Peter B. Schust
Peter B. Shust, 78, of Paradise Valley, passed away Nov. 18, 2012, of Alzheimer's disease. He was born June 25, 1934, in Toronto, Canada, to Milton and Eleanor Schust.
He lived his early years in Toronto. At age 14 he moved with his family to Ketchikan, Alaska, for his high school years. He attended his college at the University of Alaska, graduating in 1958, president of his class. He was given the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997.
Peter married his college sweetheart, Joanne, and together they were blessed with four children, three of whom were born before Alaska achieved statehood.
Active in sports he achieved a Golden Glove Championship and was a member of the hockey team.
During his years in Alaska, he worked the early warning DEW LINE, did television and radio programs for KFAR and began his banking career at First National Bank. He moved to Phoenix in 1962 to work at Guaranty Bank. In 1974 Peter began his own real estate business, First United Service Corporation, which he successfully ran with his son Richard, until his retirement in 2005.
He served on many boards, and was chairman of the board of First Community Financial for many years. He was a strong supporter of Arizona State University, where he was a foundation board member, lifetime member of the President's Club and a Sun Angel.
An avid fan of all sports, especially hockey, his passion was deep-sea fishing, which he experienced worldwide. He was most happy in Alaska and in Cabo San Lucas on his boat, the Dulce Vida.
His struggle with Alzheimer's was long and difficult, but with the support and care of his family, Peter was able to finish his life in the home he loved. A man of intellect, warmth and integrity, he will be forever missed by all who loved him deeply.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tamera. He is survived by his loving wife Joanne, son Richard (Christy) Schust, daughters Vicki (Rocky) Campbell and Debra (Ross) Wilson and eight grandchildren, all of whom he adored beyond measure. He is also survived by three sisters, Margaret, Lynn and Brenda, and his sister-in-law, Judith Davis, as well as a large extended family here and in Canada.
