Peter Arthur Churney went to see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 24, 2024. He was married to his wife Ivette for 29 years with two sons Orian and Nicolas Churney.

As a young person, he sailed his grandfather’s sailboat the “If” off the coast of Castine, Maine, winning sailing competitions. He attended Ravenswood High School where he tutored students in Calculus and Algebra. Peter started climbing which he did through his twenties hiking many routes in Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Mt. Whitney, the Matterhorn and ascending Mt. Blanc in the French Alps.

Peter graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in English. His many interests included a love of reading. A proud member of ATO with many lasting friendships. A Cal track standout in the late 70’s lead him to being a renowned race “rabbit” on the European track circuit. He rabbited many of Coe’s and Ovett’s records, and was regarded as a super reliable, even splits pacer. He was known as the premiere pace-setter in the world and earned the nickname “Peter Rabbit”. He continued running for many years anywhere and nearly daily.

A career in broadcast meteorology continued. Followed by a “Off the Beaten Path with Pete Churney” program series.

He enjoyed cooking, cycling trips with his Dad, family life and learning about others. A positive man endearing to many. He loved being a Christian and was a member of the Ekklesia of Christ.

He pursued a lifelong passion late in life…flying a Cessna around the Shenandoah Valley always to be amazed at God’s Creation.

Peter was a wonderful, supportive father and husband. He enjoyed long talks, going to the movies and the gym with his children. They enjoyed traveling and their trips to the beach and Puerto Rico. They remember his kindness, consideration and love forever. With Peter, Every day was an adventure to be had and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Ivette Churney; two sons, Orian Arthur Churney, Nicolas Juan Carlos Churney; siblings, Bill Churney and wife Abigail of Natick, MA, Deborah Lewis and husband Jonathan of San Fransico; best friend, Charlie Schreck and wife Christine of Dyke; mother-in-law, Bienvenida Datiz; sister and brothers-law, Emily Reckner and husband John, Javier Datiz, and Carlos Datiz Jr.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Leonard Churney and wife Joan Churney and Margaret Fairley; and his father-in-law, Carlos Datiz.

Minister John Doughty will conduct a memorial service on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. at McMullen Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.