Born 9/10/34 in Basel, Switzerland to Samuel Graf and Elisabeth Lindegger he was raised as an only child. Growing up he learned to swim and sail the Rhine River, was on a rowing team, became an expert skier and biked the challenging hairpin passes up and down the mountains of Switzerland.
After a business apprenticeship in a hardware store in Basel, he joined Swissair, with the goal of traveling the world. At age 24 he was transferred to NYC. There he started out as a reservations agent. With only rudimentary English skills he begged his co-workers for help, one of them being Jutta Herion, who was happy to help this dashing 6’4 man.
In 1960 Peter and Jutta married and embarked on what was to be a rich and adventurous life. In 1963 they welcomed their son Mark, followed by their daughter Heidi in 1965. Together they moved many times between the American and European continents, making friends along the way. In 1980, while living in Switzerland, Peter and Jutta opened their arms to Lan and Hai Vu, two Vietnamese children who had fled their country by boat and needed a foster home.
In 1983 Peter attained his dream job with Swissair. He became General Manager for North and Central America, based in New York City, bringing Peter and Jutta back to where their love story began. Peter continued to thrive in his work, so much so that in 1986 he became Vice President of Swissair at their head office in Zurich. During the course of his 35 year career with Swissair his original goal of traveling the world was satisfied. He visited 49 countries around the globe for both business and pleasure.
Peter decided to retire from Swissair in 1991so he and Jutta could spend their time doing the things they loved most. They moved full time to their sanctuary in Deer Isle, Maine. There Peter sailed the waters with his wooden sailboat, skied and hiked, gardened and played tennis. He also pursued his dream of starting his own business. Together with a local lobster fisherman he started Sunshine Seafood, buying and selling lobsters.
Along the way grandchildren were born: Vanja,Minh Tien, Paris, Minh Tuong, Thuy Trinh, Ysanne, Ciara, and Ha Vy. Peter was a highly involved grandfather. So much so that he and Jutta decided to move to Portland from the Blue Hill Peninsula in 2005 to be closer to their daughter and her three daughters when they relocated from New York City. He nourished and guided his tribe throughout his life. Providing objective and tender wisdom he kept his family safe and happy. He was everyone’s moral compass. Peter lent a helping hand wherever he could, volunteering for hospice, working with the immigrant community through Adult Education and much more.
In February of 2012 Peter was struck with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. It came as a shock. Peter bravely underwent grueling, yet life saving treatment at MMC. He was under the care of Dr. Boyd, his dedicated hematologist, and Dr. Reynolds, his caring PCP. Thanks to the outstanding health team at MMC, Gibson Pavilion and the IV therapy team at Scarborough Campus, Peter received excellent care for which the family wants to express their deepest gratitude. Also to the circle of friends who enveloped Peter with love, supporting him and his family throughout turbulent times and to Hospice of Southern Maine for their caring guidance in the last week of his life.
Peter is survived by his wife Jutta Graf of Portland, his daughter Heidi Graf and her partner Ron Petrone of Cape Elizabeth, by his daughter Lan Nguyen Vu of Bern, Switzerland, his son Hai Vu of Zurich, Switzerland and by his 8 grandchildren.
Peter joined his son Mark who died tragically on October 10th, 2012. Together they are soaring through our universe - at peace and with endless love.
At Peter’s request there will be no services. According to his wishes we will gather for a Celebration of Life in early August.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to MMC c/o Gibson Pavilion, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102
1 comment:
Dearest Jutta,
It's been a year since Peter passed away. He has been on our minds these last few days. We send you our love.
Irene and Chris
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