Peter Macwilliams

MADISON- Peter S. MacWilliams, age 68, of Madison died peacefully in his sleep January 1st, 2014. Pete was born in Concord, NH but was primarily raised in Pleasant Valley, NY. He was a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 1969 and earned a doctorate in Clinical Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan, School of Veterinary Medicine, class of 1978. Peter retired in 2007 from the University of Wisconsin - School of Veterinary Medicine after teaching Pathobiological Sciences and from Marshfield Clinic in 2011. Pete was a member of the AVMA, WVMA, ACVP, & ASVCP; serving as Chairman of the Examination Committee for the ACVP in 1989, and as WVMA President in 1996. Peter earned the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in teaching in 1994. Pete was most proud of his service as a teacher. He received the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teaching Award several times locally, receiving national recognition in 2005. He also received the Walter F. Rank Distinguished Professor Award in 2002.

Pete was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took pride in his ability to provide a stable, loving, home for his wife and children. Pete was happiest up north at the family cabin, Bay Cottage. Peter, wife, Gale and family built Bay Cottage almost entirely by themselves. He used the many building projects as a source of relaxation. Not so relaxing, but definitely a source of excitement, Peter also enjoyed boating and fishing with the grandkids.

Peter is survived by his wife of 46 years, Galeann (DeMaroney) MacWilliams; daughter, Heather Dwyer (James Syverud) of Cottage Grove, WI; son, Matthew MacWilliams (Stacie) of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Liam Dwyer and Sydney & Bryce MacWilliams; sister Donna Mears (Frank) of Pleasant Valley, NY; and Nephews Scott Mears (Aparna) & Peter Mears (Amber).
Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Newell & Virginia MacWilliams of Pleasant Valley, NY and his in-laws, Orlando & Regina DeMaroney of Hyde Park, NY.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25th, 2013 at 2pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Friends may greet the family at the funeral home from noon until services begin. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Peter's name for a future scholarship fund. Gifts can be made to the UW Foundation, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706.