Allegan, MI, died Monday, December 26, 2005 at the Allegan Co. Medical Care Facility. Dr. Brachman was born February 11, 1920, in Highland Park, MI, the son of Alvah Peter and Eva (Watson) Brachman. He moved to Allegan more than 50 years ago, after medical school at University of Michigan and an internship at Blodgett Hospital. In 1972, he was among the first physicians to be certified in the new specialty of Family Practice. One of the last "country docs", Pete continued to make house calls and see patients at his home after office hours, until he retired and closed his office in 1989. He occasionally was paid in bushels of apples, a fresh-killed goose, or exclusive access to a fishing site, (his favorite). He loved living in and being a part of Allegan, and often said that moving here was one of his best decisions. Pete also served his community in the role of Chief of Staff of the Allegan General Hospital and as Medical Director of the Allegan County Medical Care Facility. He loved to talk with people, the more involved the conversation, the better. Coffee with the guys at Minnie's each morning to discuss the issues of Allegan, the country, and the world, along with the number of geese currently in residence at the Todd Farm, became a favorite pastime after retirement. During those years, he also continued his love of gardening, woodworking, bridge and cribbage. He enjoyed hunting in his early years in Allegan, but soon found more satisfaction in observing the habits of the animals, becoming quite an amateur naturalist. This was certainly obvious in his back yard, where he fed what appeared to be every bird in the county, plus a flock of turkeys. As anyone who remembers the canoe on his car knows, he loved to fish. As a boy he spent hours fly-fishing with his dad and his enjoyment of the sport continued into his 80's. In addition to the trout and bass in Michigan, Pete spent many happy years chasing the elusive bone fish in the waters of Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas. Pete and Nan first discovered Green Turtle in the early 60's and their enthusiasm for the island led their family, as well as many others, to enjoy it as well. Music was always an important part of Pete's life. He sang in the Congregational Church choir for many years, but particularly loved singing harmony in the kitchens of friends during numerous parties. He knew many odd little tunes, sang them with little prompting, and loved teaching them to his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had many friends in Allegan and was a physician to even more. But most of all he was husband to Nancy; dad to Lisa Brachman, Ellen (Peter) Altamore and Stacey (John) Guthrie; grandpa to Laura (Jim) Ragonese, Jeff Ward, Michael Altamore, and Mark and Christine Guthrie; Poppy to Cody and Kaelyn Ragonese and sister to Connie McFarland. Pete will be remembered for his skill as a physician, the twinkle in his eye, and the song on his lips. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4-7 p.m.at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com. There will be no other services. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to acknowledge the loving care given by the Allegan County Medical Care Facility-Special Needs Unit, and Wings of Hope Hospice.