Obituary of Peter R Gayeska

Peter Gayeska was born in Boston, Massachusetts, raised in nearby Somerville, where his mother Anna Kostick owned a house. There, he was educated through high school and made fast friends for life. He was an only child, but never alone. Peter was also blessed with family. His grandparents and great Uncle Peter lived in Boston; he saw them often.

He also had an aunt and an uncle, his mother's siblings. Aunt Sophie and Uncle John. Sophie lived up north in New Hampshire, and had no children. As a youth, Pete spent summers with Aunt Sophie and her husband Uncle Harry, at times joined by one of his cousins.

John lived on a farm in rural Massachusetts and had 6 children, Pete's only first cousins. He was like a brother to us. During his summers as a teen he lived with our family.

Pete had a deep love of nature and was a true outdoorsman; he explored the mountains, lakes, rivers and caves of New Hampshire, often with one or more of his cousins. Keeping pace with Pete was a challenge. He stood 6'10".

He played basketball, and was a huge star in college at the University of Massachusetts. His team nickname was "Cougar". The crowds at the basketball games would shout "Coogah, Coogah!" when he made a play.

After the terrible winter of 1978, Pete decided to relocate to Oregon. He went to work for the city of Portland, and bought a house on Mt Tabor. When his mother needed help, he moved her out to Oregon from Boston, and purchased a small house for her nearby, on flat land as she required. The neighbors were wonderful and she was happy there.

Pete dealt with some serious medical issues, including amputation of both legs, which put an end to his favorite outdoor passions, skiing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Just the same, he adapted. Had his car and bike changed to all manual controls, and learned how to ride the bike or walk for an hour balanced on the two prosthetic "stilts". He went to the dog park daily, met with his friends and socialized. In fact he was there when he collapsed, and was taken to emergency, but couldn't be revived.

He lived the way he chose to, and died doing what he enjoyed most, surrounded by friends who cherished him. Many of Pete's friends generously reached out to help his family. His cousins are deeply grateful, and happy to know that he was well-loved. He had a spiritual side, and a reverence for all forms of life.

At a future date, there will be a remembrance gathering in Portland to honor him.