Edward Peters

Edward "Pete" Peters died unexpectedly January 30, 2015 at the age of 92. Pete was born and raised in Mononghela,Pennsylvania. He had many fond memories of being raised by his colorful mother, aunts, and uncles, including hunting for dinner with his dog during the depression and working with his uncles at their horse-racing track. As a young man he entered the C.C. Camp and at the ripe age of sixteen and lying about his age he enlisted in the United States Army to fight in the war. He was a brave and courageous soldier, and he fought many battles on many different fronts including: North Africa, Algeria, French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, other parts of Europe, and later in Korea. He was awarded several medals and honors including: The Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, European Middle Eastern Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, and others. He was the highest-decorated American soldier in North Africa receiving France's equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Pete made a career for himself in the Army and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1961. After World War II Pete married his wife Opal in 1947 and fathered two sons, Russell and Douglas. Upon retiring Pete and the family moved to Simi Valley. They had several small businesses there that they started and ran including Peter's Pet Shop, a bike shop, a hobby shop, and Opal's dog grooming.In the 1970's Pete and Opal purchased land in Moorpark where they built a home and developed it into a horse ranch. They raised and showed Arabian horses, including their National Champion Stallion, Kelvin Lancer, until the 1980's when they decided to open up their hearts and ranch to physically and mentally handicapped children and adults. They started the equestrian division of the Ventura County Special Olympics and then ultimately founded their own Handicap Equestrian learning Program (H.E.L.P.),which has been operating with the help of volunteers ever since. His program and his athletes were his favorite endeavor. Pete is survived by his son Russell and daughter-in-law Anne and extended family. Pete lived a rich, full life and left his impact on many. His passing will leave a huge void for his family, friends, and community. He will be missed every day. There will be a service on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home with interment to follow with full military honors at Simi Valley Cemetery. 1461 Thompson Lane.