Obituary of Kermit James Pike

"Kermit James Pike, Jr., 70, bid his farewell on Friday, March 16 at home surrounded by the love and care of his family. Born in Springfield, June 25, 1936, he was the son of the late Kermit J. Pike Sr. and Bertha (Brockney) Pike. Kermit was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School and later moved to Monson where he lived until 1985 when he relocated to Palmer. A proud Veteran, he served as a Marine Corps Corporal E3 in Korea from 1954 – 1957. He was stationed at USMC Air Station at Keneohe Bay, Oahu, 7th Engineers Battalion FMF. Here he began his training as a field power lineman in engineering and construction. He served as a member of the IBEW Local 7 from 1958 until 2001. During this time he worked as a foreman/journeyman for numerous Union Contractors including Springfield Electric, Standard Electric, M.L. Schmidt, R. A. Turner and Collins Electrical Contractors from 1995-2001. His job service included: Westover Air force Base - Alert System, Refuel System C5A hangers and Underground voltage; V. A. Hosp. White River Junction, VT; VA Hosp. Northampton, MA; US Naval Base & Tracking Station- Antiqua B.W.I.; Ramey Military Hosp. San Juan, Puerto Rico; Ballistic Early Warning System, Tule Greenland; Austine School for the Deaf, VT; UMass, Westfield State College; I-91 Project; Bay State Hosp, Springfield Civic Center, Springfield Bulk Mail Center, and Springfield Main St. Post Office to list a few. He receive degrees in Elec. Motors and Generators at Engineering School - FT. Belvoir, VA; D/C Non Destructive Cable Testing and Hi-pot Associated Research, Chicago IL; Multi amp C/B Testing- New Jersey and Estimatic Estimating - Denver CO. In his leisure, Kermit enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and riding his Harley. A strong firearms advocate, he was a member of the Swift River Rod and Gun Club. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 49 years, Marie (Bousquet) Pike (who lovingly cared for Kermit), his son Kermit J. Pike III of Monson, a daughter Christina M. Pike of Thorndike, a brother Donald Pike of Monson, his five grandchildren; Justin and Sarah Kumpulanian, Amber (Kumpulanian) Lowe and Tiffany and Kyle Pike. His unconditional love will be with us forever. Services will be held on May 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. For those wishing, donations may be made in his memory to Quaboag Valley Hospice, 42b Wright St., Palmer, MA 01069 or Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. "