Peter John Kuik
Mar. 12, 1936 - Apr. 11, 2007
Pete was born in Barnesville, Minn. to John S. and Jennie Kuik. After graduating high school in 1953, Pete joined the Army. He served in Korea for 1 and a half years and was honorably discharged in 1956.
After his military discharge, Pete worked a short time for Lockheed and Northrup before moving to Bakersfield in 1960 and taking a job with Bankline Oil Company (later called Tosco Oil Refinery). After 24 and a half years as a supervisor with Tosco, the refinery closed. While still living in Bakersfield, Pete took a job with Lee and Ro Engineers in El Segundo. In 1987, after two years with Lee and Ro, Pete began work at the Chevron Texaco refinery in Bakersfield as a supervisor. He stayed with Chevron Texaco until his retirement in 1999.
Pete was preceded in death by both his parents and three of his sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie, of 47 years; daughter, Sue and her husband, Ron Howes; brother, John Kuik and his wife, Erna of Denver, Colo.; and sister, Grace and her husband, Alvin Johnson of Erhard, Minn. Pete leaves six grandchildren, Shane Coburn (wife, Jennifer), Scott Coburn (wife, Michelle), Chris Lawhon, Renee Lawhon, Michelle Lawhon, and Bradley Howes. He also leaves 3 great-grandchildren, Chase and Addison Coburn (Shane and Jennifer) and Sidney Coburn (Scott and Michelle); and forever friends of 48 years, Dave and Carol Wenrich.
After retirement, Pete and Bobbie loved living in Bear Valley Springs. They loved the bus trips and get~togethers with friends.
He enjoyed working on his home, tinkering in the garage, visiting with friends, feeding his birds, and sitting on his porch, enjoying the mountains.
Pete was a dedicated husband and devoted dad and granddad. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be forever missed and remembered. A private celebration of Pete's life took place April 21. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pete's honor to the American Cancer Society.