Myrtle Beach Community Mourns the Loss of Respected Veteran Peter Pulkkinen in Tragic Accident

Myrtle Beach Remembers Peter Pulkkinen: A Life of Care and Community

This weekend, our beloved community of Myrtle Beach experienced a heartbreaking loss. Peter Pulkkinen, a dedicated veteran and cherished neighbor at the age of 95, was involved in a tragic accident with a Myrtle Beach Fire Department vehicle. His family is still grappling with the shock of his untimely passing and remembering him as a man known for his caution and care.

A Routine Cut Short

Avis Pulkkinen, Peter’s niece, recounted his cautious nature. “He was always so cautious, so careful looking both ways,” she said with a pained smile. Peter was known as an excellent driver, and anyone lucky enough to ride with him would vouch for it. “When we visited, he insisted on driving,” added Avis, emphasizing his love for both driving and his family.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday morning when a Myrtle Beach Fire Department pickup truck, sirens blaring and lights flashing, was heading north on Highway 17. Peter was attempting to turn onto the highway in his Ford sedan when the collision occurred. This routine drive was just like many others, as he was on his way to meet friends for his usual Saturday morning coffee at McDonald’s. According to Avis, they were in a panic when they received a call from a friend who thought they saw Peter’s car. They rushed to discover more information but faced a long wait as it was too early for the police desk to take queries.

The Community’s Thoughts

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department has expressed their condolences, stating that their vehicle was responding to a fire call at around 6 a.m. during the time of the collision. Remarkably, no injuries were reported for the fire personnel involved. “Our hearts go out to everyone involved,” they shared in a heartfelt statement.

For Peter, life was a mix of routine and community connection. He was one of 13 children, and although all his siblings have passed, he remained an integral part of the local community. A neighbor, Catherine Burchette, mentioned, “He was quiet and predictable. You knew it was Monday if he was cutting the front lawn, and Tuesday if it was the backyard.” This kind of reliability warmed the hearts of everyone who knew him.

A Life Well Lived

Peter and his late wife, Margaret, shared a beautiful bond for 53 years until her passing in 2016. The couple didn’t have children but built a life filled with love and friendship. Neighbors like Ellen Arnold have fond memories of him walking around the neighborhood and tending to his yard, often reminiscing about Margaret, who would help out in the garden.

Scott Pulkkinen, Peter’s nephew, reflected on their recent time together. “We were able to see him quite a bit over the summer, especially around his 95th birthday on June 14,” he remarked, cherishing those moments spent together. “We got to know him much better.”

A Lasting Legacy

Peter’s family has decided not to hold a funeral service, honoring his wish for his remains to be reunited with Margaret’s in Maine. Instead, they invite friends and the community to donate in his name to charitable organizations like the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Paralyzed Veterans of America, continuing to give back in the spirit he embodied.

As Myrtle Beach comes together to mourn this loss, it’s vital to remember that Peter Pulkkinen leaves behind a legacy of cautious driving, friendly chats over coffee, and a community that cherished him deeply. Let’s honor his life by being a little more cautious, caring for each other, and continuing to build the community he loved.