Peter William Kohfield

Peter W. Kohfield
July 6, 1955 - January 8, 2013
Salem - Peter W. Kohfield age 57 died January 8, 2013 at Salem Hospital. He is survived by his wife Abigail Rollins, DMD; sister Linda Stewart; step-sister Angela Makenson; brothers Gary, Corky and Bob; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Dutton; father Robert Kohfield; and step-father Lew Dutton.
Pete was born in Bend and was proud of being a "native Oregonian". While attending Bend High School, Pete played the tuba in the band. He also enjoyed acting and singing and used these talents performing in Bend High's production of "Guys and Dolls".
After graduation, Pete went to school at Southern Oregon State College on a music scholarship. He transferred to Oregon College of Education and while going to school he volunteered on the Monmouth Fire Department. In 1978, he was the last man standing on the bleachers of OCE's stadium as it burnt down.
He met his future wife Abby in a ballroom dance class in 1979. While attending OCE he studied photography, painting and then biology. His love of nature took him on trips to Malheur Field Station and to Death Valley.
Pete always loved to fly. He flew a hang glider in the late 1970s. In 1981, he earned is private pilot's license at Independence airport. In 1985 Pete went to work as a fisheries biologist for NOAA. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with the brain tumor that would profoundly change the rest of his life.
After treatment Pete explored his great love for animals by volunteering at the Portland Zoo. He was a member of the Birds of Prey program and really enjoyed working with the birds and sharing them with the other great love of his life, children.
While living in Dallas in 1991, Pete was selected by Dallas High School to be the videographer for their wind ensemble's trip to Vienna. He also worked with students in the photography department at Dallas High.
In 1995, Pete and Abby bought a u-cut Christmas tree farm. He took care of it for many years. He was a member of Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club and served as "Sheriff" and President. He had the opportunity to visit friends he made through Rotary at their homes in Russia and in Japan. In 2004, while visiting Osaka, he returned a World War II Japanese flag to its owner's daughter.
He was the "go-to guy" for orphaned animals and he had the opportunity (and the talent and nerve) to raise three orphaned raccoons, several litters of kittens, and a squirrel he named Rhonda. Having been "mom" to them all was one of the high points of his life.
Rick's Place was where Pete went to drink tea, eat lunch and socialize after picking up the mail at the post office. Since this was one of his favorite spots, it is fitting that we will meet there. Pete's life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 19 from 2-4 pm at Rick's Place, 123 Main St. E, Monmouth, Oregon (503) 838-4912. Farnstrom Mortuary is handling final arrangements. For memories, photos and condolences, please visit www.FarnstromMortuary.com .