With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Peter Jonathan Criss of Vashon Island, Washington.
Peter was born in Nelson County, Virginia, to Doris and Reverend Sam Criss. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Peter played first cello in the KSU orchestra and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Pre-Law. When he and his husband Brian Fisher moved to Dallas, Texas, Peter attended Southern Methodist University before forming an architectural illustration company with Brian. In 1988, they moved the company to Seattle and in 1989 to Vashon Island, Washington, where he happily worked and lived until his death.
Peter was loved by many. He listened to, comforted and supported so many people through the years. He was impeccably honest and judicious, with a real sense of what was right, wrong and appropriate. Peter counted many friends among Vashon’s community of visual artists. He loved gardening. His home on Vashon reflects that love. Another passion was US and world politics. He had a genuine concern for humanity but also appreciated the absurdity of politics and was entertained by it.
Peter is survived by his husband, Brian Fisher of Vashon Island, Washington; his father and stepmother, Sam and Beth Criss of Wichita, Kansas; his sister Lisa Griffin (Nelson Griffin Jr.) of E. Bernstadt, Kentucky; his sister-in-law Lynette Seymour (Craig Seymour); brother-in-law, Glen Fisher, all of Fort Collins, Colorado; his nephews, Nelson Griffin III of Calumet, Michigan, and Dustin Griffin of E. Bernstadt, Kentucky; his niece, Dawn Dorsch of Fort Collins, Colorado; his niece Tiffany Huslig (Tom Huslig) of Kent, Washington; great nieces, nephews, and many friends. Peter was preceded in death by his mother Doris Moots of Vashon Island, Washington and stepfather Frank Moots of Newton Kansas.
A celebration of life at Peter’s and Brian’s home is planned for August 9, 2024. Donations in memory of Peter may be made to Vashon Island Visual Artists, VIVA Scholarships, at vivartists.com. https://vivartists.com/viva/
