Peter Billings Obituary

We admire Peter and Marney Billings for their love of family, their dedication to the Democratic Party, and their love of adventure. We feel so lucky to have had them for friends for many years.

In the fall of 1987, I was a senior applying to colleges, and as part of the application process, I had to undergo alumni interviews. I only remember two of them. The first, for Yale, went fine, but ultimately I did not get accepted. The second, for Brown University, was conducted by Peter Billings.

When I went to his downtown corporate office in Salt Lake City, our interview began before I even sat down.

"So, do you ski much?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. Since I was six."

"Well, don´t take your skis back east, because it´s all ---- compared to here. Too icy!"

We shared a hearty laugh, which instantly put me at ease. I don´t remember anything else about the interview except that it felt like a breeze, and it must have gone well because I was accepted to Brown (statistically improbable though that was). I loved my time there, and I´ve largely followed Peter's skiing advice, reserving my time on the slopes for my trips home to Utah and its incomparable snow. And although we never crossed paths again, I retained a spot in my heart for the man who helped changed the course of my life in one encounter.

RIP, Peter. My condolences to his family and friends.

Dearest Marney, Molly, David, Theo, Navya, and Josh,

Peter left a beautifully permanent shaping of my soul, for which I'm grateful to this day. I spent all my formative years on holidays with him - river trips, picnics at Doughnut Falls, Christmas Eves, Easters, Fourth of Julys, Memorial Days, and much later on, at funerals and weddings of family members. Peter lives on in my memory as a kind, smart, clever, generous, and principled force; a sensible and courageous leader for Democrats and nonteetotalers in Utah, plus one of the few people who understood and appreciated my favorite school, St. John's College.

Peter is loved. May the memory of his passing be a blessing.

nonstop hugs,
Kates

I first met Peter Billings during his tenure as Chairman of the Utah Liquor Control Commission (as that thankless agency was then known) in 1979. He called me and my boss Ken Wynn into his office to insist on our opening Utah´s first Wine Store. We secured a space on the southeast corner of Trolley Square, I scrambled to purchase wines wholesale from suppliers who had never considered this market, and we opened the first of December that year. Needless to say, Peter´s foresight was a great success!

My mom and dad, David and Nancy Roth, were so sad at the news of Peter's death. I'm making sure we get it on the news tonight (I work at Fox 13 in SLC.) Anyone here have a good personal photo of him you like? I only have the official pictures. Thanks!

I was sadly surprised to read of Peter´s passing. For a time, I was able to call him friend and mentor in politics. I counted on his guidance as a Board Member of Planned Parenthood Action Council and in our work with candidates. He was always willing to engage in a deep and friendly manner. I wills miss him. Sending love to Marnie and his family.

Know one will know the true impact Peter had in our community and all the back rooms he quietly influenced public policy. RIP

Peter was such a dynamic friend and leader. We will miss his daily mark on our lives and his decency in all he accomplished.

Peter never saw a problem he couldn´t solve or a country he didn´t want to visit. A remarkable politician (my mentor and colleague always) and a gifted lawyer, he was determined to beat cancer and set a record of doing it for eight courageous years. You left us with grace and dignity, Peter. I will remember that and you always.

We are so sorry for your loss
Jess and Olivia Agraz

I was lucky to know Peter (and Marney) during my time at KUER. I always found Peter to be extremely intelligent, personable, and kind. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Much love to his entire family.

Becky Youkstetter

To Marney and family:

It's so difficult to say goodbye to the best humans. I send condolences for your loss of Peter, for myself and my recently deceased husband, Ted Wilson.

Ted went much further back with Peter than I, of course, on the tough path of Utah politics. I know we both always enjoyed seeing him at many Democratic candidate fundraisers and other events. He was smart, kind, wise. And so smart.

If the universe is kind, Peter is sitting with Wayne Owens and Ted at this moment, solving climate change, the crisis in the Middle East, and everything else that matters!

Peace and comfort to all.