Peter C. Dempsey

Devoted family man and friend, best known as a fun-loving storyteller, military science professor, and talented pilot.

In the early evening you could find Peter sitting on the deck of his cabin overlooking the Cowlitz River or relaxing by his patio firepit after the sunset on the Arizona golf course he called home. With a glass of wine and his cell phone, it was his time to catch up with his sons, his brother, or a multitude of friends whom he considered family.

In December, those calls fell silent as he swiftly left us due to complications from heart surgery.

–

Peter Cuddihy Dempsey was born to Neal Jr and Katherine Dempsey on March 28, 1944. He was raised in Lakewood, WA where he played baseball, was known to be a mischievous high school student, and had an afternoon paper route which provided him great fodder for his legendary tales.

Having a pair of uncles who were aviators in both theaters of World War II and growing up in the dawn of the jet age, his desire to become a pilot became evident. After two years of junior college studies, Peter entered the US Army and in 1966 he completed helicopter flight training. In 1967 he was deployed to Vietnam where he served two tours and became a decorated pilot with the “Silver Spurs” of A Troop 3/17th Air Cav in the 120th AHC Helicopter Company.

Returning from Southeast Asia in one piece, Peter completed his university studies earning a BA in International Marketing from the University of Puget Sound and worked as a bartender at Magoo’s Tavern near campus. As a reservist in the Washington State National Guard, he was able to continue flying helicopters as he pursued his dream of becoming a fixed wing pilot. In 1971 that dream came true when he received his ATP certification. However the commercial airline industry was not hiring at that time, so he was fortunate to be named as a Senior Flight Instructor with the Washington Army National Guard. After earning an Aviation Safety degree from the University of Southern California he became a Washington State Aviation Safety Director.

Prior to his deployment to Vietnam, he met Sharon Boers. Once he returned, they reconnected and were married on July 10th, 1971 on what felt like the rainiest summer day that had ever been recorded. Instead of dismay, Peter smiled at Sharon to say, 'Good things happen on rainy days'. And he was absolutely right as they shared 53 wonderful years together and the addition of their sons, Ryan and Michael, made their lives even better.

In 1979 Peter's dream of becoming a commercial pilot was fulfilled when he was hired by United Airlines, only to be furloughed shortly after. With a young family to provide for, he pivoted back to the National Guard and became a beloved Military Science Instructor (ROTC) at the University of Idaho. The Dempseys became passionate Vandal and WSU Cougar fans – enjoying a simpler life of unlocked doors, swim meets, and t-ball games on the Palouse.

United called him back professionally in the mid 1980's and for the next 25 years Peter did what he loved to do – fly jets. He flew the Boeing 737 and 747 before finishing his commercial airline career as a captain on the 777. After United, his love for teaching never diminished. He continued to work as a flight instructor for Boeing’s training division before finally calling it a career in the same capacity for Etihad Airlines in Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates.

–

Peter could shine his larger-than-life personality on you with ease and had the unique ability to connect with just about anyone. He was a witty individual who cherished his friendships, loved his family, and displayed compassion for people from all walks of life. He was in his element when telling a hilarious (and often cheeky) story or assigning a humorous nickname to his – or his sons’ – friends.

Peter will be missed greatly. May he never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, sons Ryan (Gillian) and Michael (Louanne) and his brother Neal. He leaves four special grandchildren whom he adored: Shea, Langley, Olivia and Luna.

–

A celebration of life will take place at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place on June 8th beginning at 1:00pm. Please connect with the family if you plan to attend.

Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home