Peter Norman Gertson

Peter Norman Gertson of Burtonsville, Maryland went home to his Lord and Savior on August 30, 2013 in Olney, Maryland. He was born on September 24, 1951 in Washington, DC to Latvian AC.migrAC.s Harry Henry and Irene Gertson. Peter completed his undergraduate and doctoral degrees in molecular biology at the University of Maryland, followed by post-doctoral work at the University of Utah. His happiest and most fulfilling years were working in the molecular genetics laboratories at the Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope in Duarte, California.

A brilliant and complex character, Peter was a defender of the Christian faith, scientist, astronomer, poet, philosopher, musician, photographer, skier, fisherman, handyman, gardener and shortwave radio enthusiast. More than anything else, he loved to think.

Peter was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers, Andris (Andy) and Janis (John). Survivors include his former wife, Jennifer Hill Gertson of Leesburg, Virginia, 3 nephews and 1 niece and a host of loving, kind and compassionate neighbors who treated him like a family member. He is also survived by his loyal four-legged companions, a springer spaniel named Ethan and farm kitties Joey, Zuzu and Dot - all of whom sense his absence and miss him.

Graveside visitation is set for Tuesday, September 10 from 2-3 pm at Union Cemetery in Burtonsville. A memorial party to celebrate Peter's life will be held in the fall on his Burtonsville farm. To be notified of the date and time, please contact Jennifer Gertson at gertsonparty@gmail.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Wildlife Center, Gaithersburg, MD www.scwc.org or City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA www.cityofhope.org .