Obituary

Peter Hitt

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Peter Hitt, who swept many a chimney on the Key Peninsula for more than 30 years, died Feb. 5 in Gig Harbor from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 70 years old.

Peter was born in Massachusetts and spent summers in Gig Harbor with grandparents and other close family in the home they’d had on Wollochet Bay since the 1930s.

After graduating from Case Western Reserve in the early 1970s, he hitchhiked west and ultimately moved to the family property in Gig Harbor, first into a rustic one-room cabin that had been a bathhouse, then into a small two-story, eclectic hand-crafted cabin that he built.

After a number of years of searching for a way to make a living that fit his extremely independent life style — ranging from cedar hot tub construction to computer maintenance to brick-laying and chimney construction — he discovered sweeping chimneys and found his vocation.

Somewhat a hermit at heart, he nonetheless loved conversation and spent much of his time at customers’ homes visiting and talking (and talking and talking).

Peter’s passions were many, including whitewater rafting, sampling finely crafted beers, solo hiking in the Olympics, woodworking, watching ball games, and taking friends to his favorite places.

Peter is survived by his significant life partner Theresa, cousins Jon (Susi), Daniel (Anne), Bo Bankson and many, many friends.

There will be a celebration of Peter’s life Sunday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7 Seas Brewing, 3006 Judson Street in Gig Harbor.


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