Peter W. Dufour

Peter W. Dufour, 1951 - 2007, died April 19, Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago. Born July 28, 1951 in Lewistown Montana, growing up in Philipsburg. As a seventh grader, Peter rewrote the end of "War and Peace", thus began the obsession with the written word. He loved Montana, spending years in Philipsburg, Hamilton, on Flathead Lake and in Glacier Park. His sense of humor and positive outlook, joy of living and intellectual stimulation made him popular with his family and friends. His father Buster (W.P. Dufour), predeceased him by 19 months. He is survived by his mother, Bernadette J. Dufour; his sisters Diane and Roxie; and his nieces and nephews, Taharaa, Bijoux, Eddie Jr., Schuyler and Colin. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1969 as valedictorian; Gonzaga University, B.A. English Magna Cum Laude 1973; Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in American Cinema and Culture at University of Iowa, M.A. American Studies, 1978; DePaul University, Computer Career Program Certification, 1987. Peter's professional career included working at the American College Testing Program (LSAT), Test Specialist; Clausen Miller Gorman Caffrey & Witous, P.C.; Carole Siegel & Associates and Altheimer & Gray. Currently, Peter working as a Legal Word Processing Specialist at Perkins Coie. In 2006 he was granted the Perkins Coie Award of Excellence for his outstanding service. Peter lived life to the fullest, his way, and enjoyed every minute of it. His second home was Murphy's Bleachers across from Wrigley Field where he and his many friends watched daily Jeopardy games (Peter's clocked arrival providing a daily betting game) took trips together to Ireland, Quebec, Michigan, New Orleans, and enjoyed the theatre, dining and arts in Chicago. Peter was a past Secretary of the East Lakeview Neighbors Association. Everyone who knew Peter was awed at his intellect and dry wit. He was a National Merit Scholar and national debate competitor in high school. He qualified to represent Cook County on Jeopardy. As a doctoral student at the University of Iowa he co-wrote an award winning documentary, "The Motion Picture Boys and the Great War." He annually observed the Academy Awards, taking off the following Monday. The family extends the utmost gratitude to Peter's friends and co-workers for their cards, gifts and thoughtful support during his illness. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held; contact DufourPW@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society. Please send acknowledgements to the family home at PO Box 397, Lakeside, MT 59922. For family and friends, prepare a lasagna dinner.