1970
Pete
1970
Pete Alexander Santistevan
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
The greatest thing about Pete Santistevan is that he was 100 percent his own person. He had no use for conventionalities or decorum. He marched unapologetically to the beat of his own drummer, and his presence gave those around him the freedom to stretch themselves beyond the confines of anyone else's expectations. His boldness and unconventionality were balanced with the fact that he was tremendously loving and generous, he always thought about how he could provide for others or connect with them. He was a devoted friend and father and was painfully sentimental, loyal, nostalgic, and tenderhearted - qualities he kept very closely guarded. If you knew Pete well, he probably had a nickname for you. The words of Walt Whitman describe him best:
"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself - I am large, I contain multitudes."
Pete had a unique fashion sense. At any given time, you could find him dressed for comfort and practicality. You could always find a few things in his chest pockets of his pecheras: a pack of smokes, a carpenters pencil that had been sharpened with a knife, his pocket knife, a toothpick, and perhaps a snack or two.
There were a few things that Pete took very seriously: the proper cooking of barbecue meat, a good pun or joke, Neil Young, the great outdoors, and the demonstration of proper respect for the game of poker. If you were going to hang out with Pete, you had to be tough. He pulled no punches, had an irreverent and hilarious sense of humor, and his brand of adventures were not for the faint of heart.
Pete loved nature. One of the most beautiful things about him was the humble sincerity with which he appreciated the natural world, his intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. Any question you could think of, on nearly any topic, you could ask Pete and he would know the answer. With his passing, those who loved him have lost a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
Pete was happiest when he was fishing, camping or farming. He could teach you anything you'd ever need to know about surviving in the civilized world, AND in the uncivilized world. He was a teacher at heart and his instruction never came without his expectation that you be responsible for your own learning. He was a hard working, hands on kind of guy, and expected the same from everyone who wanted to work beside him.
Pete was an intellectually brilliant and dynamic man. He could do anything, make anything, learn anything. One of his grandsons called him the most fascinating person he'd ever met, and there are many who would agree. There were times it seemed that he was so charismatic, he was like the Sun pulling friends and loved ones into his orbit - his presence was truly an exciting and gratifying place to be.
A man like Pete never really dies because there's a piece of him inside every single person who loved, admired and learned from him. The only things that he'd want his loved ones to do in rememberance of him is to go outside and be curious. Appreciate the beauty that the Creator has given us to respect and tend to. Teach someone to do something that you're good at, make it a point to have fun and enjoy all the moments you are given. Finally, and most of all, love each other and leave room for each other's errors and failings, knowing that each person in your life is simply doing the best they can, even if they sometimes do it imperfectly.
Because if you do all that, Pete Santistevan will remain here much longer than the brief duration of his life; and this amazing man, who contained multitudes, will continue to teach us all for a long, long time.
The words of the Bard describe him best, "He was a man, take him for all in all.
I shall not look upon his like again."
Rest well, Pete.
Pete Santistevan passed peacefully from this life to begin his next adventure on Monday, August 22nd surrounded by his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Pete Santistevan and Dorothe Wallace; his brothers, Paul, Mike, Mark, and Myron; sister, Patricia; nephews, Michael, Matthew, and John.
He is survived by his girlfriend of many years, Barbara Armijo; his ex-wife, Priscilla Baca; his daughter, Jessica Martinez and her husband, Brandon; his daughter, Camila Jaramillo and her husband, Julio; and his grandchildren, Brianna, Alina, Peter, AJ, Elianna, and Athena; and many, many friends and relatives.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Pete Alexander Santistevan, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, August 26, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Mountain time)
University Chapel
Funeral Service
Friday, August 26, 2022
Starts at 3:00 pm (Mountain time)
University Chapel
Reception
Friday, August 26, 2022
Starts at 4:00 pm (Mountain time)
University Reception Center
Guestbook
Visits: 22
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