Peter Riker Beaven

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

Gifts & Memorial 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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  • July 30, 2022
    Anne Michel says:
    Ah Cousin! I was the youngest and remember only sad attempts at getting up on those water skis at Deering lake. But later in life you were a frequent visitor to Castine and sang beautifully at both Fred and Fran’s memorial services. You and Carol were gracious hosts many times and I’m glad I made it to NC once. I only wish I could be there to send you off. Godspeed Peter.

  • July 29, 2022
    Winki Winburn says:
    Gentleman Pete........ What a lovely, bright, talented, kind and gracious gentleman! Peter Beaven has left a great legacy! He surely will be missed.

  • July 29, 2022
    Kathy Cameron says:
    Paul & I are so very sorry for your loss. We are sending prayers and hugs for everyone. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • July 29, 2022
    Sarah Q. Malone posted an image:
    Uncle Peter... So loved and appreciated... 🥺 💖
    Uncle Peter... So loved and appreciated... 🥺 💖

  • July 29, 2022
    Robert Beaven says:
    My memories of Peter consist of a fondness for an Uncle that always had a smile and a laugh (loved his laugh) for me as well as someone who was not one to hold back on sharing what he thought might help me. From a small child playing at his home in Pleasantville (Garbage Pail kids comes to mind, asking me to explain what the were and showing a genuine interest) to Carol and his beautiful home in Blue Hill Maine where my Grandmother and I visited for a few weeks, making them dinner. It was when I learned that a tablespoon of poppy seeds in the pasta dish I was making was a lot more than the teaspoon it called for. Guess who ate everything on his plate...with a smile? Peter was someone that I looked up to and provided me with advice whenever we spoke that came from the heart. My memories of him will stay in my heart as will those within the family he raised. The world was a better place having him be a part of it.