Raymond Keith Hollingshead

Raymond, also known by many as Pete, was born on May, 27th, 1931 to Art and Frankie May Hollingshead in Lincoln, NE. He was raised with his 2 sisters Marjorie and Jean, and a brother Harold in a small village called Riverton, Nebraska.

After graduation from High School, Pete joined the Air Forces from where he spent 3 years stationed in Texas and Africa. He was honorably discharged in June of 1953. He returned to Nebraska and worked on the construction of the Harlan County Dam.

In the mid 1950’s Pete left Nebraska for California, and began a career in construction where he soon met Angela De Filippis. Together they built P & D Construction which he owned until he retired. They were married for almost 40 years and had 6 children.

Pete was a jokester and a great story teller. He had a sparkle in his eye for fun and a clever dimple in his chin. His mother, Frankie, used to often say that he was born ornery and he took pride in that. He loved a good prank and would love to tell stories of his antics, and the antics of others. One of his favorite stories was the challenge of how he had to walk in the snow to school for many miles. After a visit to his Nebraska hometown, his kids laughed when they discovered that it was really only 2 blocks away. Petie was also a soft teddy bear who gave cuddly hugs and would do sweet things like put candies on everyone's pillows when we arrived for a visit.

Pete was very proud to come from Riverton Nebraska and although he spent many years in California raising a family, he truly loved his hometown. So, in the late 1980’s he decided to purchase the old “Pink Hotel” in Riverton, and would lovingly call it his second home. He and his sons spent a couple years remodeling the “Hotel” and in 1992 he brought all of his kids and their families (all 17 of them) to see the newly renovated gem. His children fell in love with the peaceful rivers and the crackling creeks. Pete didn’t know what was coming, as they faithfully came back for the next 25 years. He used to jokingly say, “I look forward to when they come, and I look forward to when they leave!” He also opened a small bar in town, which he aptly named “Pete’s Place”. He loved hosting dances and entertaining his friends and family.

He was also a passionate craftsman who could be found tinkering in his garage during his time off. He restored many tractors and old automobiles and would love to drive his grandchildren around and enter parades to show them off. He also took it in stride when his old cars came to a halt on the highway because then he could have a story about a beer and chat with a stranger that would become a friend while being towed home. In his elder years, one of his favorite things was to go for afternoon drives with the local farmers or a tractor run. He truly appreciated the small things and had a zest for life.

Pete is survived by Kim Hollingshead, Keith Hollingshead, Dana and Kevin Dworak, Darin Hollingshead, Lisa Hollingshead, Brandi and Andrew Hessick, his sister Jean Wescoat and sister-in-law, Pricilla Hollingshead, along with 9 Grandchildren and 5 Great- Grandchildren. A service in his name will be held at a later date.