In Memory

Peter Van Kuran - Class Of 1938

Peter Van Kuran

Peter Van Kuran passed away in his home in Pasadena on October 11, 2006.  He was born May 20, 1920 in South Pasadena, and graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1938.  He graduated from Pomona College in 1942.  After college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, attended officer training school and was eventually assigned as the gunnery officer on the submarine USS Bowlin, and was involved in the famous "hellcat" mission in the Sea of Japan in early 1945.  Pete was awarded the Bronze Star for his combat action.

After the war, Pete joined American Pipe and Construction Co., which evolved into Ameron International.  He ended his career as Group Vice President for Pipe Operations.  His significant projects include the current aqueduct in Bogota, Columbia and Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Pete was lucky to have been loved by two women, Barbara Rapp Van Kuran and Alice Van Kuran, both of whom preceded him in death.  Peter is survived by his four children, Peter Jr., Katherine, Bill, and Barbara, two step-daughters, K.C. and Mary, six grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.