Peter Whitten Small November 20, 1950 - January 2, 2013

Peter Whitten Small, 62, passed away on January 2, 2013, at St. Charles Hospital.

Peter was born at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA, on November 20, 1950, to Ward Small, Jr. and Marjory Jane Sellinger Small.

He graduated from Carpenteria High School in 1968. Peter married the love of his life, Ebony Lea Knapp, in December, 1979, and was her best friend for 33 years.

He is survived by three sons: Jonathan, who married Molly Cole in Sisters in 1992; Christopher, who married Annie Laurie Lunn in Prineville in 1995, both of Redmond; and Mitchell, who currently attends the University of Oregon. All three sons are graduates of Sisters High School.

He is also survived by five siblings: Ward Small, III of Livermore, CA; Sarah-Jane Small of Northridge, CA; Timothy Small of Santa Barbara, CA; Jory Small of Olympia, WA; and Jon Small of Tumalo, married to Lori Small, a longtime teacher at Sisters Elementary School.

Peter was a talented artist with an independent mind, who operated many of his own businesses throughout the years. Peter could seemingly teach himself any trade, operating businesses in graphic art, screen printing, invention, construction, and art. Through a desire for a better life for his children, Peter moved his family to Sisters in 1993, to reconnect with old friends in this gracious community. After a traumatic accident, Peter found bronze casting and knew he had found the second love of his life.

He built a small foundry and opened Peter W. Small, Bronze Artware in 1998 where he created custom bronze front-door hardware shaped like trout and other Northwestern fish along with interior hardware. Peter also worked with Stoller Crystal Works to create bronze art bases for stunning crystals. He has pieces in England and in many of the western states. Peter was also the president of the Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild for several years, making friends for life and affecting grace in his wake.

Peter was best known and loved for his sense of humor and kindness. He didn't know a stranger. He could fix anything, had a strong intuitive sense of engineering, and regularly amazed all who knew him with his inventiveness, creativity and consistently optimistic attitude. He will be greatly missed by all who encountered his deep blue eyes, kind disposition and lively humor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Charles Medical Foundation. The family wishes to thank St. Charles Cancer Center, Dr. William Martin and assistant, Taddy, for their warmth, compassion and sensitivity during the last months of Peter's life. They would also like to thank all the wonderful friends and family who have shown their support throughout this process.

A celebration of life will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration on February 2.