Peter G Biesiot

Dr. Peter G. Biesiot, 92, of Shelton, Wash., and Fairbanks, passed to eternal peace on March 20, 2013. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Peter is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth; sons, Gerard and John; daughter, Hara; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces.
Peter will be deeply missed. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. His quick wit and story-telling ability of his world travels kept dinner parties alive with adventure.
Peter was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1921. Peter attained his private pilot's license while attending the University of Washington. Graduating UW in 1942, he joined the Coast Guard and was transferred to the Army Air Corp. In WWII he flew B-24s and B-29s in the Pacific Theatre. In 1944, his new wife, Elizabeth, joined him overseas as a Stars and Stripes reporter.
After earning his master of science degree in geology, he explored for oil in Mozambique, Portuguese East Africa, Indonesia and Southeast Asia. In 1958, Peter earned his master of business administration degree at Cornell University, and later completed his doctorate at The Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. 
Peter then embarked on a distinguished career in education teaching at Clarkson College of Technology, Michigan Technological University, with many summer teaching positions overseas in Europe and Asia.
He ultimately retired Professor Emeritus, from the School of Business, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
After retiring, Peter and Liz hiked the Chilkoot Trail twice in their 80s. He continued to serve his community in the Civil Air Patrol, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and OSHER Lifelong Learning.
A memorial service was held for family and friends on Sunday, March 24, at their home on Harstine Island. Notes to Liz can be mailed to PO Box 8402 Nikiski, AK 99635.
To honor Peter's dedication to education, a scholarship fund has been set up at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to help students continue their education. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Peter Biesiot to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Contributions may be made online at www.uaf.edu/giving/gift; please note "In Memory of Peter Biesiot." Checks can also be mailed to: UA Foundation PO Box 755080 Fairbanks, AK 99775. Please make checks payable to "UA Foundation" and include "In memory of Peter Biesiot" in the note. If you have additional questions, please contact the UAF Development Office at (907) 474-2619.