Ernest "Pete" Kish

Ernest "Pete" Kish, 47

Died: September 12, 2008
He was just such a gentle, kind guy.
— Marcia Sheffield, Neighbor
He often tended to his impressive garden of rose bushes and natural California shrubbery.
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44 memories of Ernest

Rest in peace, Ernest.

— anonymous
September 14, 2008 at 5:07 a.m.

Pete was a wonderful person, loved Jesus and lived a life of service. I will miss him very much.

— Kim
September 14, 2008 at 7:26 a.m.

It was an honour knowing Pete.
His kindness will never be forgotten.

— Eric. Burbank
September 14, 2008 at 11:29 a.m.

I don't know anybody who called him Ernest. He was just Pete. And like Peter in the Bible he was a rock. He was the kind of guy that would bake homemade cookies and take them to the homless shelter where he would sometimes volunteer and spend the night. Other people always came first with Pete. He was my friend and I will miss him.

— David. Thousand Oaks
September 14, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.

I knew him as Pete. I knew him to be a righteous man of God. In time of need he showed up with a smile, a prayer and an open heart. I was a welcome guest in his home. He touched the lives of my wife and myself. I will remember him fondly.

— Ari
September 14, 2008 at 9:34 p.m.

i had the great pleasure of working with Pete. i would give him chocolate chip cookies every now and then as he enjoyed them very much. he was always very kind and patient. Pete, you will sorely be missed.

— anonymous
September 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m.

Pete was a loving, kind and compassionate person.

— C.H.
September 15, 2008 at 8:47 a.m.

Pete was a wonderful friend, he could make you laugh and he was always positive. He was very proud of his family. I am thankful for the times we were together both at work and outside of work. My prayers are with his family.

— Scotland
September 15, 2008 at 8:59 a.m.

MY PRAYES GO OUT TO KISH'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE IS NOW WATCHING ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIEND FROM HEAVEN. MY HE REST IN PEACE ,GOD BLESS YOU...

— ANA GARCIA
September 15, 2008 at 1:09 p.m.

Pete was a kind man that you never had to question his faith. His faith and love were evident to all who knew him. He would always smile when he talked about his wife or one of his kids. I know next to God, they were the center of his life. His kindness will truly be missed. My prayers go out to the whole Kish family. Peace, comfort and blessings be upon you all.

— Anne
September 15, 2008 at 2:52 p.m.

I don't know Pete personally, but I do know something about him. A few weeks ago my mom went to a surprise party for Pete's wife. I said to myself that day..."Wow, what a great husband to do something like that for his wife. I hope that my husband will do nice things like that for me as we grow old together." My deepest regards go out to the Kish family. You will be in my pray's even though I have never met you.

— Shannon
September 15, 2008 at 3:51 p.m.

Pete was gentle, kind and sensitive to the needs of others. He loved God deeply and it showed in all the tasks he took on willingly in his church and in his daily life. His smile, intelligence and charisma encouraged people who knew Pete to strive for higher ideals. We miss Pete but it was a true pleasure for my wife and me to have known him. Our prayers go to his family.

— Steve & Elsie
September 15, 2008 at 4:19 p.m.

Thank you to all of you and your great words about my uncle we was a great man that will be missed more than words could say this is very hard for my family he was truly a kind and compassionate, loving man he was always there to help anyone that was in need he was the greatest uncle any one could ask for and his cooking was phenomenal. I really miss my uncle thank you guys for all your kind words and god bless all of you I pray for everyone that lost someone on that train that god give them and my family the strength to stay strong.

— mandy
September 15, 2008 at 4:36 p.m.

I meet Pete in a bible study group. It did not take long to know that Pete truly walks with the Lord. I learned a lot from Pete in the short time we studied together.

I pray for comfort, that only God can give, for the families that have lost a loved one.

— Leslie Brunner
September 15, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.

