Peter Riker Beaven

December 31, 1941 - July 25, 2022
Peter Riker Beaven

Memorial Gifts & Donations


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 step children, 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, participating in the OSHER Lifetime Learning Institute (OLLI) developing the Zoom capabilities used during the pandemic, 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.

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/

Tribute Wall

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  • April 20, 2023
    Kit Malone lit a candle:
    Lit since April 20, 2023 at 4:05:34 AM

  • April 20, 2023
    Kit Malone says:
    I became a better person because of you dear Uncle. Thank you for the warmth and kindness you showed me so often through my life. Your smile is locked in my heart, I think of you so often. Count myself lucky to have reconnected with you on Messenger after your diagnosis. Couldn't be prouder to have known you.

  • August 26, 2022
    Sara Fleming says:
    I'll miss Peter's big heart and his positive outlook. The world is a little less bright with him gone, but he left quite a legacy, including a wonderful family. Wherever he landed he left a community of people whose lives he enriched. Sending love.

  • August 17, 2022
    Gretchen Lothrop lit a candle:
    Lit since August 17, 2022 at 8:33:23 PM

  • July 31, 2022
    Judy and Ed Bass says:
    We have loved having Peter and Carol as next door neighbors. Peter will surely be missed by all of us in Magnolia Greens, who knew him. He was a kind and caring soul, who won our hearts.