Peter James Price

Peter was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 18, 1941, to Roger James and Doris Evans Price. He was the middle of three children, with sisters Patricia and Pamala. Peter grew up in a neighborhood near his future wife, Betsy Keister, to whom he was married for 54 years. Although they did not attend elementary school together because a school district boundary separated them, Peter was determined to meet her. Family lore recalls that he would ride his bicycle past her house, hoping to see her outside hitting a tennis ball against the garage door. Eventually, despite attending different high schools, they began dating before parting ways for college.

Peter attended Ottawa Hills High School, where he was passionate about science, music, and athletics. He was a member of the JETS Science Club; an officer in the school's Senior Orchestra, where he played both the French horn and trumpet; a performer with the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra; a diver on the swim team; and the number one shot putter on the track team. He also developed a love of automobiles while working at Week's Standard Service, where he spent many free hours learning automotive mechanics. These passions remained with him throughout his life and brought him great joy.

Peter graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. While living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he completed his Master of Business Administration at Western Michigan University while working at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in the emerging field of computer science and technology. During this time, he returned to Grand Rapids and was reunited with Betsy through their younger sisters. They were married on March 1, 1969, at Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids before returning to Kalamazoo to begin their life together.

Peter's career in computer science and technology led him to start a small business specializing in business computer systems. Later, his love of the automotive industry brought him and his family across the state, where he became a leader in computer technology at American Axle & Manufacturing in Detroit, Michigan.

After moving to the northern Detroit area, Peter proudly served the Cranbrook Schools community as a member of the Cranbrook Horizons-Upward Bound program, including a term as president.

Later in life, Peter and Betsy discovered a shared love of boating. After attending the Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show in 2004, they were hooked. They later earned First Place in the Utility 18–20 Feet Class with their 1953 Century Resorter, aptly named Betsy Bow after the nickname Betsy's eldest nephew gave her as a young child. They continued their boating adventures with Betsy Bow II at their summer home away from home on beautiful Harsens Island, at the mouth of the St. Clair River on Lake St. Clair, spending countless summer days on the water.

Peter was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Betsy Price. He is survived by his daughter, Shelley Price, and her partner, Thomas Hicks, of Arlington, Virginia.

Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, Michigan. A viewing will also be available for those wishing to pay their respects.

Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Van Hoosen Jones–Stoney Creek Cemetery, 570 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48306.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peter's honor to the OPC Meals on Wheels program or to Cranbrook Horizons-Upward Bound.

Expressions of comfort may be shared with the Price family at www.pixleyfh.com. The family also invites friends, relatives, and members of the community to share stories, favorite memories, and photographs by selecting the "Add a Memory" button on the website.