VASHON ISLAND, Washington — Charles Heman Peet, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2020 on Vashon Island, Washington, with members of his family by his side.

He was born on September 8, 1926 in Bristol, Pennsylvania to Charles and Lottie Peet, where he was later joined by his sister, Shirley, and brother, Robert.

He was an avid reader and followed his desire for continued education, following his discharge from the Navy at the end of World War II. He attended Penn State and Notre Dame Universities (where he also played sousaphone in the marching bands), pursuing studies in political science and chemistry. He continued his educational path to study theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he graduated in 1954.

While at Union, he met his future wife, Margaret Smith, and they were married in July 1954. They moved to Portville, New York, where Charles served in his first pastoral position at the Portville Presbyterian Church. In 1960, the family moved to Roseland, New Jersey, where Charles served as minister for the Roseland Presbyterian Church until his retirement in 1985. He was involved with the New Jersey church community and brought speakers to the church who were involved in the Civil Rights and peace movements.

Following his retirement, he served in interim ministerial positions throughout the Northeast. He finally moved to Lincolnville, Maine to work on the land and enjoy his raspberry and tomato crops. 

For the last decade of his life, he lived in Seattle and enjoyed attending the symphony and lectures.
 
Charles was an incredible SCRABBLE player and part of a wonderful extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughter, Katharine Peet and husband Stephen Wood of CT; daughter Carole Peet, son Andrew Peet and wife Sam Lanier of Washington; sister, Shirley Cox and brother-in-law Howard Cox of Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law Sharon Peet and Kendra Smith; son-in-law, Douglas Johnson and wife Nancy; along with his many nieces and nephews.

He was the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and great grandfather to five great grandchildren.