Peter Matthew Klimes, 60, died at his home in Apple Valley, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Burbank, Calif., Sept. 13, 1952, the son of Eileen and Robert Klimes. He received his first guitar when he was 12, along with six months of guitar lessons, then taught himself to play both acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, pedal steel, 12-string, and sitar. He never had to be reminded to practice. If given a box with some strings across the top, God and Peter would have made music together.

By the time he was 16, he was writing and professionally performing, playing and singing, his own and others’ music. Because he was a conscientious and dependable person, he was asked, frequently, “Where’re you from? You’re not from around here.” He would answer, “Born in Burbank, but I have a Kansas heart. Got it from my mom.” Peter performed throughout the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, High Dessert, West L.A., Hollywood, Topanga Canyon, Dallas, and other places on both coasts. If you are curious to learn more about Peter, Google Peter Klimes, California, for his resume of bands, CDs, film, and voice overs.

Peter knew he was truly blessed. Often, he would say, “It’s all good, mom.” Knowing that God is in control, he would add, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him, “I’ve got a plan’.” Peter knew that Jesus was his Lord and Savior, and his witness helped change the lives of many.

Peter is survived by his mother, Eileen Robertson, and stepfather, Ellery Robertson, of Humboldt; a sister Milada Klimes, of Humboldt; a stepsister Elisha Robertson Johnson and her spouse and children; a half-brother Steve Klimes; a stepbrother Fred Astaire III and his spouse and children; his aunt Dodie Wulf Copley and her spouse and children; his uncle Walter Wulf, Jr., and his spouse and children; three great uncles, Ron, Bob and Richard Wulf and their spouses and children; two great aunts, Sylvia Wulf Borghardt and Barbara Wulf Brown and their spouses and children; his Deffner cousins of California; and his many close friends.

Peter was preceded in death by his grandma and grandpa Klimes, grandma and grandpa Wulf, his father Robert Klimes; a younger brother Joseph John and an aunt Betty Rose Wulf.

Cremation has taken place. A future private service will be held in Humboldt.

Memorial gifts may be made online to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.