Petey...that's how I referred to him. I was lucky to meet this man about 2 years ago. He became a regular poker playing friend. I learned a lot about Pete during this time. Mostly what a gentle and caring soul he had. You could rarely ever hear him say something mean or bad about another person. He talked about his family with much love and pride. I know he's going to miss them as much as they will miss him. I myself am going to find it hard to sit at a poker game and not see Pete staring me down while being in a hand with him. He'd always get some silly little grin on his face as to say "I got ya this time Ruth". To his family who I just had the pleasure of meeting a couple of weeks ago, I say, Be strong and remember the loving times you all shared together. My heart and my prayers go out to you all. Petey....it may be goodbye for now...but someday we'll play that big match together again.

With much love.

Ruth

— Ruth Thomas
September 15, 2008 at 6:06 p.m.

Pete was the father of my young daughter's good friend. They met the first day of kindergarten and have gone thru elementary school together. Pete's wife and I spent time on school projects and ferrying the girls to and from play dates as we became friends. It was inevitable that I would also get to know Pete. Their's was the first home my daughter felt comfortable spending the night. There were special homemade treats and fabulous (my daughter's words) chocolate chip pancake breakfasts all made lovingly by Pete. I was lucky to get the "secret" ingredient so that I now can make those pancakes almost as well. I was fortunate to spend some wonderful times with Pete and his family who's annual Halloween get together allowed us "grown-ups" to have some fun too. Pete will be dearly missed by all who knew him and we will continue to honor his family with friendship, love, and support for years to come.

— Cathi
September 15, 2008 at 7:23 p.m.

I met Pete a few years ago when I began going to the same church that he and his family did. His wife and 2 boys were wonderful and loved him dearly. We attended the same bible study for a while. He was a precious man of God. No one who met him could ever forget him. He had that sweet spirit.
I pray for all those who lost a loved one in that horrible tragic accident.

— Shirley Russell
September 15, 2008 at 10:34 p.m.

I am blessed to have known Pete. It is a comfort to know exactly where he is and that he was welcomed by our loving Savior. I grieve for his family, whom he loved deeply, and will keep them in my prayers.

— Diane
September 16, 2008 at 6:41 a.m.

I was one of the crew memeber of a ambulance that responded to the accident on that day. I just wanted to say. I'm sorry for your lose.

— Thomas EMS
September 16, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.

Although Pete was not "techinacally" my brother, we were raised as siblings together after the death of his mother when he was very young. I am blessed to have had him as one of my brothers and to know him as a friend and believer. He was always so fun to be around and he was such a kidder. My fondest memories as a child were the games we used to play on each other in the family. Tag was our favorite game and always I will remember those words "I got ya back". You could never be sure when the next "tag" would come! And as life has moved forward and we have moved around I still can come straight back to that place in my heart the moment I hear his voice and that sweet way he would say my name. He was such a loving brother and husband, father and son and his life was a testment of God's love and grace. Thank you all for your prayers and concern for our family, it is greatly felt and appriciated. I know it would honor Pete for him to see how much he was loved.
and Pete, "I'll get you back".

— Sandy Griffith
September 16, 2008 at 10:37 a.m.

It had been a long time since I have heard the name but I knew it rang a bell. Erny & I went to school together at Thousand Oaks High. He was a friend to me and many others.
Peace be with him. May god look after his family

— Richard Zive high school friend
September 16, 2008 at 1:44 p.m.

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCE IS WITH THE FAMILY. COD BLESS YOU

— CONNIE FIELDS
September 16, 2008 at 2:32 p.m.

I was very sad to hear of this news concerning Pete. He was a great father, husband, Christian and influence to those who passed his way and was one of many special people I knew while attending CVCC church in T.O. a few years back. May God's peace be with Janis, the kids and family during this difficult time and loss.

— Bob Fowler
September 16, 2008 at 3 p.m.

PETE WAS MY BROTHER HE WAS THE GREATEST BROTHER A PERSON COULD EVER ASK FOR.HE'S ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME HE HAD SO MANY NICKNAMES FOR ME I WILL TREASURE THEM ALL HE ALWAYS GAVE ME A HARD TIME TOO WHICH BROTHERS DO.BUT JUST TO HEAR HIS VOICE WHEN I WAS UP OR DOWN WAS SO GREAT,AGREAT EMPTYNESS IS IN MY HEART I WILL MISS HIM FOREVER.HE NEVER SAID ONE UNKIND WORD ABOUT ANYONE HE WAS SO LOVING AND KIND,HE WAS MY ROCK I'LL MISS HIS COOKING TOO. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS WIFE,MY NEWPHEW AND MY NIECE AND OF COARSE MY MOM AND DAD.MY HEART & PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES THAT HORRIBLE DAY.

