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PETER CAWS Obituary


PETER JAMES CAWS  
Peter James Caws of Washington, DC., age 88, died at home on April 20, 2020. He was raised in a suburb of London and experienced the Blitz. He studied physics at Imperial College, London, before receiving a PhD in philosophy from Yale. He spent his career as a professor (U. of Kansas, City University of New York and, from 1982 to 2017, at The George Washington University), a foundation officer (at Carnegie Corporation in the early 1960s), and author, writing and/or editing twelve books and over 150 articles. He had been a board member of many organizations including the AAAS, American Philosophical Association, and the Society for General Systems Research, and was an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Breslin; his children Hilary Caws-Elwitt (Jonathan), Matthew Caws (Emily) and Elisabeth Caws; his grandsons Theodore and Shepard; his sister Jean Caws (Ursula Steiger); and many nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful husband and father, a kind and thoughtful friend and mentor to many, and a remarkable teacher to thousands. A memorial service will be held at a future date when it is safe to do so. An online guestbook is available at www.devolfuneralhome.com/funerals-and-obituaries-in-washington-dc/peter-james-caws.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Apr. 23 to Apr. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER CAWS

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4 Entries

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Diana Dloughy

Planted Trees

Michael Mackey

May 19, 2020

Prof. Caws introduced me to philosophy at KU in 1959/60 and his lectures made a profound impression on me and forever shaped my professional career and life. He was a wonderful person.

Roger Charman

May 8, 2020

Deeply sad to learn that Peter is no longer among us. I offer my sincere condoleances to the family Caws.

N. S.

April 24, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the family of Peter Caws. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Psalm 94:17-19

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2222 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20007

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