Peter L. Bown, age 95, passed away on September 29, at the Brentwood Retirement Community, where he had been residing the last several months, after losing his beloved wife of 69 years, Doris Bown, in February of this year. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn and was pre-deceased by his beloved son, Christopher; and his much-loved siblings, Edie and Joe. Peter was born and raised in Foolow, England, and in the mid 1950’s, took a New York City job posting from the company he was working for in England. He subsequently brought his wife and daughter to America, where Peter and Doris raised their family, including son Christopher, born in America. They resided in Westchester, New York until re-locating to Hernando 20 years ago.
During World War II, Peter served in the British Army, in North Africa, Egypt, Sicily and Italy. In Naples, he was hospitalized after he contracted gangrene from a wound. He first met Doris on New Year’s Eve at the British equivalent of a USO dance for the military, after putting his uniform on over his pajamas and sneaking out of the hospital. He always enjoyed listening to the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman during the 40’s, conjuring up attractive images of America, which became a place he very much wanted to visit, so he was very happy to have the business opportunity to live and work in the states. He adapted to life in America, commuting to New York City from the Westchester suburbs and rapidly becoming a big fan of the Jets and the Mets. While he very much loved the small village in the English countryside where he had grown up, and all the family, friends and traditions there, America became his new home.
Peter and his wife Doris were devoted to raising their family and loved a night out dancing, going to the beach, and picnicking. They returned to England for family visits when they could and also enjoyed many vacations near Lake Luzerne in the Adirondacks and more recently, in the Outer Banks. Peter was an avid tennis player in spite of bad knees which eventually confined him to spectator status for his favorite sport. However, he loved watching all sports, keeping tabs on many of his favorite teams and players from golf through car racing on the national and international levels. He loved reading, playing cards and always had a curious, exploring mind. Just as he had always wanted to visit America, Florida also always held an attraction for him and he was happy to move to the sunny, warm climate, especially as he hated the cold in the worst way. Both he and Doris were lucky to make some good new friends with their neighbors in Citrus Hills.
A private memorial service for both Peter and Doris will be held in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. If desired, a donation could be made in his name to the Beagle Rescue Organization (https://donate.rescueme.org/beagle) or to any local animal shelter or organization. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL is in charge of arrangements.
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