Jose Demetrio 'Pete' Gamboa

December 22, 1934 – December 9, 2016

Jose Demetrio “Pete” Gamboa passed away on December 9, 2016 at the age of 81. He was born to Paula and Gumecindo Gamboa on December 22, 1934 in Edinburg, Texas. Jose grew up with eight brothers and four sisters. When he was young his family migrated across the United States following the agricultural seasons. Jose loved to share with others many fond memories of his travels through, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Louisiana, Oregon and Washington. The Gamboa family made their final move from Tejas to the lower valley (Sunnyside, Wash.) in March of 1947. Days were filled with long work hours and many family memories were made. Jose taught his family the importance of taking pride in a day’s work. He frequently shared with his children the value of hard work and what it was like to pick cotton, grapes, and strawberries, cut asparagus, and work in the hops and papas. His military experience and continued self-education led to sharpening his skills for employment as a mechanic and truck driver for John Deere and Massey Ferguson in Moses Lake.

Jose was drafted into the Army in September of 1958. He was stationed in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and honorably discharged in 1964. Jose was proud to have served his country. He took pride in raising the United States flag at his home every national holiday.

In 1960 Jose married Delia Lopez in Sunnyside, Wash. They had three children, Debra, Sandra, and Ross, making their home in Moses Lake.

In 1979 Jose remarried to Salome “Sally” Cantu in Mabton, Wash. Together they made their home in Moses Lake for 37 years.

Jose decided retirement wasn’t for him. He and his son Ross started Moses Lake Lawn Enforcement as a way to keep busy. This hobby grew from a few residential lawns to commercial and real estate properties. Pete reminded his customers that “Our roots run deep in Grant County.”

In August of 2016 Jose temporarily relocated to Seattle while undergoing treatment for cancer. During these past few months Jose was cared for by his family and he had many opportunities to engage in memorable conversations with family members. Many conversations were from the past and many new ones were made. On Oct. 18, 2016 Jose returned to Moses Lake to enjoy the comfort of his home and spend his final days close to family and friends.

Jose is survived by his wife, Sally Gamboa; his children Debra Ruiz (Orlando), Sandra Martinez (Erasmo), and Ross Lee Gamboa; nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Jose also leaves behind four brothers, Magdaleno Gamboa, Erasmo Gamboa, Luis Gamboa and Ernesto Gamboa. We will all truly miss his sense of humor, companionship, generosity, and most importantly his love.

Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Rd., Moses Lake.

Sign online guestbook at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.