LELAND — Peter Riker Beaven, born 1941, in Waterville Maine, died in peace surrounded by loving family, on July 25th, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Malone Beaven, and children, Katie Goodrow, Daniel Beaven, and stepchildren, Chris Harwood and Leslie Irvine. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, ranging from 8 to 24 years old.
His formative years were spent in Chicago IL, and then Rochester NY, where he attended Rochester University. His childhood was shared with his brother, Doug and sister, Sally.
Peter and Carol’s first encounter was as co-leads in a regional theater production of Brigadoon, and just like in that wonderful fable, they fell in love, remaining in an enchanted world of their own making, lasting more than 47 years.
Peter would describe his long and varied career in computer software design as an Information Technology Consultant. His work took him from Massachusetts to the New York area, settling his family in the NYC suburb of Pleasantville. After the four kids were grown, he and Carol relocated to Mid-Coast Maine, where they spent 25 glorious years in the Vacation State.
In 2011, after Carol sold her real estate agency, they both “retired” to Leland NC. Peter continued to consult now and again, but primarily they enjoyed the lifestyle and cherished friends they made in the South—including their greatest passion, singing together with the Wilmington Choral Society. He was a lifelong learner, furthering his education both formally and informally. Above all else, Peter was a person of empathy— a give the shirt off his back type. He was always happy to throw his desire to help others into any encounter that required it.
Plans for a Celebration of Life service are being made and details will be shared in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to either Dreams of Wilmington, a youth arts education organization: https://givetodreams.org
or the NAACP, an organization that Peter was involved with and passionate about: https://nhcnaacp.org/donate/
