Born Feb. 10, 1932, Peter Wilson Patton grew up in San Marino. He lived in Idyllwild for the last 13 years and died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001, in his condominium in Palm Desert.
Mr. Patton was a pilot in the U.S. Navy, serving as a lieutenant commander.
For several years, he was a soaring instructor and tow-plane pilot with Sail Plane Enterprises in Hemet. Flying was his true love.
He also loved the beauty of these mountains, and until the cancer began to tire him, he hiked two to three hours daily, knowing every trail here intimately.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Dael, a local artist; his son Lindsey and daughter-in-law Arlene; a brother David and sister-in-law Elvira; a stepson David, and his wife Jennifer; and a stepson Steven.
Mr. Wilson’s wish was to be cremated and returned to this mountain.