Peter William Stevens Jr.‎
‎1936 - 2016

We tragically lost an amazing man who led a most amazing life. There are no words to describe how ‎extraordinary a life as well lived as Peter's was. Only those who were lucky enough to have known Peter ‎could understand the vigor, courage, energy and humor he put into absolutely everything he did.‎

Peter was a beloved husband, an incredible father, a steadfast friend and truly one-of-a-kind. His life ‎achievements included, rising to the top of his profession as a CPA and a CIA, and a merger and acquisitions ‎specialist in the oil and gas industries. He was a private pilot who built four beautiful airplanes, and had a ‎passion for flying that few could match. He was on the volunteer Park City Ski Patrol for many years. He ‎was a proud Dutchman, a gourmet cook, a fly fisherman, a scuba diver, a Republican and a conservative, a ‎skilled mechanic, a traveler of the world, and a U.S. Army Ranger. At a very young age this defined the rest ‎of his life, and no man could be more proud to be a tabbed Airborne Ranger serving in the 11th and 82nd ‎Airborne Divisions.

He volunteered for SCORE for over 20 years and helped people too numerous to count. He was on the ‎boards of the Utah Symphony, Holy Cross Hospital Foundation, the U.S. Ski Team, the Salt Lake Housing ‎Authority, and Salvation Army. He was so proud to be a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and to be ‎elected to the Parish Council of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. He was a member of the EAA, Quiet Birdmen ‎and Plane Obsession. And, oh how he loved his Monday lunch with his hangar buddies-"my people!"‎

Peter had a special place in his heart for his dogs. As a child, dogs were a part of his life and everyone was ‎called, "Dutch". His golden retrievers, Duchess and Toro, his "grand puppy", Dougie, and his little buddy and ‎right hand man, Spike, were huge parts of Peter's life and he always considered them family.

He was a man of integrity, honesty, and the courage of his convictions. You had to earn his respect, but his ‎loyalty was fierce. He was an inspiration, a hero, and our "rock". He never stopped moving, and constantly ‎took care of his family, friends, and those he loved. This was a very large circle, as Peter touched lives ‎almost everywhere he went. His life was an extraordinary adventure and how lucky we were to share it.‎

Those left to love and cherish his memory include his wife; Lou Ann, who was the love of his life, and with ‎whom he traveled the world and shared a beautiful marriage of 30 years. Together they had a daughter, ‎Amy, who was his pride and joy-he was so proud of her. His two girls were Peter's everything. He is also ‎survived by his brother; Ed, and sister; Norma. Preceded in death by his Papa, Mighty Minnie, and his ‎beloved sister; Ruby.‎
We would like to thank Chris and Katie Jolles for all their love, strength and support.‎

We will celebrate his life in the Spring with stories, love and laughter. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to ‎the Utah Humane Society in his memory.‎

P.W.: We will make sure it is always, "A Ranger Operation!" You will never be forgotten, and always loved. ‎Online condolences may be shared at www.evans-earlymortuary.com

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, 2016