Peter Lofton Hirschburg

Peter Lofton Hirschburg
1921 ~ 2014
Peter L Hirschburg, 92, passed away quietly Monday, March 24, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise, following a brief illness. "Papa Pete" was a great guy and will be fondly remembered. A man of many fine attributes and capabilities, he was, nonetheless, universally known as one who would never pick up or rinse out anything.
He was born April 1, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio, to Harry Hirschburg and Arlene Lofton Hirschburg. At the outset of World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps and trained as pilot and navigator. During the war, he served as a B-24 navigator in Italy and North Africa. Stationed in Boise at Gowen Field, he met and married Marianne "Rannie" Fletcher.
He began working for the Fletcher Oil Company, moving to Los Angeles in 1953, when the company relocated its headquarters. He subsequently left Fletcher Oil and in 1966, returned to Boise.
In Idaho, he began developing properties for the 7-11 and Circle K corporations. In 1967, he returned to Fletcher Oil as president, moving its headquarters back to Boise. He also developed Ada Distributing, owning and managing properties in the Boise area.
A man of faith, he was actively involved in All Saints Episcopal Church, where he served as Senior Warden. He loved Boise and was a long time member of the Arid Club and Hillcrest Country Club. He was on the Board of Directors of the Boise State University Foundation, and served as its Chairman from 1992 to 1994. He further contributed to the University and community as a member and President of the Boise Industrial Foundation.
Living in Boise, he and Rannie garnered an impressive number of lifelong friends. They loved to travel, visiting much of the U.S. and many parts of the world, but Pete was always eager to get back to Boise. His hobby was his work, and he often remarked about how much fun he had in business. While constantly reminding, "Get it in writing," he was a man of his word, which was his bond. Though often seen as a quintessential self-made man, he never failed to recognize the support and assistance of others throughout his business career, commenting, "You don't do these things by yourself. I had the advice and help of a lot of wonderful people along the way."
In tribute, his grandson observed, "With more than ninety years on this earth, he lived the kind of full life we all dream of. He served his country, ran several businesses, raised a family, got his photo and handshake with the President, played a few holes of golf and had a strong drink on occasion, all done with integrity. He didn't try to swindle or use fine print to get the quick profit. He played a classic game you couldn't help but call 'old school.' He understood the most lucrative deals came from trust, not hustle. He had prejudices and faults, but avoided empty promises and flash so many fell for."
Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne Fletcher Hirschburg. Survivors include a son, Peter L Hirschburg Jr (Peggy) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; daughter, Sally H Snow (Don) of Boise; granddaughter Lauren Nall (David) of St. Louis, Missouri; grandson Bailey Hirschburg (Anna) of Lacey, Washington; and two great-grandchildren, Lofton and Parker Nall of St. Louis, Missouri.
A memorial service will be held on his birthday, Tuesday, April 1, at 2:30 PM, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 704 South Latah St., in Boise. A celebration of his life will follow. Private interment will take place at the Idaho Veteran's Cemetery and St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to All Saints Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.