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- 'PIT' GAMACHE REMEMBERED AS LONG-TIME SERVANT TO THE PUBLIC By Kristen Asiala-Taylor Associate Editor A long-time politician in the Manistee area, Donald "Pit" Gamache died Tueesday, May 8. He was 76. Gamache was fondly remembered by his colleagues as a businessman who was dedicated to public service. He was presently serving a term as Fourth District Manistee County Commissioner, and he has a long history of affiliation with government in the city of Manistee. He served on the City Council in each of the last four decades in 1968, 1974, in the 1980's and the early 1990's. He also served as mayor of the city. Prior to his current term on the county board, he additionally served on the Manistee Area Public School Board, County Tax Allocation Board, Manistee Harbor Commission, County Board of Supervisors, the March of Dimes and the American Red Cross. He was especially known for his work in organizing the local National Guard unit, establishing Security National Bank in Manistee, and securing funding for the Maple Street Bridge construction, local industries and the Century Terrace apartments. "Don was quite an indiviual," said Dick Raskey, who has known Gamache since 1931. "He's been very conscientious in public service. He's an outgoing person and everybody seems to like him. "I think he's contributed quite a bit to the Manistee area in his service as Mayor, on the council and on the county commission.... I'm going to miss him; I think a lot of people will." Chester Glocheski, former city manager and friend, said Gamache was "always positive, always working for something in a positive manner. "We lost a person that was progressive and community-minded." Sylvester "Buck" Flarity said Gamache was active in the Democratic Party for many years. He met him in 1948 when Gamache was a candidate for State Representative. "I knew him through politics and I also knew him as a friend." Flarity said. "I could always count on him if I needed help, no matter what I needed. If he was a friend today, he was a friend tomorrow. "...We never asked Pit anything that he wouldn't do for the city of Manistee, the county or for people he could help." Raskey said he and Gamache always joked about their political affiliations. Raskey is a Republican and Gamache was a strong Democrat. "We'd always go at it," Raskey said, "but it was always in a good way...It was always good to exchange views. We had many good conversations along political lines." Carl Rutskee, vice-chairman of the Manistee County Board of Commissioners, said Gamache was known for his wink. "When he wanted something done and he meant business, he'd give you that wink," Rutske said, "and you knew it had to be done." City Manager Ben Bifoss described Gamache as a "thoughtful" councilman. He didn't talk very often, but when he did, people listened. He was a voice for progress. He was also a voice for moderation at times, but always forward." Bifoss said Gamache was very involved in projects promoting tourism, including construction of the River Walk, as well as many hearings for the Harbor Village development. Glocheski also remembered that Gamache traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Sen. Phillip Hart when the city had problems obtaining grant money for the Maple Street bridge in the past. Ralph Adamski first met Gamache when he owned the Wholesome (sic) Bakery Co. on First Street, Manistee, 56 years ago. Adamski later did business with him through his beer distributorship, and they struck up a friendship. He remembers the good times at deer camp, when Gamache would brew up his famous split pea soup. "He used to like to cook," Adamski said. "Different groups would come out and he would entertain them....A lot of people liked Pit." Adamski would later become partners with Gamache in the operation of the former Dry Dock Supper Club. Gamache was also the owner of the Pit Stop Lounge and Dockside Restaurant in Manistee, and over the years as a businessman had employed numerous people in the local area. Gamache would have celebrated his 77th birthday this Friday.
- Gamache, Donald L. ? of Manistee, Manistee County, Mich. Democrat. Candidate for Michigan state house of representatives from Wexford District, 1954; alternate delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan, 1964. Still living as of 1964.
Buried:
- Donald was the son of Louis Gamache and Blanche Peterson. He graduated from Manistee High School in 1936. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Vera Mix on 24 May 1947 in Manistee. They were the parents of 4 children; Kristie, Donna, Brenda and Amy Lou.
Died:
- Donald (Pit) Gamache, 76, of 1906 Ramona Drive, Manistee, died Tuesday night May 9, 1995 at West Shore Hospital in Manistee, Michigan.
Donald Gamache was born May 12, 1918, in Manistee, the son of the late Louis and Blanche (Peterson) Gamache. He was a graduate of Manistee High School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army air Corps from 1942 to 1946 and was discharged as a chief warrant officer after receiving the American Campaign medal, Philippine Liberation medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal and the Army Commendation award ribbon.
He was married May 24, 1947 in Manistee to Vera R. Mix and she preceded him in death October 27, 1990. He had been the woner and operator of Gamache Beverages for 28 years, had owned and operated the Dry Dock Supper Club and the Pit Stop Loungeand was at present the owner and operator of the Dockside Busninesses, Inc.
He is survived by four daughters, Kristie (Phillip) Harless, Donna Gamache, Brenda (James) Krusniak and Amy Lou (Roger) Schrader, all of Manistee; four grandchildren, Craig Harless, Michelle Krusniak, Chad Krusniak and Kalyn Schrader; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death, in addition to his wife and his parents, by an infant brother, Harlan Gamache, and a brother, Vernon L. (Gump) Gamache.
Memorial services for Mr. Gamache will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 412 Fourth Street, Manistee, wtih the Rev. Thomas J. Ott officiating. The burial of Donald's and Vera's cremated remains will take place Wednesday, May 24, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee.
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