Peter Olmstead Obituary

October 22, 1928 - June 20, 2015 Peter was grateful to have been born in Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Angeles. His growing up years were idyllically divided between LA and La Jolla. He resided on the Westside. Los Angeles' proximity made it possible for Peter to enjoy his favorite sports: tennis, skiing, and surfing. He was a member of the California Club, the Bel Air Bay Club, the San Onofre Surfing Club, Riviera Tennis Club, and The Beach Club. Snoozing under beach umbrellas contributed to his early nickname, "Balmy Olmy". Peter's 64-year career began as a security analyst in 1951. He started his own securities business in 1960, which became Morgan, Olmstead, Kennedy, & Gardner. It successfully merged with Wedbush Securities in 1988, to become Wedbush Morgan Securities. In 1975, Peter became a fulltime investment manager; he managed money ever since, even to the third generation. Peter was highly respected among his peers, and for the last many years had been invited into The President's Club of Wedbush Securites. Peter attended LA High, College of William and Mary, University of Arizona, and UCLA. Interested in education, he served as a member of the school board at St. Matthew's in Pacifica Palisades, and while Chairman of the Elder Board at Calvary Church, helped start Calvary Christian School. Since 2001, Peter had been on the Founding Board of Trustees at Pacifica Christian High School in Santa Monica. In 1997, Peter joined Westside Christian Fellowship, where his faith in Jesus Christ continued to grow. With the involvement of his church came other passions: Malawi Africa AIDS hospital, Harvest Home in Venice, CA, Thursday Morning Guys' Bible Study, Pacifica Christian High, The National Prayer Breakfast, the Fellowship, Community Bible Study. Peter and Cynthia hosted countless events in their Riviera home: fund raisers for the school, the AIDS hospital in Malawi; Bible studies, prayer meetings, and many informal gatherings of dear friends. Peter has been blessed with his son, Chris, and daughters Carol and Toni by his former wife, Doris Chase, whom he married in 1953. He is preceded by his grandchildren, Andrew & Lisa, Tim & Jeremie. The Love of his Life, was his dear wife, Cynthia, whom he married in 1979. They lived a rich, full, well-traveled, and joyous life for 36 years. In lieu of flowers, Peter requested a donation be made to Pacifica Christian High School, 1730 Wilshire Blvd, SM, 90403. Attention: Jim Knight, Head of School. A memorial service is being arranged at the Bel Air Bay Club, upper club.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Jun. 21 to Jun. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Olmstead

12 Entries

Catherine Patrick de Saint-Aignan

July 7, 2015

Dear Cynthia,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
You had told us your husband was not well but we are sorry he left you so soon.
We hope to travel with you soon.
We are keeping you and Peter in our prayers.

Priscilla Heeter

July 7, 2015

Dear Cynthia,
So sorry to learn of Pete's passing, from my brother Mike Sampson.
I loved Uncle Pete and enjoyed our phone conversations throughout the years. He enlightened me,in so many ways: faith in God, dealing with pain, laughing at illness, and deep love for family.
I will never forget him and will miss those conversations. My family wishes you comfort and strength during this sad time.

Fondly,
Priscilla Heeter

Jackie Beyea

July 3, 2015

Peter...how I miss my dear friend! He was ever so kind, patient, wise, a consummate gentleman, an encourager and teacher.

Belle and Tony Schwartz

June 28, 2015

Dear Cynthia
We are so sorry to hear about Peter. He will always be remembered as a true gentleman, loving husband, beloved father, and loyal friend. We have so many wonderful memories of you and Peter. Sending love and prayers to you and the family.
Belle & Tony Schwartz

Melina Munoz

June 26, 2015

Cynthia,
I will always hold close to my heart the time I had living with you and Peter. You both invited me into your home and welcomed me in your lives. Peter helped encourage me by his relationship with the Lord and his kind generosity. I know God used you and Peter as very special mentors in my life. How privileged I am to have been able to call Peter, friend.
Love you, Cynthia.

Laurie Bishop

June 25, 2015

My condolences to Peter's family. He was a dear friend to my parents, Lloyd and Joan Hughes, and a valuable help after their passing. His wisdom and kindness have guided my husband and I through the last forty years and he will be missed.
Laurie and David Bishop

Merry Ealy

June 24, 2015

Dear Cynthia, I send you thoughts of peace and courage in your time of sorrow.

June 24, 2015

My condolences to you, Carol, and to your family.
Diane Waingrow

Jeanne Landon-Campbell

June 24, 2015

Dear Carol, Toni, and Chris,
I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad - I have many fond memories of your family going back almost 50 years. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love to you all.

Patti Fitzgerald

June 23, 2015

Dear Cynthia, Chris, Carol, Toni, and Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We were so sorry to hear the news. I have so many happy memories growing up with Toni and the family ~ Hold on to all of your happy memories and he will always be with you! Lots of love to all of you <3

June 22, 2015

With all heart I will be there in spirit.....

Dick (Richard) Walsh

A. Long, long time friend

Debbie & Erin Murphy

June 22, 2015

Dearest Cynthia, Words alone cannot describe the man Peter was. His presence will be with us always. A gentleman to the very end who is looking over all of us now. He is blessed as has blessed all those he knew. All our love to you and your family.

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