Peter Geil BOVINGDON April 3, 1969 – June 25, 2021. Peter Geil Bovingdon died peacefully at home on June 25th after a noble fight against brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family, including his two beloved dogs, Pancho and Lefty, who were vigilant to the end.
Peter was born in Seattle, Washington in 1969 where he grew up in the Laurelhurst neighborhood at the edge of Lake Washington with a childhood marked by long summers spent swimming and sailing. He moved to Montana in 1995 for law school, met and fell in love with his wife, Ali, a law school classmate and Chinook, MT native, and quickly made Big Sky Country his new home. He was a graduate of Colorado College, and he earned his law degree at the University of Montana, in Missoula.
A lawyer on the side of good causes, Peter got his start in the legal profession as a law clerk for Montana District Court Judge James Purcell before moving to the Public Defender’s office, representing people before the court who could not afford legal counsel. Peter was dedicated to his clients and saw their fundamental humanity through the difficulty of their circumstances. After leaving the Public Defender’s office, Peter went on to be an Assistant Attorney General, while also contracting with the state to represent abused and neglected children in Lewis and Clark County. Work for which Peter was recognized with a community service award in 2008.
Peter also worked for the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, teaching constitutional law in the classroom and high-speed pursuit driving on the track, where he enjoyed besting the lap times of his students and earning their respect—enough respect to get them to listen to him in the classroom where he was a natural born teacher. Most recently Peter was the Chief Legal Counsel for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Just before he took ill, Peter helped lead an investigation into a troubled youth home found to have a history of abuse of children. Through his investigation, Peter helped secure the permanent revocation of the facility’s license to operate. This achievement was one of the largest child protection efforts in the state of Montana, spanning teams from local law enforcement, the Montana Department of Justice, local prosecutors, and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
Peter was a devoted father, a husband, a friend, and an accomplished lawyer. He was also thrilled by the world and had an adventurer’s spirit. He earned his pilot’s license in college and went on to become a helicopter pilot, a hang glider, and even a crop duster on the North Fork of Long Island, NY. He was a diehard skier – in fact, he was a lobbyist for the Montana state ski industry. It seemed Peter couldn’t even take a lobbyist job without it being for a good cause. He was a newspaper columnist, an art enthusiast, and an accomplished guitarist. He relished expression through words, music, and art and would often play guitar and sing with the kids on his frequent family-and-friends ski trips. He was a motorcyclist, a sailor, a lacrosse player, a skateboarder, and a mountain biker. If it could go fast and made him feel alive, he would want to try it. And if his brow was a little sweaty in the office it wasn’t from the pressures of work, more likely it was due to mountain biking in the hills behind the state capitol building in Helena. His route through the trails timed perfectly to squeeze the most out of his lunch hour.
Peter had a prodigious memory and an unrivaled sense of humor – two superpowers he would combine to great effect. He often would tell funny stories, describing events in detail that even people who were present had forgotten, and in the process crack up everyone in the room. He had a special ability to place himself in time and recall things as if it were yesterday. His detailed recollections of his youth not only made him a powerful advocate for children, but also made him a natural philosopher. He would ask, why do the thoughts of lives unlived hold us back from doing what we can in the moment? What prevents us from seeing what is before us? Why do we try to postpone happiness until some unrealized future point in time? Peter lived his life to minimize those lives unlived. He created for himself a life at once both of adventure and of dedication to those he loved and those he felt he could help – a balancing act few can achieve.
Peter’s greatest adventure was his daughter Gillian. Whether rock-climbing, mountain biking, playing songs, or watching her karate lessons, he wanted a life full of challenge and fun for her. After years of encouragement and cajoling, just before his illness last fall, Peter watched Gilly achieve her black belt. His affection for- and pride in- his daughter was ever present.