— KASSIE ANDERSON CORONA,CA.
September 16, 2008 at 4:57 p.m.

PETE MADE ME FEEL VERY WELCOMED TO HIS FAMILY SOME 15 YEARS AGO,EVEN THOUGH I WAS DATING HIS LITTLE SISTER.HIS DEVOTION TO HIS FAMILY WAS IMPECABLE. THE DESSERTS HE MADE FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS WERE INCREDABLE.I WAS FORTUNATE TO GO DEEP SEA FISHING WITH HIM IT WAS FANTASTIC HE TOOK MY MONEY AT TEXAS HOLD EM ON THE WAY OUT TO SEA AND THE WAY BACK.HE TRULLY WILL BE MISSED.THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS LEFT ACOMMENT ABOUT PETE.MY DEEPEST SEMPATHY TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES IN THIS TERRIBLE TRADEGY.

— MIKE FLECK CORONA,CA
September 16, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.

Pete is always calm and cool in the office, I feel really sorry and bad for this terrible tragedy.
Passing by his office and I just feel Pete is on a long vocation and he will definitely come back someday, it breaks my heart that he won't.
My sympathy goes out to his family, I am so sorry for your loss.

— Sisi Burbank
September 16, 2008 at 8:02 p.m.

I first met Pete, at my husband's company picnic. This wonderful gentle man, wonderful wife Janice and two wonderful kids,we knew we would become friends.
Pete and Janice attended our parties and just recently, Pete threw Janice a surprise birthday party, which my husband David and I attended. We are blessed to know such great people who came into our lives due to my husband David and Pete working together. One Friday a month Pete would come over and play poker with my husband David, friends, Scotland, Lori, Ruth, Robert and Mark, sharing food and good times.
I still see Pete in my kitchen, laughing and having fun with friends.
Life will not be the same without Pete, the loving and caring sole he was.
He will be missed and LOVED forever.
THANK YOU PETE FOR COMING INTO OUR LIVES!!!!
WE WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER!

Caryle, David, Brianna & Sabrina

— Caryle, Northridge CA
September 16, 2008 at 9:46 p.m.

Pete was my "step brother". I grew up with him. I loved him. I miss him. I wish he wasn't gone but he is. I pray that Janice and Alex and Lauren will be strong. I thank all the rescue workers who helped him out of that horrible crash. It must have been traumatic and I'm so thankful you did this for us. I thank the metro link leaders for their honesty and caring and concern about the accident. It truely was a tragedy to all. Thank you to all for your prayers and concern for the family. We will need it terribly. Our loss is great.

— Cathleen Mason
September 17, 2008 at 6:32 a.m.

Pete was a terrific father and husband. My daughter is good friends with his daughter meeting in school. He was a kind man and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family.

— Rich
September 17, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.

Pete, Janice, and I and my wife met when our boys played Little League baseball together. I liked Pete the second I met him. He was, and always will be, a kind and cheerful guy, easy to like, easy to talk to, with an obvious zest for life and a concern for other people. I ran into him occasionally at public events like Back-to-School, the store, and other places. Janice chauffered my son to the high school with Alex every day for a couple of years. This is a fine family. Pete's loss is tragic for his family and for all who knew him and will miss him. It is a comfort to know of Pete's faith that he is not lost to them forever, but will meet them again when that day comes that waits for us all.

— Graig Larsen
September 17, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.

i just wanted to say thank you to Thomas the ems thank you so much and to all of you that helped on that tragic day sorry im just writing this but every time im on here reading this i start to cry and cant finish so im doing it now thank you i am really missing my uncle and your great words make me smile as i cry thank you for that god bless all of you

— mandy
September 17, 2008 at 11:24 p.m.

