Peter K. Haile

Rev. Dr. Peter K. Haile, previously of Westport, CT, and Stony Brook, NY, died on Friday, May 16th, 2025. He was 100. When asked recently what he wanted people to know about him, he was resolute: "That I know and love God." Indeed, that theme ran throughout Peter's eventful life, spanning three continents. He was born in 1925 at the Tiger Kloof School (then run by the London Missionary Society for the education of Black South Africans) in Vryburg, South Africa, where his father was principal for 40 years. The school, which refused to compromise its mission, was closed by the apartheid government in 1962, reopening in 1995. At the age of 10, Peter was sent to live with an aunt in London–until the Blitz forced him, and many other children, to evacuate. He spent three happy years at Monkton Combe School in Bath, England, where he excelled in academics and sports, playing rugby, field hockey, and running cross country. Upon graduation, he joined the Royal Navy. In 1947, after three years on destroyers in the Mediterranean, he arranged for his military discharge in South Africa, and, for the first time in 12 years, was reunited with his parents–a joyous occasion he would cherish throughout the rest of his life. Following his naval service, Peter read modern history and earned his teaching certificate at Jesus College, Oxford–where he also continued his athletic career, running cross-country with Roger Bannister. He joined the Oxford Christian Union, which in turn led to a mission year in the United States–where he met and married Jane Hollingsworth of Augusta, GA. They lived in the Boston area while Peter served on the staff of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, ministering to college students on campuses across New England. In 1961, Peter began a 29-year stint at the Stony Brook School on Long Island, NY, serving as an English teacher, chaplain, and assistant headmaster. In 1981 he published a compilation of sermons and talks he had given called The Difference God Makes: Living as if God Matters. Upon retirement, he spent 10 years as Assistant Pastor at the Three Village Church in Setauket, NY. Peter eventually retired to Westport, CT, where he lived for 15 years, before finally moving to Mozaic Senior Life in Bridgeport, where he received extraordinary care. A faithful correspondent, he cherished his relationships with friends and members of the Haile family scattered around the globe, particularly in England. He marked his 100th birthday in February with a special gathering surrounded by his entire family, spanning four generations. He was predeceased by his wife Jane, and is survived by his son, John (Susan); his daughter, Rebecca Swanson (David); five grandchildren: CMDR David Haile (Michelle), Andrew Haile (René), Sarah Haile, Dr. David Swanson III (Katharine), and Peter Swanson (Marissa); and six great-grandchildren: Nora, James, Christopher, Brandon, Alethea, and Naomi. Above all, it is the wealth of loving relationships that is the hallmark of Peter's deep and abiding faith. His devoted family looked to him as a role model and a source of unfailing wisdom and love. And in every community of which he was a part, he nurtured friendships which reflected his lifelong aim to know and love God. All who knew him knew his love, warmth, and gratitude. As was once said of Peter's dear friend and mentor, Pierson Curtis, "one of God's masterpieces has gone to be with his maker." A private burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Stony Brook, NY. A memorial service to celebrate Peter's life will be held July 3rd at the Stony Brook School, Stony Brook, NY, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Peter's name to one of the following, which were all very important to Peter: • • • The Stony Brook School (sbs.org) • • • • Mozaic Senior Life (mozaicsl.org) • • • • Tiger Kloof Educational Institution (tigerkloof.org)