A Life Well Lived

Navy SEAL Chris Day captures the essence of Pete in his brief note:

I used to tease Pete that he set the standard for what it is to be a man, and that he set that bar awfully high. But it was never really a joke. He really did.

I looked up to Pete in just about every avenue of life. As a sailor and warrior, as a leader, as a professional, as a pal, as a shining example of the benefits of a fit and active life. Most of all, I suppose, it was his steady and calm demeanor (through which bubbled that dry humor) in the face of anything that drew me to him.

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What follows is a brief overview of Pete's life using photos not yet featured on this Celebration site:

Pete in 1938 in Highland Park, IL.

Riding a pony with brother Bill circa 1942.

The summer of 1950.

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Number 49 charging out for the big high school football game!

His wedding to first wife Sandra Justice.

Just another day at the office.

His favorite job: parenting! Here with daughters Katherine and Susan around 1970. 

He took Katherine (pictured) and Susan paddle boating every weekend. 

Management 101: Grandad in his element.

Blood, dirt, sweat, but no tears at the Camp Pendleton Mud Run.

Superior Court Judge Selena Epley adds her perspective as a fellow swimmer and judge:

I had the distinct honor of swimming with Judge Riddle between 1999 and 2002 at UCSD.  He was truly a gentle giant and the picture of kindness, integrity and dignity.  My fondest memory of Judge Riddle is when we were swimming inside at the Natatorium and Sickie had some of the swimmers demonstrate synchronized swimming moves.  Being a good sport that he was always was, Judge Riddle showed off a perfect single legged pirouette but his leg looked to be about 10 feet long!  It also never failed to touch me that Judge Riddle, who had to get out of the pool before Betsy to go to work, would always come out of the locker room before he left and stand at the end of Betsy's lane until she was between sets so he could bid her farewell.  

His wedding to Betsy in 1994.

Traveling the world together.

 A life well lived, indeed.