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Peter Teets Obituary

Teets
PETER B. TEETS
February 12, 1942 November 29, 2020
Peter B. Teets, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 78 of Colorado Springs, passed into the arms of our Lord on November 29, 2020.
Born February 12, 1942 in Denver Colorado, Peter Teets was a graduate of East High School, University of Colorado - Boulder (B.S., M.S.), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MBA). His 37-year career in the aerospace and defense industry began in 1963 as an engineer at The Martin Company. He rose through the ranks at Martin Marietta and became President of Martin Marietta Space Group in 1993. In 1997, Peter became President and Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation. In 2001, after retiring from Lockheed Martin, Peter transitioned to public service where he became Under Secretary of the Air Force and Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. After retirement in 2005, Peter served on several boards including the Aerospace Corporation, Draper Laboratories, Challenger Center of Colorado and First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs.
Peter's extraordinary career in aerospace and defense won him numerous notable awards including the Dr. Wernher von Braun Space Flight Trophy, the Dr. Robert Goddard Memorial Trophy, the Hartinger Award and Colorado Space Heroes Hall of Fame.
Peter most enjoyed Colorado's outdoors including golf, hiking, and skiing with his family. He was preceded in death by his siblings Dorothy and Edward; his son, David; and his niece Pamela Clark. He is survived by his wife Vivian; his children Karen Avery (Rich), Jennifer (Mike Welch), Kevin (Cathy Moorhead), Matthew (Rhonda), Christopher (Ashton); his daughter in-law Jacqueline; his grandchildren Samuel (Ciera), Margaret Tashjian (Brian), Audrey, Zoe, Michael, Colin, Brandon; and his nieces Carrie Gundersen (Rolf), and Janet Clark.
A memorial service with family only in attendance will be held on Thursday, December 17th at 4:30 pm (Mountain Time). Friends are invited to join by live stream at http://www.firstprescos.org/memorial-livestream .
In remembrance of the life of Peter B. Teets and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made in his memory to the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/co), the Challenger Center of Colorado (https://www.challengercolorado.org/how-to-help/in-memory-of-peter-b-teets.html) or First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, (www.firstprescos.org).
Published by The Gazette on Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Teets

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25 Entries

Frank Durante

November 30, 2023

Whenever thinking of the years I spent at Denver Astronautics, invariably I recall his leadership and how much of a positive impact he had on my years in the Aerospace Division of MMC.

Ken Throne

October 27, 2023

I first met Mr Teets when I was an entry level engineer in 1983 and he was a Director .. we crossed paths numerous times over my career and he was the first to congratulate me when I became a Director at LM .. I remember how he always had time for me and his advice was spot on .. he was someone that myself and many others could only aspire to be but never come close

Jim Obrien

September 23, 2022

Holy Cow. Just saw this. What a great guy and super boss. Superb advice and kindness. A lot of lessons I carried forward.

Edward Euler

January 27, 2021

Outstanding leader. Made me proud to be a part of LM and NRO activity.

Charlie Arbogast

December 21, 2020

My condolences to the family. Just wanted to share that I will always remember working with Peter Teets when I was an executive with the Denver Area Council, Boy Scouts of America and the BSA had an Explorer Post @ Martin Marietta. Mr. Teets was so welcoming and professional and treated everyone with respect, taking time from his busy schedule to make you feel valued and interested in helping young high school students explore potential careers. Some people you never forget...
RIP. God Bless!

Tom Marsh

December 21, 2020

Rest in Piece Peter. You were a great friend and mentor. You were a giant amount giants in our industry and in our community. Thanks for all you have done for so many. We will miss you. Vivian, our hearts go out to you and your family. Take comfort in your faith in God and love of family.

Tom Marsh

Todd Thompson

December 19, 2020

I was so sorry to hear of Pete's passing and your loss. I really appreciated the time I spent with Pete at Lockheed Martin and learned many lessons from him that I still think of 25 years later.

I remember not having seen Pete for several years and him walking up and saying hello as if it was yesterday.

A good man, a great public servant, and a leader justifiably respected by his peers.

Vivian, I wish you and the family the very best.

Cindy Schrage

December 16, 2020

Vivian and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as is our love.

Dr. Darrell Devers

December 12, 2020

So sorry to lose a great man and a personal friend . I so enjoyed working with Pete. My prayers for Vivian and the family.