What a Great person who has touched so many lives. Pete will be missed by all who knew him. I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace Pete. May God bless you all

— Debbie Moore
September 18, 2008 at 5:03 a.m.

A while back I worked with Pete for a year or two. He always struck me as a dedicated, caring and overall nice guy. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family.

— Rick
September 18, 2008 at 8:51 a.m.

I do not know Pete personally. He is the uncle of a friend. But after reading this I feel like I know him. I hope and pray that one day people can write this about me. He sounds like a great man who touched many lives and was full of the Holy Spirit! My prayers go out to all of you.

— Candy
September 18, 2008 at 9:56 a.m.

i know exactly how you feel, my father had passed in that accident, i will pray for him and the whole family. HUGS

— Mey Chao
September 19, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.

Alex worked for us at (PostalAnnex). We had the pleasure of meeting his family and are deeply sorry to hear about this tragedy. Our prayers are with Alex and his family.

— tommy and mandana
September 19, 2008 at 5:23 p.m.

my dad was in that crash he also died.i dont know pete but from reading about him here make me glad my dad was sitting with a man of god i know the pain you feel but we know were they are know.

— friend
September 21, 2008 at 12:42 p.m.

I worked with Pete for 4 years. He was always there for anyone at time of need. Janice, Alex and Lorie - Pete always talked about you and you can see how much he loved you and was so proud. Pete will be missed. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

— Bobbie
September 22, 2008 at 9:58 a.m.

im so sorry for your loses and want to say on behalf of my family that it is so great of you to come on here and post something about my uncle my family and is thoughts and prayers and love are with all of you and your familys as well thank you i think that maybe we should start a message board for everyone that lost some one on that train it might help us all get though it just a thought

— mandy
September 22, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.

I didn't know Pete at all, but my best friend has a daughter who is friends with Lorie, and I heard about this horrible tragedy from the Hanke family. I am so very sorry for your loss, as well as the rest of the family and all the families who lost loved ones. From all the posts here, he will be missed a great deal, a very special, loving father and husband. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and hope you can find peace in wonderful memories.
God bless...

— Marcela
September 26, 2008 at 5:39 a.m.

Pete, was an amazing man and father. His daughter, lori is best friends with my little girl. Janice and I for many years worked in the library at aspen. They made my kacie feel so comfortable at her first sleepover, with Pete making chocolate chip pancakes in the morning. May God give your family strength and peace to carry on, and cherished memories of such a wonderful man.He will be missed so much.

— laurie
September 26, 2008 at 9:03 a.m.

Though we all may have lost someone who is a big part of our lives and our hearts and we are not able to replace or fill that emptyness that our love ones have taken with them when they left this world. but i hope that maybe we all can come together and allow each other to come into each others lives since i know that we all share the same pain. when my father passed in that metrolink 2008 crash my life has not been the same and its been very difficult, my father left behind his wife and 5 children and so many grand children, and we all miss and love him so much but talkin about him with my family and remembering all the good times we had with him helps us with our pain of losing him. so i just would like to let you all know i am here if you need to talk or just someone to listen to you. my email is

chaomey82@gmail.com

my hearts and prayers go out to you.

— mey chao
October 1, 2008 at 9:51 a.m.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time. We didn't know Ernest but he sounds like he was a special person. We also lost our son in the crash so know the pain and sorrow you are going through. May the many memories of him help sustain you.

— Donna & Roy Aiken
October 4, 2008 at 1:56 p.m.

I never really knew Pete. It's really kinda sad to hear someone i've never met died. But he sounds like an awesome guy, and I really miss him even though I've never met him. Rest in peace.

— Henry K
September 13, 2009 at 8:19 p.m.

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Keep in mind
  • The Times initially mispelled the name of Michael Hammersley and Beverly Mosley.
  • The coroner's office reported a 26th victim the afternoon of Sept. 15, but a few hours later said the tally was 25.

Chatsworth Metrolink Crash is the Los Angeles Times' database of fatalities from the Sept. 12, 2008, train collision.
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Latest Numbers

25 dead

135 injured

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