Peter,
age 60, was born in Burlington, Vt., on March 14, 1965. He was the
son of Alfred and Sally (Herschede) Duval. The day after his
birthday, up on Mount Mansfield, with his sunglasses on, wearing his
pack, skies and poles, he died on the mountain he loved. His annual
birthday ski to Stowe, only a week away, has been enjoyed by a
wonderful group of friends and family for many years. There are sure
to be some memorial trips over the mountain in his honor.
Peter’s
biggest joy in life was time with his family and friends, especially
his daughter, Maura, and his “spare daughters,” Lily and Rachel
Porth. Peter taught Maura the greatest lesson that he could: to trust
in herself. He embraced her joys and supported them. After two years
in Japan, Peter asked 9-year-old Maura how she wanted to return home.
She chose Nepal, Paris, London and Iceland, and that’s where they
went. He trusted her to carve her own path. The fact that it followed
his to a master’s degree at the University of Vermont College of
Engineering and Mathematical Sciences was something he took great
pride in and some amount of credit for.
One
of the highlights of his life was the hike Peter organized so his
mother could realize her dream of completing the Long Trail. Three
generations of Duvals joined the endeavor for a successful
completion.
Peter
was an avid skier and sailor. He was a member of Malletts Bay Boat
Club since he was a child and was active with junior sailing while
Maura raced. He was preparing to set out on some open-ocean sails, as
he was always looking for a new adventure.
Peter
was a strong advocate for the environment and believed in being
active for change in the world. He wasn’t afraid to speak up or
cause a stir. Peter had a generous, loving heart and was kind and
quick to forgive. He was always happy to receive or give a hug,
something he learned from his father.
He
is survived by his wife of 23 years, Ellen (Dardano); his daughter,
Maura; his mother, Sally, and her partner, Keith; and his brother
Jason, wife Yoshimi and their children, Konoha and Biwa. He was
predeceased by his beloved father, Al, and brother Colin. In memory
of Peter, go for a hike, ski, run, sail or clear a trail. “Don’t
forget to check for ticks.” A celebration of Peter’s life will be
held at a later time.
This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2025.