PETER MEHAS

Peter George Mehas was born on October 1, 1939, and passed away on September 27, 2013, a few days shy of his 74th birthday. He had just returned from the 'trip of a lifetime' through Eastern Europe and Greece with his wife Demi, and close friends, when he suffered a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. A Fresno native, Mehas was best known for his visionary leadership in education, a passion he said was ignited at a young age. He learned early on about the value of hard work and perseverance from his Greek immigrant parents who emphasized that "all dreams could be achieved through education." In 1970, he married Demi, the love of his life, and together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Alethea and Andreanna. This year, the couple would have celebrated their 43 year wedding anniversary. A warm and welcoming family, abundant with generosity of spirit, the Mehas home was always a gathering place for holidays, celebrations and the making of unforgettable memories. Peter received his Bachelor's Degree from Fresno State in 1962, his Master's Degree from University of California, Los Angeles in 1967, and his Doctorate in education from the University of Southern California in 1979. He was an All American, All Conference Center at Fresno City College and played on Fresno State's undefeated 1961 Mercy Bowl team. Mehas often credited his teachers and coaches as the true inspiration for a career that began in Fresno and Clovis Unified School Districts, eventually leading him to Sacramento. In 1987, Mehas was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian as Chief Education Advisor. In 1990, he was elected Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, where he completed four consecutive terms from 1990 to 2006, working just a few doors away from the malt shop and Athenian Restaurant, run by his father while he was growing up. It was there he learned the value of an honest day's work, respect for others and, above all, integrity. "It's not where you line up, it's where you end up," he would say. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the students of Fresno County, his tireless advocacy for migrant children, expelled and incarcerated youth, and special needs students. Following his retirement as superintendent of schools, he was appointed to serve as a member of the California State University Board of Trustees, where he most recently served as chair of the presidential search committee responsible for appointing Dr. Joseph Castro as John Welty's successor at Fresno State University. As chairman of the university's Centennial Celebration in 2010 -2011, he reveled in promoting Fresno State and touting its bright future. The recipient of countless honors, Peter was most proud of the Leon S. Peters and Rose Ann Vuich awards, named after individuals he admired and held in the highest esteem. A motivator and mentor, principled and uncompromising, in constant pursuit of helping young people realize then exceed their potential, these attributes best personify the man behind the titles. He was a lover of history, a master of quotes, and could often be heard uttering the words, "Carpe diem" (seize the day) to students, friends and colleagues. He refused to let the detractors defeat him, and loved recounting the wisdom of great philosophers. "True courage is about being brave five minutes longer," he would say. Although partial to Nikos Kazantzakis, author of "Zorba the Greek," he had recently quoted William Saroyan while traveling abroad with friends, saying, "Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case." These prophetic words now underscore his love of life and the people who surrounded him. He loved the many traditions of his Greek culture, including sipping Ouzo with friends, but above all, was a man of great faith. Throughout his career, he visited classrooms and enjoyed reading to children, an exercise he insisted renewed and re-energized him, refueling his passion. In more recent years, his greatest joy was derived from time spent in the mountains or on the beaches of Southern California with his twin granddaughters. Comfortable in Washington and Sacramento, he was happiest at home, surrounded by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sylvia Mehas; and father-in-law, Chris Petropulos. He is survived by his wife Demi; daughters, Alethea Mehas Crespo and her husband Roberto, Andreanna Mehas; and granddaughters, Isabella and Andreanna Crespo; mother-in-law, Bessie Petropulos; sisters, Tulla Chrisman and her husband Jim, Georgia Golling and her husband Robert; sister-in-law, Stephanie Kachadurian; uncles, Louie Gundunas and his wife Peggy, Gus Gundunas and his wife Kathy; aunts, Irene Pappadikis and Caroline Liviakis; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Farewell Funeral Service on Thursday, October 3, 2013, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard Street, Fresno, on Friday, October 4, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be made to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church; or Children's Hospital Central California.