Peter Wilson Patton ’53

Pete, whose passion was flying — he flew for more than 40 years — died Oct. 30, 2001, of cancer in Palm Desert, Calif.

Born in London, Pete grew up in San Marino, Calif. He was with us for only two years but belonged to the Pacific Coast Club, the Rocky Mountain Empire Club, and the Republicans Club. Sophomore year he roomed with Tom Lind, who recalls that Pete's parents died when he was young, and Pete's uncle, Gen. George S. Patton (who became famous during WWII) and Pete's aunt became Pete's legal guardians. Pete joined the Navy and specialized in piloting large reconnaissance planes up and down the Pacific coast. He retired as a lieutenant commander after 20 years of service. He then became a soaring instructor and tow-plane pilot with Sail Plane Enterprises in Hemet, Calif., and continued flying for 20 more years.

His widow, the former Dael Watson, an artist, said that he loved the beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains and, until his illness began to tire him, he hiked the mountains two to three hours daily. But flying, Dael said, was Pete's true love. We send condolences to Dael, son Lindsey, brother David, and stepsons David and Steven Shenbaum.

The Class of 1953