Peter Mercer was born in Eugene, Oregon, and raised in Rochester, Washington by parents Babe and Bob Morris, and with younger siblings Mike, Connie, Jay, Kelly and Code. He spent most of his adult life here in Jefferson County. He passed at age 78 from congestive heart failure at his Port Ludlow home with his partner of 52 years Larry McKeehan, friends and family by his side.
Peter was a graduate of the U.S. Navy School of Music and the University of Puget Sound (Tacoma) with degrees in musicology and music performance. As a member of the United States Navy Band, he was stationed in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Newport and Jacksonville and traveled to some 50 countries performing in concerts, choral groups, bands and official VIP welcoming and arrival ceremonies. He marched and performed at the JFK inaugural parade and ceremonies; and was quarantined with the entire band in Cuba for several months during the Bay of Pigs blockade. His musical talents were voice, piano, organ, bass and tuba. He performed all styles of music — from ceremonial “ruffles and flourishes” to classical, rock, jazz and country.
Peter owned the Chimacum Café, Paradise Café in Port Ludlow, Flowers are Us in Port Hadlock, and catering, baking and musical performance businesses. He retired after 27 years as the pianist/organist, music and choir director for the Community United Methodist Church in Port Hadlock. He also was the creative force behind decorations, special effects, displays, and celebrations at the church and in the Port Ludlow community. He shared his musical and vocal talents performing with theater, performance groups and for private events. Receiving a floral display, freshly baked cookies or a cake from Peter defined his personality to bring joy to others.
Peter loved to travel, sometimes just to get in the car and go on a day trip. Besides all of his Navy day travels, he was especially happy to travel with the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra on a “re-opening” tour of China to the outside world in the 1980s. Fantastic sights, opportunities, food and hospitality were provided for the US visitors. Peter was able to return in 2018 and 2019 to tour China with friend Lili Mae of Port Hadlock. The second month in 2019 he was traveling alone, using his phone translator and eventually taking a 1,200-mile railroad trip across China to fly home from Beijing. He made lifelong friendships everywhere he went.
Peter is survived by his partner Larry McKeehan at their Port Ludlow home; son and grandsons Josh, Bailey and Parker Mercer of Olympia; siblings, nieces, nephews and many friends. The Neptune Society is in charge of arrangements with a celebration of life planned for a later time. Memorial donations can be made to the Center Valley Animal Rescue, Quilcene Historical Museum, Habitat for Humanity, or Jefferson Healthcare Hospice.
