Peter Van Dyke

Obituary of Peter Karlin Van Dyke

PETER KARLIN VAN DYKE "Be it known to all, I, Peter Van Dyke, am the most outstanding surfer in the blue Pacific." - Peter K. Van Dyke Peter K. Van Dyke passed away peacefully at his Aptos home on October 13, 2010, following a lengthy illness. Born in San Francisco, he was 74 years old. Peter served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, and later became a State Lifeguard stationed at Doheny State Beach, a City Lifeguard in San Clemente, and attended San Diego State University. A talented athlete and skilled waterman, Peter was a competitive weight lifter, marathon runner, paddler, swimmer, and surfer. He was one of the original pioneer surfers to travel to Hawaii and ride the "Big Waves" in the early 1960's. Moving to Santa Cruz in 1969, Peter continued his long board love of the ocean here, and worked as a chemist at Salz Leather Tannery. He retired with West Marine in 1999. He is survived by his nephews, Peter Van Dyke, Kurt Van Dyke, and Eric Van Dyke of Gilroy, CA, his nieces and nephews Karen and Keith Gallagher of Hawaii, Karl Gallagher of Napa, Kristina Marquez of Capitola, and Aleta Arn, Anna & Kristian Van Dyke of Hawaii. Peter also leaves his brothers: Frederick Van Dyke and Eugene Van Dyke both of Hawaii, and many loving extended family including his dear friends, Suzanne Riedinger, Karen Waterman, Phil and Sheryl Johnston all of Aptos, and his beloved Siamese Cat, "Ming". He was preceded in death by his nephew, Kirk Gallagher, his sister, Gretchen Gallagher and his parents, "Doc" and "Bill" Van Dyke. A very special thank you goes from Peter's family to the caregivers of Florence Kuo and Hospice of Santa Cruz. A paddle out will be announced at a later date and posted at O,Neill's and Freeline. Any kind acts of charity can be made in Peter's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Hospice of Santa Cruz, or the S.P.C.A.
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Peter
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel
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