Peter Frederick Kemp

Born on 20 September 1947, in Isleworth, England, Peter Frederick Kemp moved, along with his parents and sister, Linda, to Lubbock TX in December 1950. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean during Christmas week, on the Queen Elizabeth II. The Kemps lived in Lubbock for three years and then moved to Dallas for Peter’s father to continue working for Dr. Clark and his company, Cornell Oil. He attended Stephen C. Foster Elementary School and met his life-long friends, Doug Chennell and Terry Smith. Then, he attended St. Mark’s Preparatory School, where he made lifelong friends, who still meet for lunch. Peter attended the University of Texas. Because he received a high draft number, he enlisted in the Air Force rather than wait to be drafted. He served four years, stationed in Honolulu at Hickam Air Force Base. He worked in the Graphics Department, along with his dear friend, Dennis Caldwell, drawing the Vietnam War for the General of the Pacific. He also designed tee-shirts for the biggest imprinted shirt company in Hawaii. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1974, Peter returned to Dallas and attended Cook County Junior College and the University of North Texas. He went on to work for Point Communications as an art director, working for Bill Neale, the famous illustrator for Carroll Shelby. Peter’s love of cars was only stoked by this association.

In 1978, Peter left Point Communications and began his own company, working as an illustrator, photographer and graphic designer. Over the years, the company had many names. He worked on the Bill Clements’ campaign for governor in 1978. He worked for a variety of clients over the years, including Igloo Coolers; John Deere; American Lighting Association, and many others. Peter and Richard Brown won advertising awards for their work for Imperial Sugar. Peter photographed Ronald Reagan for the Dallas Builders’ Association in 1984. He left freelance work and became Creative Director of Vitality Magazine from 1996 until 2000, when he returned to freelance work as PK Creative, where he created successful campaigns for Living Magazine around the DFW area. On occasion, he worked for Creative Circle, doing advertising for Bell Helicopter and the Dallas Convention Center. He designed and created an entire advertising campaign for Lady Walton, a Dallas company who produces cookies and sauces.

Peter was a friend to everyone who met him. His clients often became close friends. He was the tech guru for almost everyone he knew. He coached soccer and baseball for his children’s sports teams and attended as many games as he could. In the past few years, he and Viccy were fortunate to return to England and reconnect with his cousins there. They were also able to take the trip of a lifetime to Australia to spend time with his cousins who live in Melbourne and Adelaide. He is missed by many people, far and wide.

Peter’s parents, Victor and Margaret (Becker) Kemp predeceased him.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Victoria (Carlson); his children Christopher and Cameron (Scott Gambrel); his sister, Linda (Bob Monroe), and his step-children Eric Krise and Michelle Elisano.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any animal rescue organization in your community or to the Arvid J. Carlson scholarship fund at Austin College.