Peter K. Raymore

Niceville, FL - Colonel Peter Kent Raymore passed on September 23rd, 2019 and left our world.  Born on September 26, 1946 in Worcester, Massachusetts to William & Lois (Hodgerney) Raymore, he flourished in a quintessential New England upbringing.  He attended North Brookfield High School and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Class of 1968, followed by his commissioning as an Air Force officer embarking on his lifelong military career.

Timing is everything; Pete cut his chops in the Southeast Asian theater when ground control of tactical combat aircraft was being born and he spent a professional lifetime literally inventing, honing, and advancing the art.  His was a distinguished career shaping the cold war TACCS in Europe and Ground Environment in NORAD prior to his first command in the Northern reaches of Alaska.  His very youthful appearance there allowed him to be lovingly referred to as the Boy Commander.  Thereafter he served his Headquarters time in the Pacific Theater and Staff time at the Pentagon with a curriculum at the Air War College in-between. It was during this time that he began shaping the Air Force leadership’s perception of the role and capabilities of the traditional Air Weapons Controller, such that, Pete was given command of the new 605th Test Squadron, where he gave birth and credibility to the current day Air Battle Manager.  Even in retirement, after 26 years active-duty service, Pete continued another 20 to influence the upcoming leaders of the Command & Control career field and improve the technical capabilities of the system as a Defense Department consultant.  More to the point, however, are the many many lives he touched along the way, not only as Commander but as mentor, big brother, dear friend, and on occasion guiding angel.  While his departure leaves a great hole in those many lives, his love and friendship left this world a better place than he found it. 

Peter is survived by his beloved sister; Jean Raymore of North Brookfield.  She, and most who read this, will miss him more than can be said.

A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Walnut Grove Cemetery in North Brookfield on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 1:30PM and will open to any who wish to pay their respects.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements

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