Peter M. Leslie ’58

Peter died Feb. 2, 2023, at  home in Waterford, Maine.  He was 86.

He came to Princeton from Phillips Exeter Academy. At Princeton, he majored in French and Spanish in the Special Program in European Civilization. He belonged to Quadrangle Club and his senior-year roommates were Jim Farrin and Jim Rankin. After graduation, Peter specialized in Latin American investment banking. 

In 1965, he married Kathleen Scribner. Together, Peter and Kay enjoyed a fun and adventurous life in Brazil, the Bahamas, Manhattan, and Maine. Over his lifetime, Peter’s curiosity and love of life led him to work on Canton Island, snorkel the reefs, ski in the Alps and the Andes, sail on the lakes and seas, play the banjo and sing in folk groups, and row on the Charles River. To those who knew him well, rarely was Peter at a loss for something interesting to do — or at a loss for words. He shared his love of life, language, and laughter generously with his family and friends.

Peter was a proud Scotch-Irishman whose handshake was his word, whose belief in the goodness within all of us was steadfast, and whose love of nature was never-ending. He believed in honorable hard work, thoughtful consideration, and the element of chance in life.

After retiring in 1986, Peter devoted his time to public service. His proudest achievement was 30 years of service as trustee and chair of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.

Peter is survived by his wife, Kathleen; two children; and four grandchildren. The class extends its deepest sympathy to them all.