Ed Resavage

December 9, 2020

He was a good man who served his country well.

Frank Durante

December 9, 2020

Hearing of Pete's passing saddened me greatly. I offer my sincere condolences to Pete's family, friends, and former Lockheed Martin associates. It was a tremendous honor for me to be a member of Pete's staff at Space Launch Systems, and as an Astronautics contributor thereafter. Pete's confidence and support given to me over the years are something I will never forget.
Frank Durante

maren bocinsky

December 8, 2020

Uncle Pete was at the top of my favorite uncle list. He was fun, energetic, adventurous, kind, caring, generous and so smart! I have many fond memories of him from Argyle - especially tubing down the rapids:) He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to you Vivian and the entire family during this very difficult time. Rest in peace Uncle Pete.

Bill Sprague

December 7, 2020

An amazing influence to me and so many others. He will be sorely missed.

Kathlean Kent

December 7, 2020

My sister Susie has told me such wonderful stories throughout the years of this great man's endless, amazing accomplishments. She has enormous admiration for Pete and his wife Vivien, and for the immense LOVE and support this family so obviously demonstrates for one another. Rest in peace Pete. Please know that you and your dear family are in my prayers.

Maggi Daane

December 6, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. He was a terrific leader. Maggi Daane, VAFB

Sympathy gifts were selected in loving memory of Peter B. Teets. To send a gift visit our online store.

Kristi Creps

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Ron Slovikoski

December 6, 2020

Vivian,
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of Pete.

I learned so much from him at Martin and respected his technical insight as well as his personal integrity.

Several co-workers and I still quote his memorable comment from a late night review after an incomplete response to his direct question - "well, rather than speculate why don't we find out..."

I can still remember my amazement watching him as a Vice President
dig into the details of an autopilot logic diagram at the Cape and ask challenging technical questions to the lead designer. Challenging but never abusive.

I wish we could rent the convention center and collect so many of his admirers to support you and the family as well as each other.

One of my favorite quotes is perfectly appropriate for the occasion:

"Sometimes a person brings a light so bright into the world that even after they are gone, the light still shines."

Blessings and peace,
Ron Slovikoski

BILL HIMMELMANN

December 6, 2020

Fond memories related to his commitment to community. On two occasions in his corporate office viewing a nearby eagles nest through his mounted telescope. Another when he and Vivian hosted a cookout behind their home following a golf outing of the United Way Campaign Cabinet. We frequently greeted each other with reference to our similar hairstyles. Rest in Peace; good servant!

Michael Gass

December 6, 2020

Vivian and family,

My sincerest condolences. May he rest in peace. Michael and Jill Gass

Char Wilcox Noble

December 6, 2020

Even though Pete was elevated to the leadership of Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin, he never forgot the little guy. Pete was visiting the Waterton facility in the early 90's and I met him in the hall as he was walking with another senior executive. He took time to say hello and recognize me. I've never forgotten that small act of kindness. It's no wonder everyone admired him. To his family I send my condolences and sympathy for your loss.

Sympathy gifts were selected in loving memory of Peter B. Teets. To send a gift visit our online store.

Kathryn Zarini

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Sympathy gifts were selected in loving memory of Peter B. Teets. To send a gift visit our online store.

Kathryn Zarini

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Parker Stafford

December 5, 2020

Dear Vivian, Pete and I grew up together in the Martin company, hiring on in 1963. Sometimes we were cohorts, other times he was my boss. He was a brilliant man. I cherish the times we went to the "West Coast Prom" on the company plane golfing in the afternoon dinner/dance in the evening and the next morning golfing again. I am very sorry for your loss, and mine too. Parker

William Wise

December 5, 2020

Vivian, Bill and Marj Wise wish to express our sympathy to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working closely with Pete at the outset of both of our careers at Martin. Marj recalls partnering with you at Cherry Hills Elementary. Finally I had the privilege of hiring your son, Chris, into the Lockheed Martin family . Pete was very gifted but will most be remembered by his relationships with his co workers in the good old Martin Marietta days. We will be blessed when we stream his memorial service. God bless you and your family. Bill and Marj.

Gary Flora

December 4, 2020

Vivian,
I am so sadden to hear about Peter. He was a true friend to me! God bless you and your family.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Memorial Events
for Peter Teets

Dec

17

Memorial service

4:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church Colorado Springs

http://www.firstprescos.org/memorial-livestream, CO 80202-5177

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