Peter O. Cameron-Gilsey Obituary

Peter Oliver Cameron-Gilsey passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and two children, on February 12th, 2025, due to complications from Ataxia.

Peter was born at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. on May 7, 1952, to Peter Ladd Gilsey and Frances Oliver (Barry) Gilsey.

Peter loved music. One of his happiest childhood memories was creating and playing in a successful band called The Impacts in middle school. Senior year of high school he answered an ad to audition as a drummer and was offered the position with a band who, years later, became the Steve Miller Band. He graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin with a Political Science degree. After futzing around trying to find himself (which included applying and being accepted to the Berkelee School of Music), he took a summer job at Wediko, a summer camp for emotionally troubled boys. It was there, 48 years ago, that he met his wife and lifelong partner, Nancy Tarr Cameron-Gilsey. He also found his other passion, helping children and their families.

Peter was accepted into a psychology program at Harvard University where he learned from the best in the field. He attended Simmons School of Social Work to formalize his degree and get licensed to practice. He went on to become a highly esteemed and sought after practitioner in the field. His therapy office was a place he loved and took pride in, overlooking the marshes and tides in Essex, MA.

When Peter wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time at the Manchester Athletic Club where he spent equal time working out and talking to his pals at the water cooler. He also loved swimming off of the rocks with his family, cleaning and polishing his beloved truck, and taking his family on extended vacations to the Caribbean. More recently, he loved spending time with his grandkids, Gully and Maeza, whom he lovingly nicknamed "Little Man" and "Doll Girl.".

Peter was afflicted with a neurological condition called Ataxia just around the time of his retirement. It affects the balance center of the brain. Although the Ataxia quickly impacted his ability to walk, he maintained that the disease was a gift in many ways, allowing for a new kind of self reflection. He loved going out on his recumbent bike, and would spend hours visiting friends around town and on Bearskin Neck. He also began a new tradition of delivering farm-fresh berries to his children and grandkids each week.

Peter leaves behind his wife Nancy Cameron-Gilsey, their son, Kailah Peter Gilsey, his wife Samara (Shwidock) Gilsey and grandson Gulliver Gilsey; their daughter, Maya Tarr Cameron-Shia, her husband Samuel Shia and granddaughter Maeza Cameron-Shia. Peter is also survived by his brother, Gardener, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 28th at 10am at the Shalin Liu Performance Center located at 37 Main St, Rockport, MA 01966.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in his name, to Pathways for Children (http://www.pw4c.org) or National Public Radio (http://www.npr.org). Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.