Peter Van Buren Isburgh

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Peter Van Buren Isburgh was born August 29, 1930 in Albany, NY to Donald Isburgh and Helen Palmer Isburgh and died February 4, 2012. Growing up in New York and Maryland, he enjoyed competing in a variety of sports especially track and field events during the popular "Field Days." In 1948, Peter graduated from Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA and was described in his senior yearbook as "blessed with six feet three inches and blond hair" and was fondly nicknamed "Boss" by his classmates. Peter attended the University of Maryland on an athletic scholarship and was an intercollegiate champion javelin thrower. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. Upon graduation in 1953, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Peter was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Moving often with his growing family, he served on several Air Force bases stateside as well as in Guam, Germany, Belgium and Canada. While stationed in Quebec, Canada, Peter served as the Commander of the American Air Force detachment for NATO and returned to the states to join the Office of the Inspector General Team, Field Command, Defense Atomic Support Agency. While serving his country, Peter was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. Peter retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1974 and began a career in real estate. He married Dorothy Mae Giomi French in 1978. Peter and Dorothy worked together in real estate for 20 years. In retirement, Peter enjoyed golfing, family gatherings, cultivating his yard and garden, traveling with Dorothy and cheering for his grandchildren at their various sporting events. Peter had a passion for new cars and was known to thoroughly research the new car models each year and then test drive them just for the fun of it. Friends and family will miss his friendly smile, strong handshake and fun-loving personality. He typically ended phone conversations with "cheers" instead of the usual goodbye. Peter is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dorothy; brother, Donald Isburgh and wife Mary of Albany, NY; and sister, Carolyn McCoy and husband Dan of Santa Fe, NM; five children: Peter V.B. Isburgh, Jr. (Johanna) of Austin, TX, Susan Price (Kevin) of Panama City Beach, FL, Kathryn Wilson (Britt) of Cedar Crest, NM, Carolyn Crombie (Richard) of Sandia Park, NM, and Ann Staab (Eric) of Albuquerque, NM; three stepchildren: Stephen French (Katherine Tourek), Deidre French, all of Albuquerque, NM, and Gregg French of New Orleans, LA; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Peter was preceded in death by his brother, David Isburgh and stepson, Bruce French. A Christian memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the French - Wyoming Chapel on Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2:00 p.m. Interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery will take place in the spring.