Peter Hegeman Waldo was born March 10, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah and died of natural causes at the age of 68 in his home on April 7, 2023, in Holladay, Utah.
Survived by his spouse Stephanie Bourne Waldo; two children Sarah Waldo Burton (Tanner) and Hal Bourne Waldo (Linda); four siblings Emily (Phil) Stoll, Libby Burgess, Judy (Mark) Bracken, Bruce (Jenny) Waldo; and five grandchildren Willa, Ellis, Jonah, Mina and Ruthie.
His father was Harold (Hal) Russell Waldo, who died when Peter was 19, and his mother was Nancy Waldo, who preceded him in death.
Peter grew up in the Upper Avenues of Salt Lake City, where he met Stephanie Bourne at the age of 15. Peter attended the First Presbyterian Church, later to join with the Unitarian Universalist Church, and other associations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Masons. He graduated from East High School and studied as an undergraduate at Westminster College, the University of Utah, and the University of Hawaii. Peter then received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah to be a 4th generation attorney. At the age of 23, Peter married Stephanie Bourne on June 10, 1978.
While his kids were young, Peter would take his family hiking in southern Utah almost monthly. He continued a 32-year tradition of camping with family and friends in the Tetons every July.
Peter played a lot of soccer until his knees wouldn’t let him, then traded out to basketball for years with great friends. As Hal and Sarah’s soccer and football coach for 8 years, he hardly missed a game as he cheered them on from the sidelines.
Peter enjoyed traveling, including a solo trip to Europe and being a ranch hand in Hawaii. Peter was a water dog – there was no stream, lake, or ocean he didn’t consider jumping into. His hobbies were mostly for the great outdoors: hiking, kayaking, biking, golf, and downhill and cross-country skiing, mostly at his cabin in Alta. He had a lifelong passion for astronomy and was part of astronomy clubs in Hawaii and Utah - he was certified to use the large telescope provided by the Utah chapter. Some of Peter’s favorite experiences came from traveling with his family. Locations included England, France, Italy, Russia, and a safari in Kenya.
After retiring, Peter would frequent the opera and symphony as well as get together twice a week with his friends to play ping pong. He maintained friendships with some that he knew since he was 5 years old, along with many other long-lasting connections.
Peter was known for his easy-going demeanor and likeable attitude. He was quick to smile, always playful, and ready for a joke. He especially loved to be with babies. At any party he would quickly identify any babies in the room and swoop in to hold them as long as he could. He was amicable towards everyone and beloved by all those who knew him as a loving, gentle man.
Per Peter’s request, no funeral will be held. A date for a celebration of his life will happen in the future.
Sorry
My sincere condolences to Stephanie and family.
What a good man! I was lucky enough to ski with Pete along with my brother more than a few times. I was in awe of Pete's skiing skills! Every time I saw peter, he was genuinely interested it how I was and what I was doing.
A life well lived!
Stephanie, Sarah, Hal, and Peter’s siblings,
My friendship with Peter extended over sixty years, from Ensign Elementary through East High and beyond. The number of years is less important than the quality of our relationship. Together we were in Cub and Boy Scouts, took our first skiing lessons, went to Canada, and spent a summer building my family cabin in the Unitas. Both of us at twenty, had little construction experience, but with Peter’s analytical skills we were able to solve most problems. He always seemed to remain positive, when I was ready to give up. Peter was one of those rare individuals who wasn’t reluctant to give it another try, when the odds seemed stacked against us. He didn’t look down on others, whatever their occupation, and would engage them as equal. He was genuine, and people could sense that.
I was so happy for him and Stephanie when they got together and married. He often told me that being a parent to Sarah and Hal was one of the biggest joys of his life.
To my dear friend Peter: I will never forget you. I will always think of you when I’m skiing powder, and especially when I’m gazing up at the stars.
Steff, Sara and Hal. Steve and I are heart broken about Peter. We have so many fond memories of all of us camping together. I loved seeing him just about ever Friday night at ping pong. He loved holding the babies when he was here. We miss him terribly. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call.
I had a flood of emotions hit me when I just found out a few days ago that Peter had passed away. When I heard the news, I yelled, “Noooo!” How saddened I became became for you, Stephanie, Sarah and darling Hal. I am just so very sorry. He was way too young to die.
The Avenues truly made childhood magical for me…and I know, so many others. Northcrest Swimming Pool and Swim Team, were the best part of it! I have the best picture of most of our swim team, and would love to somehow post or share it with you, I feel like I was always over at the Waldo house after swim team practice, eating cereal with Judy and Libby, whom I adored!!
Peter was my “boyfriend,” so I thought…, starting in the 3rd grade until my mother remarried and we moved away for a bit after the summer of 6th grade.
Ensign Elementary was another amazing part of life. It was every single one of us, in our grade, that I will cherish forever. I remember when all you Bourne’s moved in the neighborhood, up on 17th Ave! Your family (and Dad💝) made the Avenues even more special!!! I oved knowing I had you, Steph, as a new friend!!. I saw Clancy Wolf on here, got so excited because I have thought of him so much. During my life. I’m hoping I can reach out to him somehow., someway!
Stephanie, you were always such a kind, sweet , personable person to me. I always loved the deep talks we would have about love, live, and thing….remember those (more more High school era)? I thank you for always being so kind to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief. I will be anxious to know when you will be celebrating Peters life, because I would love to be there!
Love you, Stephanie
A few memories with my teen years best friend:
Shenanigans at school
Soccer
Skiing
Camping
Southern Utah
Road trips
A summer working at a stone quarry
Motorcycle trip to Highways 1 and 101 in California and Oregon and back
Weekends
Well done my Friend, you will be missed!
Wow Peter, didn’t see this coming
We, your old friends, miss your presence intensely
All my love to Stephanie and your children
Peace and love to all
Todd
My heart goes out to you for the loss of Peter. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. What a loving and inspirational life he led. I fondly remember the Waldo sisters, Emily and Stephanie and times we shared.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Patsy Droubay
Peter,
You are and have been dearly loved by our family. I have so many memories of you at Lake Powell, skiing, in London and France... You have a depth of kindness that embraces everyone you are around. No one can maintain a false face around children, and they swarmed around you knowing of your love and kindness.
All my dear memories of the Bourne family has you right there. You were a loving and essential member of our family. Your greatest legacy is your children. They are two of the most profoundly good people I know. Your goodness and kindness will live on in them.
This is not good bye, just so long for now. I look forward to a time when we can all meet again. I love you dear brother.
Judi
Dear Stephanie, Sarah, and Hal,
We were so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Recently, I was telling the story about him being awakened by the bear in the Tetons -- what a passion he had for life! Such a big loss for you all. Love from us in this very difficult time.
Dave and Debra