Friday, August 05, 2005

Pete is gone.

Today I got to see a number of old friends. The visiting turned up this news of another, dear friend, who I won't be able to see. He passed away just two days ago. Pete was a housemate of mine. We lived together in a house in Long Beach for nearly a year.
Peter Alan Leighton
Tuesday, August 2, 2005

NAPA

Peter (Pete) Alan Leighton, 55, passed away on July 29, 2005 in Napa. He was born August 30, 1949 in Bronx, New York. In 1973, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso. He was owner and partner of NorCal Aquatic Services, Inc. until 2000. He also was a swimming coach for many years in Texas, Cupertino and Stanford University. He most recently worked for Royal Coach Limousine Service.

Pete is survived by his life partner, Lezlie Riley of Napa; a sister and her husband, Marcie and Dave Cohen of Schertz, Texas; a niece, Allyson Cohen, and a nephew, Rich Cohen.

At Pete's request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Richard Pierce Funeral Service and Crematory, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Friends may sign the guest book at www.rpfsc.com.


Pete was a healthy guy. He coached at Cinci Marlins, Stanford, Dads Club. He'd take the crisp drawer in the refrig and turn it into a salad container.. He'd slice and dice vegies and fill that unit -- no bowl required.

He rented the home -- and I rented a room. The garage was his office and store-room. Then he was a dealer for The Finals -- and then some other companies. Later he merged with NorCal and moved there.

When I was there, he helped give me the confidence to start up my own publishing company. He was a rock that came along at a important time in my life. Pete was genuine, stable, hard working. He knew sports and had a great coaches perspective. But, he was low keyed, clam, collected, just himself and personable.

3 comments:

Mark Rauterkus said...

To protect the privacy of friends and relatives who have signed, the guestbook is only viewable by the family.

Unknown said...

Mark, Thank you so much for remembering Pete. I so much appreciate you comments about his demeanor and his being a rock in your life. I am glad to hear that he was a positive influence in your life. He still made the crisper in the fridge a salad bowl! Pete had colon cancer, he made a valiant fight but it got the best of him. We tried everything including a clinical trial at Stanford. Pete fought to the very end. Thank you for remembering Pete.

Mark Rauterkus said...

Thanks for the update.

Sorry we never met.

Pete was one of the kindest, most humble, yet strong guys I ever knew.

He is missed.