Sylvester Pete Gilman Obituary (1935 - 2011)

READFIELD -- Sylvester 'Pete' Gilman, 76, left from his home to be with the Lord on Christmas morning, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. Pete was born on May 3, 1935, in Litchfield, the son of Sylvester 'Spider' and Florence (Ridley) Gilman. He lived his life in Readfield, where he attended area schools. He worked the family farm and bought cattle for the Augusta Abattoir. Pete married Katherine Brown in 1953. Working together in 1966, they moved to Church Road, where he continued to milk registered Holsteins. Oxen, fairs, trading livestock, horses, milking cows and auctions were his work and joy. Pete was a member of the American Holstein Association, Appaloosa Horse Association, United States Trotting Association, Maine Draft Horse and Oxen Association, New England Ox Teamsters Association and the Pine Tree Steer and Oxen Association. Dad was quiet and soft-spoken with people and animals, had a sense of humor and made friends everywhere he traveled. Dad, Gramps, Papa was loving, smiling and always playful. He was predeceased by his father in 1978 and a grandson Eric Rich in 2010. He is survived by his mother, Florence Gilman of Hallowell; his wife, Kay Gilman, of Readfield; a son, Sonny Gilman, and wife Becky of Windsor; three daughters, Norma Gilman and fiance Rusty of Vassalboro, Barbara Rich of Augusta, and Josie Knowles and her husband, Carl, of Readfield; three sisters, Lillian White of Jay, Jean Clark and husband Steve of Readfield, and Joan Paige and husband Campbell of Rochester, N.H.; grandchildren Jessica and Brandon Fike, Joshua and Samantha Gilman, Shelly and Steve Bard, Stan and Nong Morgan, Jeremy, James and Marci Rich, Dana, Dustin and Katherine Knowles; great-grandchildren Samantha, Spencer, Allyson, Bryant, Stephen, Seth, Amanda, Cullen, Patrick, Aaron, Cote, Tempest, Aleiya and Ashton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no visiting at this time. A celebration of Pete's life will be held at Readfield Corner Cemetery in the spring. The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers, Dr. Szela, MaineGeneral Medical Center, Home HealthCare Hospice Volunteers and the Augusta Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Guys and Gals Club, Inc., P.O. Box 202, Readfield 04355. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. Condolences, memories, photos and videos may be shared at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.