The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Lifelong area resident, Larry “Pete” Gorley, 69, passed away August 24, 2011 in Longview. He was born March 3, 1942 in Toledo, to Lawrence and Veldonna (Clark) Gorley. He was raised in Skamokawa, attended Skamokawa Grade School and graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1960. On June 12, 1965 he married Carol Guffey; she survives him at home in Longview.

Pete served in the U.S. Army from 1960-1963, stationed in Georgia, Arizona and one and a half years at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. He was a Teamster working at Cowlitz Redi-Mix for several years and at several concrete companies, finally working for SW Concrete in Cathlamet before retiring.

Pete enjoyed camping in their fifth wheel at the beach, especially the Oregon coast, boating, fishing, bowling and auto mechanics. He especially loved his family time, and family BBQ’s and at Christmas he loved to make fudge for the family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Carol, he is survived by his daughter, Lynne Hopkins (John); a brother, Jack Gorley (Gwen); a sister, Donna Nofsinger (Howard); his brothers-in-law Mike Bradica and Dave Guffey (Connie); his grandchildren Alexx Montes (Saulo) and Dylan Hopkins; a great-grandson Adam Montes and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Wendy Bradica; a sister-in-law, Joyce Clawson; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Annie and Art Dykstra.

A Memorial Service was held August 29 at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park. Private inurnment took place at Longview Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Pete Gorley’s name to Community Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.

Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park Crematory is in charge of arrangements.