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

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • July 29, 2022
    Steve and Nancy Calderwood says:
    We had so many memories together. Growing up on the lake in Deering from when I was born until I left for the Army at 19. Your family and ours sharing the lodge until your own house got built ( I worked two summers with your Dad doing that). Swimming and rolling on the great behemoth log. Your first motorboat that allowed us to water ski, and then over the years, ski for hours on end without stopping. Camping out on the islands, first boys and girls together and then as we got older, on separate islands. Going every Sunday to hear your Dad or Brad preach at Deering Church, then having bible study on the Deepwood front lawn before we could water ski. You living in Watertown and working at IBM when I got back from the Army, and getting me a job at the Waltham IBM location that I could do in the evenings after classes. Starting your life with Carol and bringing your two wonderful pairs of kids together into one wonderful family. Your great house up in Blue Hills Maine, where we had a chance to visit. Then your move down to North Carolina. I so regret that COVID prevented Nancy and I from visiting you this past year on our way to and from Florida. You have been such a major and steady part of my entire life. A great person, a great father, a great cousin ( nearly a brother) and we so wish we could have been there in those final days to hug you, to thank you, to remind you of all you have meant to so many people and especially Nancy and I. The special bonds of the ABCs and of you and Doug particularly have been an anchor in my life in good times and bad. You were a very special person and will always have a special place in our hearts. Know how much both Nancy and I loved you and missed seeing you, and may peace and comfort surround you now Love Steve and Nancy Calderwood

  • July 29, 2022
    Tina Schenk says:
    indeed a stellar human being.....loved being around him in the WCS. He made the people around him feel good...what a treasure!

  • July 28, 2022
    Tim Gregerson says:
    Peter first entered my life in 1975, or early 76, and we immediately became dear friends. I was honored to be invited to his home in NY and to meet is wonderful family, Carol, Christopher (I have one, too), Dan, Katie and Leslie, all of whom I have missed for quite some time ... as my cross country travel diminished ... and their lives went in the appropriate direction they needed for their own loves and happiness! My conversations with Carol, about so many different views she listened to me express over the years, remain the cherished memories we all have for special people. And, atop all of those memories is my history with Peter. He was my hero, my editor, my guiding light at times, and ever-so-willing to help whenever I asked, which was probably too often! His departure from this orb is a huge loss to mankind, in general, and to all who will follow me, here, in recognizing how truly special Peter was. I feel he represented the epitome of friendship and the personification of "A man among men!" His love will never fade away! :-)

  • July 28, 2022
    Georgie Harrison says:
    Sleep well my friend, the world is a less caring place without you. I will miss you very much.

  • July 27, 2022
    John Belletti says:
    So sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. He was an extremely smart and caring man, as well as having a great singing voice. I will miss him.