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BORN
1967
DIED
2015
Peter Kleis Obituary
May 4,1967-Jan 22, 2015
Resident of Los Gatos
Peter Loring Kleis died in a single-car accident near his home in Los Gatos. He touched many lives with his positive, adventurous spirit, and infectious smile.
Peter was born in Santa Clara, CA and graduated from Lynbrook High School ('85) where he played water polo and was a High School All American. He earned a degree in Environmental Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara where has also was a brother of Sigma Chi Fraternity and played water polo for the Gauchos. Peter was a graduate from the Owner/President's Management Program at Harvard University. He began his career as a Commercial Real Estate Broker and grew his business to become President and CEO of Granite Capital Investments, an Investor and Developer of Apartments, Shopping Centers and Renewable Energy projects around the globe.
Peter was very involved with the Los Gatos community. He was a coach with the LG High School girl's water polo program, coached flag football for 18 seasons, and was a Cub Scout Den Leader for Pack 556. He was a consummate coach to all of his kids, nieces and nephews, and friends whether it was wake boarding, snow skiing, or life coaching. Peter was determined to help his pack succeed to Eagle Scout. He was a Boy Scout Life Scout. He had the most GNAR points of anyone he knew. He was an avid world traveler and even signed off his emails with "Sent via my Samsung Galaxy phone as I run around the World."
Peter is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Croll; devoted children Katie, Maddie, and Colin Kleis; stepchildren, Jack and Chloe Croll. He is also survived by his former wife Ruth Kleis, by his brother Robert Kleis of Napa, his sister Nancy Kleis Robinson of Gilroy, and his beloved dog Rookie. He is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Patricia Kleis. Countless family and friends will miss his generous loving spirit. He was bigger than life.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at Calvary Church at 16330 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos on Saturday, February 21st 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peter Kleis Memorial Charitable Foundation www.peterkleismemorial.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Kleis
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Larry Carver
September 3, 2015
I am so sorry that you lost Pete. I remember him really well from high school ... he (and Jason P, and the other guys), while a lot of us were in the aquatics program. I've always been confident that Pete would go on being a great person, would be highly successful, and a great family man later on. (One memory that I grinned about was the time Pete was really on board, excited to go be part of the studio audience on the KQAK morning show, this one day, we were gathered around a little radio instead of doing morning workout, and coach Barnett let it slide; we were listening to try and catch the sound of Pete's laughter). Am so sorry about the turn of events ... I pray that you pain will ease and that you somehow find comfort, as life continues.
Norma Babycos
August 4, 2015
Just learned of your loss Jennifer my deepest sympathy and love to you and the children. Love Norma Babycos
March 8, 2015
So sorry for your loss Jennifer and family. May his loving memories always live on in all those who knew Peter.
Patti Linder-Dodd
Mark Quentin
February 23, 2015
Wow just heard the news.This is terrible to hear. I went to high school and college with Pete. He was always a great guy to me and I remember him as softening some of the social awkwardness in high school for me. Although he was in the popular crowd he always treated me like I was one of the crowd even though I was not. Even though we play different sports I always had much respect for Pete. He WAS larger than life. I remember palling around with him at UC Santa Barbara in the summers 85-89 when we went there early for athletics. Pete was always kind hearted to me and I will always remember him for that and am sad for his loss. My condolences to his wife friends and family.
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Will be missed!
February 15, 2015
Linda Miller Kelsey
February 7, 2015
Peter's mom and were close friends. I roomed with Pat at Cornell and have been grieving her recent death. I am shocked to hear of Peter's death. My heartfelt sympathies are extended to the entire family. Linda Miller Kelsey
Peter and Norma Wightman
February 7, 2015
We remember Peter as a young lad running with our two boys on the beach at Santa Cruz--always leader of the pack--bright, swift, vibrant, full of joy. We will hold him in our hearts always.
February 4, 2015
RIP
Infectious, boyish smile and love of his wife
Paul McDonald
February 4, 2015
buff greider
February 3, 2015
i offer my condolences on your families loss. if there is anything that i can do to help at this time please let me know...drbuff
February 2, 2015
I remember Peter from High School. My condolences to the family
Jill Hourani
January 30, 2015
Jennifer and family, I am so terribly sorry for this tragic loss. My heart and prayers are with you during this hard time.
Pete, you will be missed so much. You are a light above for everyone you touched. You left earth too soon and left a void for all who knew you. Your smile will remain in our memories. Until we meet again Pete, RIP.
Carrie Walton
January 30, 2015
Still can't believe that beaming smile is gone. Condolences to the families from the Waltons.
RIP Petey
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