Peter passed away peacefully on his 82nd birthday surrounded by family at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, after suffering complications from a heart condition.
The second of three brothers, Peter was born on March 7, 1943 in Rockville Centre, New York, and raised on Long Island where he loved to sail in his youth. After graduating from Massapequa High School, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fairfield University, a Master’s in Library Science from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Arts from Ohio University, a place that cemented his passion for architecture, history, and photography.
Peter moved to Utah in 1970 and formed a lifelong affiliation with the University of Utah where he rose to Professor of Architectural History and later served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students, Director of the Center of Architectural Studies, and Associate Vice President of Research for Scholarly & Creative Activities. For his contributions, Peter received numerous awards and acknowledgements, including academic fellowships, a Fulbright Senior Research Scholarship, the Lucybeth Rampton Award and an honorary membership in the American Institute of Architects.
Along with his career, Peter applied his love for history and photography to numerous projects. Among others, he served on historical preservation committees for four Utah governors, chronicled the architecture of Utah and the West in several books and publications, was a member of Utah Westerners, and exhibited his photography of buildings and the intermountain sheep industry in venues such as the Western Folklife Center. His earlier photographs capturing campus life during the Vietnam War are held in a special eponymous collection at Ohio University.
Peter’s grin widened and eyes twinkled whenever among family and friends. He also enjoyed current affairs, travel, and weekend trips to Spring City where he loved golfing, exploring, and just sitting on his porch to chat with passersby about the town’s unique history and architecture. He and his wife split their time between Salt Lake and Las Vegas where Peter relished his role as a docent at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. He was a calm and affable man who liked a good story, a moment of laughter, and a simple stroll with his dog. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his smile and gentle nature.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents, George L. and Marion Goss, and siblings Richard (Eleanor) and George. He is survived by his wife of 41 years Inge-Lise, son Kaj, stepsons Jason Pedersen (Heather) and Burke Pedersen (Kelly), stepdaughter Nicole Varela, seven grandchildren and step grandchildren, sisters-in-law Eleanor Goss and Helga Levy (Ralph), and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Peter’s life will be scheduled at a future time. Anyone wishing to express sympathy can honor Peter’s memory by donating to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Guestbook/Condolences
Peter was a patient and encouraging mentor, serving on my Master's project committee and consulting on various architecture and historic preservation projects over the years. When I was a grad student Peter was on my Master's project committee and I also worked closely with him preparing a historic structures report and drawings for the addition to his house in Spring City as he was restoring it. I recall long discussions with him on the various preservation projects he was involved in. But what I remember most about Peter is he was always kind, positive and willing to answer a question. And I could always count on a Christmas card from him and Inge-Lisa!
I am saddened to hear the news of his passing that I just learned of today. He helped nurture my affection of prairie school architecture with his books and information, especially regarding Taylor Woolley. One of my fondest memories is when he brought a class to Highland Park and they toured my home. He helped create a legacy with the knowledge he brought specifically regarding Utah architecture.