Peter Gordon Stone

Peter Gordon Stone, 85, Professor Emeritus of Art at Western Oregon University passed peacefully December 11th at his home after a short illness. He created and exhibited his work for over 75 years as part of the vibrant local art communities where he lived. Most of his life he was in the Willamette Valley.

Peter Stone received degrees from University of Washington and Reed College. He was named Oregon’s Outstanding Artist Educator by the Oregon Art Educators Association and was the recipient of a Crown Zellerback scholarship, and Horrisman and Fulbright Fellowships. He was an Art ambassador to Micronesia and Japan. He traveled the world to discover art. He was a helicopter pilot in the US. Air force in the 1950’s and taught at Garfield High in Seattle, Clark college in Vancouver before moving to Monmouth and the then Oregon College of Education. He taught there for 37 years and retired.

During retirement he continued to be active in creating, teaching and supporting the arts. As a volunteer he taught at Taft High School, Western Oregon University, and Capital manor. He taught his last class at Capital Manor in Salem 4 months before he passed.

Peter started art at the Seattle Art Institute at age 6. He created for over 70 years. For the better part of his career he taught ceramics and is primarily known for large ceramic tile reliefs. He always felt that he needed his hands in clay to be healthy; it was in his blood. He has pieces of his art in hundreds of private collections and in the Tokyo International Museum of Art and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Gwen his second wife of 38 years, preceded him in death 18 months ago, and it broke his heart. Peter is survived by his sister Bettie, his 6 children. 2 step children, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Capital Manor Ceramics Program or to Western Oregon University Foundation, Peter and Gwen Stone Ceramic Art Scholarship.

A memorial service will be held at Capital Manor 1955 Dallas Hwy NW, Salem Oregon on January 5th, 2018 at 2:00pm. There will be a private family service on a future date. Cards or notes to Peter Stone c/o P.M. Stone 700 Windemar Drive. Ashland Oregon 97520.