Peter Hooker Klaussen, 1924-2012

       Local ski coach and former manager of Alpine Meadows, Peter Klaussen passed away recently.  He attended CalTech ; he flew B-25's in WW II, enlisting in 1943.  He received a BA from Amhherst and earned an MBA from Harvard.   He completed 25 low level combat missions in the South Pacific, over water.  He was a contemporary of the famous Louis Zamperini of "Unbroken"fame.
     He built award winning homes, his first was in Squaw Valley in 1955.   He competed in many races on the senior circuit; he won 10 championships, including Sugar Bowls Silver Belt.
     He also flew his own sail plane out of Truckee airport, pursuing altitude and distance records.  He is survived by his wife, Joan, of 55 years, and  3 of his 5  children.
     He was a member of the "Greatest Generation" and lived a long, full life, setting an example for not only his children but all who came in contact with this fine man.
R.I.P.