Last week, Silverdale lost an important and integral member of the community.

Cornelius “Pete” Ross Jr. died June 10 at the age of 75, but his memory will live on through Ross Field and the hundreds of kids who play on the field each year. Mr. Ross and his wife of 55 years, Dona, were steadfast in the creation of the ballfields. Had it not been for their dedication and commitment to the Silverdale community, Silverdale Pee Wees players may still be playing ball on random school fields. Every weekend, Ross Field is teeming with young children and their families.

Mr. Ross’ love of community baseball extended further than just creating a place for local kids to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. He played an active role in Silverdale Pee Wees for more than four decades. Throughout the years, people would constantly get him and his brother Ron confused.

“So many people mix them up. They even look alike,” Dona said.

However, there was never a doubt it was Pete when you saw him in his blue and orange Pee Wees jacket. Even for Dona, there are just too many memories of him and the Pee Wees to point out just one.

“There’s so many of them. There isn’t any one. The teams, when they were done we’d have the year-end picnics on our beach. He was involved in so many different aspects of the Pee Wees,” Dona said.

Mr. Ross’ love for his community stretched beyond youth baseball. Some may be surprised to learn that he was a founding member of not just one local organization, but several including the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and the Silverdale Lions. He helped create a foundation with both organizations that has continued to this day. He created a legacy that will not be forgotten.

For his contributions to the Central Kitsap community, Mr. Ross will be missed. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.