Peter Sutherland Race

Peter Sutherland Race, 82, died on December 2, 2023 in Alexandria, Virginia surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters.

Peter lived a life full of love, laughter and family. He was born on July 17, 1941 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to William Race and Betty Sutherland Race and was the third of four brothers. He attended high school at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, where he played football, hockey, and ran track, graduating in 1960. Peter then moved west to study political science at Stanford University, expanding his horizons with new friends and interesting travel. While at Stanford, he served on the Executive Committee of Rally Com, helping to organize card stunts at football games and protecting the Stanford Axe from rival Cal during the Big Game.

After graduating from Stanford in 1964, Peter received his commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy and spent most of the next two years on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ranger, based in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam war. Peter went on to attend law school at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1969. He described his greatest achievements in Ann Arbor as earning his J.D. degree and meeting the love of his life, Kristen LeAnderson.

Peter and Kristen married in 1970 and raised their two daughters in Alexandria, Virginia. Peter dedicated his life to serving others, working for 42 years at the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, DC, ultimately becoming an Assistant General Counsel and leading the enforcement of HUD’s consumer protection programs. He took great pleasure in contributing to his community, including coaching his girls’ soccer and basketball teams and volunteering as a long-time Board member of the Hollin Meadows Swim & Tennis Club. Peter loved having daughters and was a devoted and caring father.

Upon retirement, Peter and Kristen spent much of their time at their home on Little Traverse Lake in Northern Michigan. “Up North” was a cherished gathering place where they shared special times with their children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

Peter’s dry sense of humor, gentle smile, and kind nature endeared him to everyone he met. Peter was as devoted a fan as could be, whether it be loyally cheering on his beleaguered Detroit Lions, his less-beleaguered Michigan Wolverines, or supporting his dear grandchildren, of whom he was incredibly proud, at their many games, performances, and activities.

Peter is survived by his wife, Kristen, his daughters, Katie Race Brin (husband, Lory) and Elizabeth Terborgh (husband, Andrew), and grandchildren, Aaron Brin,Talia Brin, David Terborgh and Lucas Terborgh. Peter was preceded in death by his brother, William Race, and is survived by brothers Geoffrey Race and Louis Race. A memorial service celebrating Peter’s life will take place at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301) on Saturday, January 27th at 2 pm.

The family is eternally grateful for the caregivers who provided loving and compassionate care to Peter and Kristen during his final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Little Traverse Lake Association (LTLPOA, P.O. Box 145, Cedar, MI 49621; https://littletraverselake.org/get-involved-1) or Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (https://parkinsonfoundation.org/).