Stuart Thorne Peeler

Lord Stuart Thorne Peeler B.A.J.D./A.C.M. Passed away September 14, 2010, he was born on October 28, 1929 otherwise known as Black Tuesday - because he's been blessed when it comes to his career. He's visited remote parts of the world and experienced the thrills of overseas adventure. He's come to know important, powerful people and served on boards that handle world-famous art collection and national treasure and all of it by choices made for career and country. Raised in Southern California by his parents, Elizabeth Fiske Boggess-Peeler and Joseph David Peeler. A graduate of Stanford University finishing his undergraduate studies in history and law a year early, going on to Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts and graduated from California National Guard O.C.S. After serving as a U.S. Army paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division, Stuart joined his father's law firm Musick, Peeler and Garrett practicing law from 1953 to 1973. Then the largest in Southern California as an international lawyer, eventually built his own successful practice argued a few landmark cases and had a long list of distinguished clients including John Paul Getty. Stuart was a director of California Portland Cement for 40 years which owned Arizona Portland Cement operating a cement plant in Tucson, Arizona. Went on to purchase ConRock of Los Angeles. The name was changed to Calmat listed on the N.Y. Stock Exchange, was then the fourth largest cement and aggregate (crushed stone for construction) in the U.S. Calmat also owned STATEX Petroleum Co. on American Stock Exchange until it was spun off by Calmat to become an independent company and Stuart Peeler became the CEO of the company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Ultimately Calmat was purchased in 1999 by Vulcan materials N.Y.S.E and the combined companies became the largest producer of aggregate in the U.S. Stuart served on the board of directors of Homestake Mining in San Francisco the original foundation of the Hearst fortune and making 78 trips to Australia for Homestake Australia Ltd. board field trips. This involved flying all over the outback of Western Australia to visit mines that operate on a fly-in, fly-out camp. Stuart fell in love with the oil and gas business which took him to more than 50 countries, places far afield as Nigeria, Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Central and South America, Australia and South Africa. Serving as a director and Senior Executive of several companies in the international oil, gas and hard rock mining business. Stuart was Vice-president, Chief Operation Officer, general council, and Director of Pacific Natural Gas Exploration Co. a subsidiary of Pacific Enterprises of Cayman Corp. He joined Santa Fe International Corp. as the General Council and was regarded as a "Lawyer's Lawyer." Santa Fe's drilling and exploration businesses were enhanced by his efforts. Often his adversaries were not only businessmen but also oil ministers and royalty affiliated with government owned oil companies. His skill at cultivating solid personal and contractual relationships with others was a key to Santa Fe's success. He was a Senior Vice President of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Supron Energy Corporation and a Director of Chieftain Int. headquartered in Canada, Board of Trustees President Tohono Chul Park, Tucson, Arizona. Member of the Board of Directors of the Grand Canyon National Park foundation which works closely with the National Park Service and private sector donors in funding and implementing the current $200 million program of remaking the park to cope with the ever-increasing number of visitor and establishing a Heritage Education Center. Stuart was an enthusiastic sportsman hunting birds in Africa, Central and South America, Scotland and Ireland and fishing for world-record blue fin tuna in Canada and black marlin in Australia's Outer Barrier Reef and of the Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Peninsula. His father, Joseph David Peeler held the famous "SHARP CUP" following year held by Stuart at the WEDGEPORT SPORT Tuna fishing, Nova Scotia, Canada. Growing out of his law years was a strong relationship with oil magnet and philanthropist J. Paul Getty. In 1965 Stuart was named a trustee of the Getty Trust, serving for 33 years - the longest in its history. He became "intimately involved with the day to day activities" which included the construction of Los Angeles world-famous Getty Museums Center in Brentwood and oversaw the restoration of the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. Stuart and his father were J. Paul Getty's private lawyer's handling and probating his International estate and managing the Trust's general activities abroad. Stuart is an Honorary Distinguished Member of the Regiment of the 159th Infantry of the Military Order of the World Wars and a member of "Sociedad Los Mineros Viejos" - "The Old Miners Club" and of the Skyline Country Club in Tucson, Arizona. Stuart is currently Chairman and President of our privately held Corporation "The Putumayo Production Company" and Independent Oil and Gas producer of Petroleum Industry Consultant. He is the third generation of Who's Who in America, Who's Who in California and The Marquis Who's Who in the World. He spoke several languages even the Old Latin, a walking encyclopedia in any subject with no airs or class distinction about him. Stuart has spent the last 2½ years of his life writing a book titled "Peeler and Son, A Tale of Two Varied Careers." Presently finished and running through first print for final proofreading that his wife, Lady Sylvia will eventually print and mail to those listed by Stuart to receive a copy. Lord Stuart is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lady Sylvia Frances Townley-Peeler; four sisters-in-law, (Rita), Harriett, Florence, Amanda and Doris; brothers-in-law, William, Jim, Stanley and John; daughter, Heather and granddaughter, Isabella; sister, Joyce, her two sons, Joseph and Michael and 21 nieces and nephews in Ireland, England and the U.S. Stuart was remembered and recognized on September 30, 2010 by many dear friends that gathered at Anthony's in the Foothills, Tucson, Arizona in Celebration of his life. Remains leaving Tucson, Arizona October 9, 2010 arriving in Dublin, Ireland October 10, 2010 reposing at "Melbourne House" on the evening of the 10th, and all day on the 11th, where Lady Sylvia will be receiving friends. 12th "Melbourne House" private, family only. Removal from "Melbourne House" at 1:00 p.m. via Lough-en-leigh Mountains to Ervey Presbyterian Church, Co. Cavan for Service and Interment in adjoining burial grounds. In lieu of flowers, contribution's in Stuart Peeler's memory made to Ervey Church, Co. Cavan, Ireland. Stuart was a loyal American, true Patriot and member of the greatest generation. He enjoyed and loved his vast circle of friends throughout the world. He was charming and friendly, we will miss his vibrant personality, his many stories and hearty laughter. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.