face, I have fond memories of joking around while we worked on projects at his mother and father’s homestead.
Taking the time to show me around the barn with Virgil, and going over the tools and equipment they used.
On one afternoon Virgil Sr sent us after one of the Jersey heifers with an eye infection, working together we encouraged her into a pen and (as gently as reasonably possible) got her on her side to doctor her. During the process the cow stepped on Tom’s arm and opened his skin up a bit.
Never winced or complained, just went about diligently doctoring the cows eye, while I held her steady. Afterwards we cleaned/bandaged his arm up while laughing about the experience!
Tony & Rhonda
February 23, 2024
Sending Love & Light
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Memorial Events
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Mar
5
Memorial service
10:00 a.m.
Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary - Sebastopol1700 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Funeral services provided by:
Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary - Sebastopol1700 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472
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