Peter Mayo

Peter Mayo was born in Evanston, Illinois on February 6, 1932 to Eleanor Turnbull Mayo and Peter Brierly Mayo. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder on a swimming scholarship, then transferred to the University of Denver. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated in 1955. He met Suzanne Garrison, and after three dates proposed and married her as soon as he could on August 31, 1957.  They moved to Tremonton, Utah where Peter worked for Thiokol Chemical Corporation. After accepting a job with Lockheed Missiles and Space in 1967, they moved to Redlands, California and then on to San Jose, California in 1974 where they lived for 40 years. Peter made many friends wherever he went, including his final home at The Legacy Willow Bend in Plano, Texas.

He is survived by his beloved wife Suzanne, son David Garrison Mayo and daughter-in-law Rosalie Bera Mayo, daughter Kimberly Mayo Pilger and father of his granddaughters Thomas Bertsch Pilger; also by grandchildren David Garrison Mayo, Jr., his wife Caitlin Marie Mayo, and Peter’s great granddaughter Elise Marie Mayo; grandson Michael Joseph Mayo; granddaughters Emily Suzanne Pilger and Alexandra Payne Pilger. He is also survived by his brother David Pierce Mayo and many other family and friends who will remember him fondly.

Peter valued faith and family above all else.  He spoke little of his beliefs – he lived them.  He was a doer of deeds for the purpose of getting the job done.  He demonstrated his devotion in service to his family, his church and his friends.  Friends became family over time as Peter continually showed up for others experiencing life’s hardships.

If you knew Peter, you knew he was a devoted husband, steadfast patriarch, hard worker, problem solver, kind soul and true friend.  Qualities that defined him were his loyalty, humility, initiative, faith and principles.  He was a man of true integrity, always holding himself to the same high standards he expected from others.  He treated people fairly and supported the underdog.

In the words of Suzanne, “he was the most humble person I’ve ever known,” and worked tirelessly to help others.  Peter was the first person anyone could call for help whether support in crises or for a simple fence that needed fixing.  His willingness to help was not defined by societal norms, rather it came from his Christian faith.

His spirit followed the truth of right and wrong.  To him there was never any question on what made sense. He used to say, “whenever you have an opportunity to make a decision, make a good one.”

Peter will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor delivered through ‘creative’ sayings that would leave one equal parts speechless and clear on his perspective.  He will also be remembered for teaching his grandchildren how to ski, do yard work and fix things.

His family is grateful for the outpouring of support we have received.  We are sure he’s smiling now, finally free, surrounded by many family members and dear friends as we reflect on his life on Earth.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Chapel at Christ Church Plano at 4550 Legacy Drive at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 4, 2022. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following at The Legacy Willow Bend. Those attending the Celebration of Life will need to show their vaccination card, a copy or a photo of the front and back.