Robert G. Peets

ROBERT "BOB" G. PEETSPassed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012 in Grants, NM. Bob was born November 27, 1914 in a logging camp in northern Michigan. He excelled at an early age in academics in grade school, then to South High in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob graduated from Michigan Tech with a degree in his chosen field of mining engineering. He was inducted into the honorary engineering society Tau Beta Pi. During his years in high school and college, he lettered in his chosen sports. In his youth became a Sea Scout. Mining was the career he loved and all he wanted to do which covered a span of 50 years. He began his career upon graduation in 1938 with Bethlehem Steel in Lebanon, PA. During his tenure with Bethlehem Steel, he was a liaison for the company in Mexico for seven years, building a producing manganese mine during the Cold War in the 1950's. Later in the 1960's he managed Meramec Mining Co. in Sullivan, MO. Upon retirement from Meramec Mining Co. he married his wife, Ava and began a new career moving to New Mexico during the Uranium Boom in the 1970's. Bob was an energetic man never wasting a minute. He had a dedication to community service wherever he lived. He was a devoted family man caring deeply for his children and grandchildren. During his years in Grants, NM, he served on the Cibola Economic Development Foundation, and also the Chamber of Commerce Board. As a Rotarian, he received the Paul Harris Award for service. He served on the Policy Advisory Committee to the Agency on Aging by Governor's appointment for a span of 17 years. He was President of the New Mexico Mining Association from 1980 - 1982. Bob, along with his wife Ava, was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2011 by the Grants Chamber of Commerce. He was a devoted member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Milan. In his last months, even in the poorest of health, his desire was to try to go to church each Sunday. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ava; his children, Shelley Newman, his beloved developmentally disabled stepson, Todd Sherman, Lonnie Peets-Williams, Roy Peets, Dr. Shara K. Peets and Marlis Wise; his sister, Norma Mitchell; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob was a kind and caring man who provided a good life for all in his care. He will be missed. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 7, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Milan, NM.