Peter W. Souvall

Peter William Souvall, beloved husband, father, grandfather (Papou), great grandfather (Pro Papou), uncle, cousin, Godfather (Nouno), confidant and loyal friend, fell asleep in the Lord on July 13, 2011 at home in the comfort of his bed, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Born September 22, 1922 to Greek immigrants, Vasilios (William) and Avrokome (Kome) Souvall, he was raised in the avenues at 167 D Street in Salt Lake City, the youngest of four living sons. His father called him his “Diamond Boy,” referring to the good fortune that followed Pete’s birth. He enjoyed his hell-raising youth with his brothers. They would make sleds out of whiskey barrels and skates and speed through intersections in the avenues with no brakes. He learned invaluable work ethics in the family businesses, selling ice cream and washing dishes for “one bit” an hour, which he contributed to the family pot. He graduated at age 16 from South High in 1939. Early ventures included employment at Remington Arms, prospecting, coal mining and restaurateur. His family survived the depression and the prejudice against immigrants by sticking together which forever engrained the value and strength of family. He served in New Guinea and the Philippines as an army medic during WWII. During his service he achieved the highest score ever recorded on the General Classification Test due to his proficiency of the Greek language. Home from the army, he attended a church dance and was admiring a beautiful girl named Mary Ypsilantis. He told his buddy “there’s the girl I’m going to marry.” After 3 dates in 5 days, he proposed, she accepted, and they married on Aug 31, 1947. Known as a romantic crooner, Pete sang love songs to his bride, never singing the same song twice, while driving to and from Carmel CA on their honeymoon. Their marriage of 62 years, which Pete would repeatedly say “not long enough,” was the highlight of his life. Pete with his father and brothers founded Souvall Brothers Distributing which was later sold and evolved into Smith’s Food King non-foods division. He was elected Chairman of the National Housewares Assoc. Pete loved to build and became a general contractor to fulfill his passion of working with his hands, which were as skilled as the finest surgeon. He was the last survivor of the original Bald Beatles of Acropolis (BBOA) poker group that has continued their monthly ritual faithfully for 61 years. He served his church for many years: five years as Parish Council President, co-founder/chairman of the Greek Festival, Memorial Building construction, and negotiating the acquisition of adjacent land from Skaggs Properties and 7-11.

Pete is survived by his children, Jeannie Souvall Paxten (Keath), William Peter Souvall (Kim), Thomas Peter Souvall (Debra); 9 grandchildren, Kristina Michelle Paxten, Michael Keath Paxten (Dawn), Keri Paxten Koons (Bob), Jennifer Souvall Bradley (Parker), Coco Souvall Quillen (Justin), Lisa Souvall Aramaki (Dan), Peter William Souvall II, Tracy Maren Souvall, Alexander Thomas Souvall; 2 great grandchildren, Madison Kinley Paxten, Patrick Justin Quillen. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ypsilantis Souvall; father, William; mother, Kome; 5 siblings, Gus, Andy, Sam, George, Rita. Special thanks to Dante Ghersi, who cared for Pete in his final days, and Toni Graham, a helpful family friend. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on 279 South 300 West. Visitation will be on Monday, July 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity with the Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Greek Orthodox Church Pavilion Fund. Pete will be loved and missed by all. May his memory be eternal!

y Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.