Peter Nelson Sanders, age 92, of Helena, a World War II veteran, went to his home in the sky on May 6. 2016. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A Luncheon will follow the service at Liberty Baptist Church, 210 Sierra Rd W., Helena. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Peter.
Bill Moore formerly from carquest says
a great guy fun to visit with will be greatly missed
Steve Wong says
Very sad to hear Pete has checked out. I met Pete when I was a kid, hanging around Red’s in the 50’s. He had boots with zippers and could sing like Elvis. Better. I was in awe. Pete and all those motorsickle guys seemed fearless and never let rules stand in the way of a good time! Pete tried to teach me and Freddie to ski. He was his own man and did life his way. Flying now with the angels in Heaven, ascot in the breeze, and crooning an old favorite, Pete Sanders is whole again.
art wilmer says
Pete was a free spirit, well suited to be best friends with Red. I would hang out at Red’s shop in the sixties, it was close to my dads Garsge at the end of Main street. I was in awe of the AJ’s and the BSA’s, the Triumphs and Nortons these guys would ride. What a great time to be a kid and Pete was right there in the middle of all that fun. On to the hill climb in the sky!!~
Rosemarie Hubble Tamol says
Pete was a regular at “Gerties” years ago. Such a loyal customer and a good friend too. I will miss you Pete. Go rest high up on that mountain. Happy Trails to you, til we meet again.
Ann King says
Pete and I met when he was in his 80’s. He was still working on planes and getting over to Oshkosh! Pete is Bob’s great uncle and I am his wife Ann. We had several fun filled days with him; tried his elk stew, took him back to the headwaters of the Missouri! Take your new wings and fly! I love you and will miss you!
Tom Wrobel says
EAA CHAPTER 1141, GREAT FALLS..
For Pete it was a full adventure,, not all about aircraft,, there was a few motorcycle stories,,, some that will never be told..
We offer our condolences
Carol Wylie says
Sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. Always glad to see him, enjoyed his stories. He was so proud of his airplanes! He was a great guy. Sympathy to all the family. God bless.
Bill Coddington says
I first met Pete in the early sixties in Red Lodge Montana. What was a regular at the hill and had a wonderful investment in Red Lodge in the form of the Ski Trail Inn. He was the owner and he offered bunk style housing for us early ski bums for $2 or $3 a night. One floor men-only, one floor women-only, one floor family only and he stayed up every night to monitor who was where and everyone was under curfew no matter their age. He waited at the front door for the last of us to come in and if we were late there was sure to be an ass-chewing! On the mountain, we were all pretty new and had just installed the upper chair, “Lazy M” and before anyone was allowed to ski it in the morning you had to get past the “hill boss”, Pete Sanders and BOOT PACK the slope once (for about a mile) before skiing it. Those really were the early days of Montana skiing and Pete played a significant role in that part of the state. Quite a guy!
Crystal Wong Shors says
Pete just sparkled. He got a kick out of being alive and it was contagious. Handsome, funny and smart. One could not help but be happy when Pete was in the house.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Loved ones of Pete, In the theater of my mind, I see Pete, Red, Edgar, Charley, Mike (trying to remember all in their ski group) sking at Belmont/Great Divide in the 60’s. As a newby wantabe skier with style, I watched/admired their perfect ski form in this group, gliding down the mountain. I was fortunate to have some lessons from Pete which helped me tackel the moguls & I no longer looked like the snow plow queen. My son Kirk has a special memory as he remembers Pete having Buckskin Tan Buckel boots while all the other skiers had lace up ski boots. Kirk mentioned Pete’s name when he interviewed for a weekend ski instructor job at Blacktail Ski area out of Polson some years ago. The inteviewer knew Pete & the deal was done. They had a long visit about Helena, Belmont & Pete. Back to Belmont, the rope tows were the only way up the hill & of course the palma lift. What a great experience for all of us. Good people, good memories. RIP Dear Pete Your Friends, Evy & son Kirk