Peter died Dec. 16, 2012, at his Dwight, Ill., home. His life was dedicated to progressive and careful farm management.
Born in London, he lived his early life in England and France. In 1939, his father moved the family to Illinois. Peter graduated from St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts. At Princeton, he was a member of Orange Key, the rugby team, and Cottage Club. He graduated with honors in English and then served in Army intelligence in Germany.
After the two-year military hitch, he said he “settled down to apply Shakespearean criticism to agriculture.” This entailed taking over the family business of farmland management. With his brother, Michael, he managed land holdings in four central Illinois counties. He also created an 18-hole golf course on land too poor to farm. Subsequently, he extended his agricultural investments to Spain and Argentina. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture awarded him the Orden Civil de Merito Agricola for out standing contributions to Spanish agriculture.
Peter had a substantial impact on community improvement through his leadership in educational, banking, and recreation groups, and by opening his home as a foster parent.
Our sympathy goes to Olivia, his wife of 58 years; and his children, David, Merida, Nadine, and Kirsten.