Peter is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ali Sheppard Bovingdon, his daughter, Gillian Bovingdon of Helena, his sister, Margaret Bovingdon and Margaret’s husband Jamie Moran of Seattle; his niece Pliny Stevens of New York City, his brother Gardner Bovingdon, Gardner’s wife Sara and daughter Maddie, of Bloomington, Indiana, and his mother Margaret Gardner Judson of Seattle. He is also survived by many loving extended family members in Montana. He was preceded in death by his father, George Bovingdon, who died in 1995. A memorial service is to be held at Great Divide Ski Area on Saturday September 11th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) of Lewis and Clark and Broadwater Counties.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 pm to 6:00
Saturday September 11, 2021
Great Divide Ski Area
7385 Belmont Dr
Marysville, Montana 59640
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 pm to 6:00
Saturday September 11, 2021
Great Divide Ski Area
7385 Belmont Dr
Marysville, Montana 59640
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Deb W says
Ali and family. I’m am deeply sorry for you loss. Words will never express my gratitude for all Peter did for my kids in their time of need. He was such a gem and a God send to my kids. He took time away from you to go spend some skate boarding with my oldest only to hurt himself. That has given me laughter of that incident and a true appreciation for this man who wanted to get to know who he represented and not just considering it his job. Thank you Peter for everything. Rest In Peace. Ali, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Kim Parvinen says
My thoughts and prayers to you all. Peter touched many lives and I love how he loved life. Ali and Gilly you were his world. I’m Blessed to have known Peter during my employment at the Academy. May the Lord embrace you and your family and may your cherished memories soon outweigh your sorrow. God Bless❣️
meilissa and jeff sherlock says
We were very sad to hear that Peter had passed. He was a person who lived live to the fullest. In addition, he was a very talented lawyer, who not only knew the law, but helped make the courtroom a pleasant experience for all involved. More importantly, Peter was devoted to his wife and daughter. He left us far too soon. Peace to his family.
Sherri Anderson says
I am sad to read of the passing of this kind man. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Department of Labor and Industry. He always had a kind word for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and daughter
Nancy Fuller Bleck says
Sad to hear of Peter’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Ali and your daughter. I loved working with Peter at the Public Defenders’ Office. I remember when he gave a couple of clients winter jackets. He was a good soul! May all the good memories comfort you. Hugs!
Peter Swanson says
Some best times of my life spent with Peter. Best because he was there. Never met anyone smarter or more empathetic… To misquote Jack Nicholson: “You make me want to be a better man”… I will miss you for the rest of my life, Peter -Peter the Pilot
Ann Brodsky says
Ali, I just heard of Peter’s death and was taken aback, though I knew he’d been ill. I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you and Gilly. Be gentle with yourself and true to your heart. There are no rules right now, except to take care of yourself and your girl. When I think of Peter, I think of his recommendation for one of the best presents I got Bob – the Master and Commander multi-volume book series. I don’t know how we ended up talking about them, but Peter was so animated, engaged, and enthusiastic about these books. Symbolic of his enthusiasm and joy for life! I’m thinking of you and I’m so sorry.
Pete Critelli says
Peter was an inspiration in his ability to teach with substance and levity. A gifted man in intellect and compassion.
Angie Sparks says
Bovingdon Family, I am truly heartbroken of hearing about Peter. Peter was such a wonderful man. I remember 21 years ago when I started working for the County, he was a public defender and I was the secretary for the PD’s back then. I had no experience in this field. He was so nice to me and helped me to understand the legal / justice system. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Ali you and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky and Mike says
Ali and Gilly, We love you dearly.
Becky and Mike
Kristin says
An amazing human being. Thank you, Peter, for making your corner of the world happier and safer.
Alison Paul says
I was so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. The light in this world is definitely a little dimmer with the loss of such a bright spirit. I was lucky enough to know Peter, work with him and sing with him. My heart goes out to all who loved him, but especially Gillian and Ali.
Ed Higgins says
Peter made so many lives better and brighter. I can’t think of him without smiling.
Naomi Kaneen says
Ali and family I am so sorry to hear about Peter. He will always be remembered as the children’s champion to me. He was a wonderful man. My love to you all.
