Forrest ‘Pete’ Erwin Desmond Jr. returned to his heavenly home on October 3, 2024. Pete was born in Island Falls, Maine on November 22, 1948 and lived a life of service with a heart full of love and arms open wide to anyone around him. His friends and family knew him as kind, gentle, hardworking, goofball, and a confidant. We celebrate the life of Pete, a beloved father, grandfather and friend whose spirit will live on in our hearts.
He was always in the act of reaching out to others and letting them know of his love. He served in the United States Marine Corps in the Philippines and then the Vietnam War as a lance corporal.
Upon his return from overseas, he married Kathy Bishop and had 3 boys with her. Following their separation, he realized the important things in life and what stood in front of those essentials, kickstarting his nearly 42 years of sobriety. He celebrated this accomplishment often and loved to do so with his friends and family, while encouraging countless others on their journey with sobriety. Pete was a mainstay at local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
He cherished his family fiercely and gave of his time freely. He was willing to drop everything to make sure those around him felt loved. More often than not, family members can remember him dropping everything to come help after a natural disaster and put his whole soul into the effort.
He worked as a truck driver for many years, traveling back and forth across the United States regularly. With this time on the road, it brought on a knowledge of the US roadway system. He would rattle off directions impressively without a second thought.
Pete was an avid Buffalo Bills & NASCAR fan and loved to watch games whenever he could. He is remembered to religiously call his sons to discuss the games or races afterwards. His favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, calling those family members that were not close to, playing card games, fishing wherever he could and spending time with his beloved dogs.
He regularly attended the Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta, South Carolina. Those he worshiped with remember fondly of how he would invite others whenever he could to enjoy the company of the church. Pete’s legacy of kindness and compassion continue to touch their lives.
Pete leaves behind a loving family, including three sons, David Desmond of Shortsville, NY:, Dan Desmond of Ithaca, NY, Dale Desmond of St George, UT; 7 grandchildren Adam, Shannon, Emma-Leanna, Emmalee, Savanna, Rebekah and Caloway; 2 great grandchildren Roman and Elleina; brother Herb Desmond of Crescent City, Florida, his sisters Gail (Robert) Sce of Salisbury, North Carolina, Susan (Ted) Fields of Bloomington, Indiana, and He is welcomed with open arms by his parents Forrest Erwin Desmond Sr and Emma Mary Caron Desmond, mother of his children, Kathy Bishop Belnap, wife Marilynn R. Desmond; brother Leonard Desmond, sister Vicky Revis, and many others who have been blessed and touched by his love.
We find comfort in knowing that Pete is at peace, watching over us with love. A celebration of life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta Sunday October 13th at 3pm. Then Pete will be laid to rest at his family plot in North Cohocton, NY.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net