Peter Froning

1954 - 2002

It is with great regret that 'Beyond the Pale' must report the death of Peter Froning.

Peter, whose friendly, generous and out-going manner endeared him to fellow-Palers who met him at the recent concerts and gatherings in Guildford and Kristiansand, was just 48 years old, and had returned only recently from his sojourn in China; his weekly bulletins thence were widely enjoyed for their insight, humour and humanity, and he will be greatly missed.

We offer our sincere condolences to his mother Doris, and to his sister and brother, Mary and Andy, who report that Peter's health deteriorated following a diagnosis of congestive heart failure just a few weeks ago; he died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, 22 October at Albuquerque, New Mexico.

His brother Andy wrote that '... Without question [Peter] thoroughly enjoyed his relationships arising from his love of the music. His trips to see the band were highlights of his life ... we know his legacy of friendship and goodwill go on for many more years'.

His sister Mary wrote that '... this is a shock to all of us. I don't even know what to say, except that we were very proud of him.' The family ask us to remember Peter in our prayers; and it might be fitting also to choose a Procol Harum track and play it loudly for him, when the moment seems right.

BtP will post the funeral arrangements when they are finalised.

OBITUARY

Peter James Froning, 48, of heart disease, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Son of Doris W Froning and the late J Fendall Froning of Wilmington, Peter was born and raised in Kennett Square, PA. During his junior year at Kennett High School, he participated in an American Field Service student exchange program in Uganda. He attended the University of New Mexico and remained in Albuquerque for many years.

He was a Certified Public Accountant and an entrepreneur. While in Wilmington, he owned Scotty’s restaurant and was executive director of WEDCO, the Wilmington Economic Development Corporation. He also sponsored and coached baseball in the Ish Prado Puerto Rican Little League. During the nineties Peter returned to Albuquerque to become Executive Director of Enchantment Land Certified Development Corporation. More recently he was Director of the New Mexico Rural Response Council. In both cities Peter helped the economically disadvantaged to start and run their own small businesses.

Peter’s true loves were baseball and music, especially that of the rock band Procol Harum. He traveled to many of the band’s concerts both here and abroad and was well known to the band and its devoted following. In 2001–2, Peter taught English at the North China University of Technology in Beijing, China, where he was much beloved by his students. At the time of his death he was writing a humorous account of his year in China.

Peter is survived by his mother, brother Dr. Michael J Froning, Birmingham, AL; sister Anne C Laboe, Monroe, MI; sister Dr. Mary L Froning of Washington, DC, brother Andrew J Froning of Kennett Square, PA, 11 nieces and nephews, and 11 grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque, 2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE #98, Albuquerque, NM 87110 c/o Peter J Froning Memorial Fund and the American Heart Association.

There will be two services:
Albuquerque
Sunday, 27 October at the French Mortuary at 1111 University NE
2-3 p.m. viewing; 3 p.m. service; celebration of Peter's life - 4-7 p.m.

Wilmington, Delaware
Thursday 31 October - St. Joseph's on the Brandwine Catholic Church
9:30 to 10:30 viewing; 10:30 Catholic service with burial to follow in the St. Joseph's cemetery.

A Whiter Shade of Pale will be performed at Albuquerque by an acapella group and at Wilmington by Peter's niece and nephews with an acoustic guitar.

Procol Harum fans at 'Beyond the Pale'