Obituaries

'Mr. Los Gatos' Peter Carter Eulogized As 'Salt, Light,' Maverick, Joyful Spirit

Silicon Valley advertising executive, acclaimed photographer, political adviser, fundraiser, and iconic Los Gatos and Santa Clara County civic leader also remembered for bringing people together.

More than 1,000 "lovers and dreamers," .... those looking for the "rainbow connection," just like their beloved friend Peter Carter, paid tribute to his life Saturday morning during a memorial service at Mission Santa Clara de Asis Church at Santa Clara University.

Carter, 70, the glue that held together the social and cultural scene in Los Gatos for many decades, unexpectedly died March 6 after falling down the staircase of his Broadway home.

More than a dozen heartfelt speeches by close family and friends eulogized "Mr. Los Gatos" giving thanks for the blessing of having had him in their lives. The ceremony ended with Kenneth Ascher and Paul Williams' Rainbow Connection, a song made famous during the The Muppet Movie.

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Touched by the music and the lyrics, friend and former business associate Linda S. Rodriguez said the song reflected Carter's lifelong quest of finding that special association with others who needed love, friendship and support.

A beautiful glossy three-fold program containing about 30 photos of Carter and his family read: "He lived, he laughed, he loved, he left ... and the world will never be the same."

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The most poignant moments during the service were when wife Dennise carried his ashes to the altar, which were covered with a red sash and his two sons, Scott and Shawn Carter, openly wept at the pulpit remembering the great example of love and service their father had set for them.

"Our father did not like the limelight, but he was always ready to capture it in photographs," they wrote in the program. "Our homes and those of our friends and family are filled with his amazing photos."

Among those in attendance were many South Bay dignitaries and political figures such as Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman, a Los Gatos resident and neighbor of Carter, Rep. Mike Honda, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Los Gatos Mayor Barbara Spector, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen and former District Attorney George Kennedy.

Also present were many high-profile advertising and public relations employees and colleagues of Carter's, Rotarians and faithful members of the Los Gatos Social Club, which he founded.

Father Gerald Wade called Carter salt and light recalling his energetic optimism in 1981 when he helped plan Bellarmine College Preparatory's 20th class reunion. "There was in Peter always a present energy, zest for life, vitality, a welcoming and a genuine smile on his face," he said. "Peter was life ... all of us have shared the special gatherings and moments with Peter and Dennise."

Wade said Carter realized his gifts and talents grew by sharing them with others.

Lifelong friend Kathy Nicholson, who met Carter at Fremont Elementary School almost 60 years ago, read a thank-you note she had written her friend. "Thank you for being a great friend to have at age 14," she said, reminiscing about Cater saving money to buy a Vespa scooter in their early years rescuing her from social isolation.

"Thank you for being an enthusiastic supporter of people in crisis," Nicholson said, adding that during the election last fall Carter had jokingly asked her how she had become a "communist."

Beryl Israel recalled how almost 40 years ago Carter worked at Carter Callahan, which he transformed with his energy, his writing and public relations skills helping the agency excel representing commercial and residential real estate, insurance and financial services, utilities, government, health care and nonprofits. 

His company employed hundreds of workers throughout the years and the agency's client roster was a "who's who of Silicon Valley," Israel said. 

"Peter was a true maverick. Peter was a madman. Peter was marvelous. He was also my mentor and dear friend and I'm going to miss him very much," she said, her voice breaking.

Chuck Toeniskoetter, one of Carter's first clients in the late 1970s, remembered he represented all the major real estate firms in the area and was a community resource.

Longtime friend Jonathan Knowles, who served with Carter on the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Foundation and Los gatos Music & Arts boards of directors and cared for two planters in downtown Los Gatos with wife Kelly and Carter and his wife Dennise, said, "He knew how to appreciate the fine things in life living his retirement with great enthusiasm and pleasure.

"Peter was always an integral part of the social fabric of our community. He put his heart into Wine Society, Social Club, Jazz on the Plazz, Music in the Park, the Vesperados, our Vespa scooter gang, and so many of our other social activities."

Knowles noted that "what was most important to Peter was bringing as much joy during celebrations as possible ... He worked magic in people's lives." 

"He lived his retirement with great enthusiasm and pleasure" he noted. "He enjoyed fine food and wine and he enjoyed bringing people together. With impeccable taste and panache—and that irresistible grin—he paired his friends, family, and other lucky guests with delectable meals, fine wine, and, of course, his and Dennise’s famous Manhattans. He and Dennise created an ambiance of warmth, grace, and elegance in everything they did."

Los Gatos Mayor Barbara Spector said on a personal level it was very sad to have lost Carter and on a community level, the town would miss his contributions to the many events and causes he supported.

Friend Kathy Welch said Carter would be remembered for his beautiful gift of photography. "There wasn't one person in this chapel today who didn't have a  memory of Peter and his photography," she said.

A reception following the service at Presentation High School in San Jose was also well attended with many lingering until well past 4 p.m. Saturday to celebrate the life of their special friend.

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