and friend - passed away peacefully on June 24th 2022 after a courageous battle with
cancer.
Peter was born to Corrine Edwards and the late Ray Van Name in Nyack, New York,
and moved to Chicago at the age of 8 where he spent his childhood with his brothers
Mark and Paul Van Name and Alex Edwards.
After attending Roosevelt University, Peter relocated to California when he was offered
a record deal to launch his career as a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist in
Hollywood. He fostered a deep passion for music that grew throughout his life, and he
lit up with excitement every time he added a new vintage guitar to his collection.
After working at the law firm of Herman and Wallach for many years, he began his 30+
year long career as a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill
Lynch. He earned the designations of Certified Financial Planner, Certified Plan
Fiduciary Advisor, and Certified Retirement Plan Counselor. He worked closely with his
valued clients in the areas of financial analysis, estate planning services, money
management, wealth management and business planning. Peter found genuine joy
and fulfillment in his career, and he cared deeply about building long and meaningful
relationships with his clients.
Peter met the love of his life, Rain Stewart, and they were married on the beachy shores
of Brigantine, New Jersey shortly after. Peter and Rain’s love for one another was inspiring, and they enjoyed nearly 25 happy years together filled with love and laughter.
Peter was an active board member of the Calabasas Country Club, where he loved to spend his weekends on the golf course. He was a devoted supporter of the New West
Symphony, and served on their board of directors for over 20 years. Peter was also
recognized by the City of Los Angeles for his charitable support to those in need.
Peter had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the
room. He loved nothing more than encouraging and helping others to pursue their
dreams and goals. His smile was truly contagious and rarely did a conversation with
Peter end without sharing a hearty laugh. Among all of his lifetime accomplishments,
being a loving, devoted and loyal husband, brother and son, was what brought him the
most joy in life. He was a true gentleman.
Peter is remembered as the loving husband to his wife, Rain; treasured son to his
mother, Corinne; beloved brother to Paul and Alex; cherished godfather to his niece
Veronica, all of whom loved him with all their hearts. Peter was preceded in death by his father Raymond Van Name, step father Julius Edwards and his brother Mark Van Name. Peter also leaves countless loving nieces, nephews, clients, colleagues, and friends.
Peter’s family will be holding memorial services in both California and Illinois later this
year.
In lieu of flower, contributions in Peter's names to these charities will be greatly appreciated:
Laby-Harmony Project- New West Symphony www.newwestsymphony.org
California Wildlife Center www.cawildlife.org
Cedar-Sinai Cancer Research www.support.cedars-sinai.edu
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