Donald Gene Peter

1938 - 2025

Donald Gene Peter
07/13/1938 - 07/14/2025
Don Peter always led with his heart. Teaching, sports, community, family, friends, and writing formed the core of his life. Don was born in Ft. Lupton, Colorado to Robert and Mildred Mullen Peter, both educators. He was the third of five boys-all would become teachers. He excelled as a football player at Downey High School and Stanford University. Don attended Stanford on a full scholarship, receiving a BA in History in 1960 and an MA and teaching credential in 1961. Along with teaching history, Don coached football at Downey, Mills, and Burlingame High Schools. He also founded and coached the Burlingame Rugby Club that won the national championship.
Don's parents instilled in him the importance of contributing to his community. In the 1970s, he oversaw the conception and building of two creative playgrounds at Herbert Hoover Elementary in Burlingame with his first wife, Sally. He organized dozens of reunions and hosted backyard parties with his second wife, Elizabeth.
When they married twenty years ago, Don and Elizabeth became the hub of love and support for their blended Peter-Bradford family of five children, their partners, and ten grandchildren. Don and Elizabeth tutored kids at Homework Central and have been active members of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. They enjoyed walks down Burlingame Avenue and through Washington Park, where people inevitably stopped to say, "Hello Mr. Peter" or "Hi Coach." Don coined the saying "Just Do It!" long before Nike, often marching off to help a neighbor or to buy a cart of food for someone.
Don is famous for his incredibly detailed memory and storytelling talents. He wrote letters to newspaper editors, including the SF Chronicle, beginning in the 1970s. He mailed two hundred annual Valentines far and wide to express his love to family and friends. From 2022 to 2023, Don wrote a 450-page memoir filled with stories, advice, and his philosophies. His family and friends are forever grateful to have his sweet musings, told in true Don-style. He was writing Volume II 'til the very end.
Don is survived by Elizabeth, his dear wife and partner of 26 years; his children Carolyn Peter (Nigel Raab), Brian Peter, and Elizabeth Peter (Brent Davis); his stepsons Robert (Joanne) and William (Charlotte) Bradford; his grandchildren Matthew, Katherine, and Julia Peter, Bryce Davis, Casey, Bridget, Poppy, Mary, William, and Jimmy Bradford; his brothers Chuck (Bonnie) and Jim (Ann); twelve nieces and nephews; friends; former students; and coaches. He was preceded in death by his brothers Gery and Dick and their wives Ann and Diane; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Helen and Bill Del Biaggio; his first wife, Sally Blevins; and his parents.
A Memorial Service to honor Don will be held at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Foster City, on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11am.