Christine I Bugni says
I was shocked and saddened by Peter’s passing. I worked with him at the Law Enforcement Academy and also when I attended the academy. He was a super nice man. I work at DPHHS and he will be missed for his work with helping abused and neglected children. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Donna Mix says
Ali – What an amazingly accomplished man, with an almost unbelievable zest for life! Twenty-one years isn’t nearly long enough. Thank heaven for memories and photos, friends and relatives. Sending you courage, strength, and peace. Blessings to you and Gilly.
Cindy Evenson says
So sorry for loss. Worked with Peter along time ago. When we worked at the county. He was a very nice guy.
Natale Adorni says
Ali and Gilly, Peter was an amazing man. Larry and I were blessed to have known him. He was a great story teller. His wit lightened up any room he entered. He had a deep love and commitment to his family and spoke of his little Gilly often. He was a gifted instructor and touched the lives of so many of our law enforcement students from across Montana. You will remain in our prayers. Much Love, Larry and Natale
David M. Ortley says
I was fortunate to meet Peter as I took over the legal helm from him at the Academy. A day doesn’t go by when I encounter material that is the work product of his brilliance and creative approach to the law. I learned so much from his early tutelage, and the sound advice he gave me as I tried to fill his shoes at the Academy.
I learned as much about work-life balance and living life to its fullest by watching him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Peter’s entire family. The memory of Peter will live on!
Wally Jewell says
I met Peter when I was the JP and Peter was one of the public defenders. Many times he would come to court for a hearing and he would ask for a continuance. Most of the time those requests were granted.
I wish I had it in my power now to grant Peter a continuance of 30 years.
All the best and love to Ali and Gilly and the entire Bovingdon Family.
Wally and Pep Jewell
Mary Grant says
I knew Peter briefly when he represented a CASA child I was the advocate for. I was truly in awe of Peter’s genuine care for this child he had been assigned to represent. He attended every meeting and was able to connect with this child. Peter will be sorely missed by the Helena community for his generosity and kind spirit.
Sending thoughts and prayers to Peter’s family
Mike Kadas says
Ali and Gilly,
My sympathy goes to all of you. I am so saddened to know of Peter’s death at such a prime age. My thoughts are with you these days.
Mike
Maggi Navarro says
Ali and Gillian-
We met at The Police concert in 2008. I knew Peter from work and then ran into him on some Police website when planning for that concert. We were both meeting our childhood friends and bringing our daughters to the Police in the Gorge. We exchanged some memorabilia. Peter loved Andy Summers so I gave him my signed copy of One Train Later. I recall handing it to Peter and his eyes lit up like a little boy as he thumbed through the pages and touched Andy’s autograph. I am so sorry for your loss. Peter was a good and kind man and will be missed.
-Maggi and Chloe Navarro
Ted Anderson says
I’m so sad. Peter was a dear friend in college. A true Renaissance man at 20 years old.- he had already read so much, learned so much. He took me flying, in a glider, and tried to get me hang gliding and parachuting. He taught me multiple ways to juggle, to ride a unicycle, to play laCross, bouldering and rock climbing. I helped get him into road biking. He loved Calvin and Hobbes, Tin Tin, drawing, literature. He loved to talk and was fun and funny. I saw his passion for everything and we shared the innocent sweet infatuations of youth. He taught me riffs on guitar. He was so proud of his father for his accomplishments in law and for the Air Force. Pete was super fit and did countless pushups, door frame, finger tip, pull ups, bouldering, rock climbing, intermural sports of all kinds, ultimate frisbee and trail running…and more. He would be able to stay with accomplished serious cyclists on his very first ride with with our collegiate team. Pete patiently taught me juggling, laCross, ice hockey, etc. Pete’s great intellect was bolstered by a boyish spirit and indeed he markedly harked back to boyhood reflections continuously and he was cultivating his inner curious, funny, playful, loving boy. I loved this man. Bye Pete.