Obituary of Peter Sarles Crandall

Peter Sarles Crandall of Chico, CA passed away September 8, 2021 at the age 64. He is survived by his sister, Susan Koenigshofer, his niece Lisa and nephew Curtis of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Peter was born on August 15,1957 in Pleasant Hill, CA to Eleanor Sarles and Richard Claire Crandall. 

In 1963, Pete moved to Chico from Monterey. He enjoyed school, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and was a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist in high school. Pete played trumpet in both orchestra and symphonic band. He was elected band president both Junior and Senior years. One highlight was performing in the International Youth Music Festival in Berlin. 

After graduating from U.C. Davis in ‘79 with a BA in Agricultural Economics, Pete served as regional director of Sigma Phi Epsilon in the Southeast from ‘79 to ’80. “Pete gave his time and talent so many could experience the Lifetime of Brotherhood he enjoyed,” according to one SigEp brother. He became part of his home chapter’s Alumni and Volunteer Corporation, serving several years as AVC president. Most recently he received their Distinguished Alumnus Award.

By 1983, Pete was Assistant VP of First Interstate Mortgage in San Francisco. As a volunteer he served as the youngest Quarterly Chairman of the Commonwealth Club of California. In this capacity he also conducted weekly radio interviews on the National Public Radio Network. He even worked alongside Shirley Temple Black. He also served as VIP liaison at the ‘84 Olympics in Los Angeles — all while studying for his MBA from U.C. Berkeley. 

After a move to Sacramento, Pete followed his love of politics by working as a legislative aide, developing agendas and strategy for Assemblyman Jan Goldsmith, Assemblyman Tom Harman and then as Legislative Director for Assembly Republican Leader, Scott Baugh. 

Peter was devoted to family and friends, moving home to care for his aging parents until the end of their lives. After their passing he worked for several years renovating the family home. Meanwhile, he gave back to the community by volunteering at Enloe Hospital and Bidwell Mansion, and serving faith based organizations. He especially enjoyed serving on several Chico High School Reunion Committees. 

Peter’s love of history, astronomy, geography and yes, bull-riding, will be remembered. His family and friends will miss his humor, kindness and generosity.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Trinity United Methodist Church, http://chicotrinityumc.org or Bidwell Mansion, https://www.bidwellmansionassociation.com in memory of Peter S. Crandall.