Dr. Peter Paul Lockett was born Aug. 3, 1932, and after a courageous battle with recent illnesses, died at Summerlin Hospital April 22, 2009.

Pete was born in Oakland, Calif., and graduated from Oakland High School in 1950. He did his undergraduate work at University of California Berkeley, and received his undergraduate degree in business administration in 1954. Pete then enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation and was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon his return, he pursued his master's degree in accounting at the University of Southern California. He spent time working in the private and public sector for a variety of elite firms. He never lost his passion for teaching and returned to USC to complete his Ph.D. Pete received his Ph.D. in accounting in 1975. He joined the faculty at California State University, Los Angeles, where he was conferred with full professor status in 1981. He retired in 1995.

He met and married the love of his life, Marie, in 1989. Pete has been a well loved resident of Sun City since 1996. He was preceded in death by Marie in 2001.

Peter will forever be remembered by his daughters and their husbands, Dana and Mark Reynolds and Kim and Ken Baxter; his beloved grandchildren, Antonio, Carlos and Benjamin; caring cousins, Paul and Joan Buechner, Beverly and Bob Lewis; sister-in-law, Betina Vincent; and countless dear friends who were blessed to know him.

Pete loved traveling the world, singing with the Sun City Silvertones, meeting weekly with his friends at the computer club, and spending time with his dear friends. Pete was known for his kindness and gentle nature. He always had positive words for others and couldn't help but bring a smile to all who knew him.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 4 p.m. Friday, May 8, at his home, 3108 Childress Drive, in Las Vegas.