Peter Goffe Briggs 78, of Mason’s Island died peacefully on April 11th surrounded by family. He leaves his loving wife of 40 years Candace Rhoades Erickson Briggs; their daughter, Bailey Case Briggs of New York City; his two sons with his first wife Cynthia Hawley Moore, Lucius Goffe Briggs II of Fairfield, CT and children, Sophie and Peter; Goffe’s wife, Jennifer Fitzbaugh and their daughter, Mary Elizabeth; son Mark Chappell Briggs of Boulder, Colorado and his wife, Fe Baran and their two children, Lucy and Brewer. His beloved grandchildren, who called him GP, were a very important part of his life.
Peter also leaves his sister, Patricia Briggs Copp of Mason’s Island. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann Briggs Copp and his parents, Lucius Goffe and Sallie Lee Brown Briggs. In addition, Peter leaves his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Suzie Erickson and his eight nieces, Carolyn Copp Freeman, Cheryl “Tidge” Copp, Candace Copp Jacobs, Jennifer Copp Kimenker, Jacqueline Copp-Moffett, Elizabeth Copp Lebel, Kelly Schlereth Larson and Chelsea Schlereth Parrilla.
Peter was born in Norwich Connecticut on February 18, 1938. He graduated from The Hill School and Brown University and later earned his Master’s in Business from the University of Bridgeport. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1960 and was honorably discharged as an officer in 1963. Peter often spoke about the importance of the discipline he learned in those years that translated into his passion for and success in the investment business.
He held various positions of increasing responsibility at General Foods, Venus Estabrook, Hayden Stone, Shearson Lehman Brothers and Advest. It was during these years that he met and fell in love with his wife, Candy. Ever an optimist and rule follower, he had a wealth of ideas and the ability to persuade others to his cause. In the spring of 2006 Peter completed what today would be called a white paper entitled “Stocks That Go Up”; a guide to investment based on his years of experience in the world of finance. Always a teacher, his intent was to provide inspiration for family members for generations to come.
Peter was generous with his time and energy in a variety of volunteer areas as Commodore of the Mason’s Island Yacht Club, President of the Board of Trustees for Pine Point School, a Charter Member of the Stonington Country Club, a Board Member of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum and President of the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eat Out), to name a few.
A dedicated and competitive sailor, he found joy and relaxation especially when he was on the open sea, very often in the late afternoon of a summer day. A man of many interests and a well-coordinated athlete (he liked to win and often did), he loved games of wit and spacial challenges like building stone walls. He had an architectural bent with an eye for design that manifested itself on both the inside and outside of wherever he lived. He was interesting - and interested in, a variety of things. He was bright and keenly aware of the world about him.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather ------- he was a happy, family man. Peter had a magnetic charm, a great love of life. He will be greatly missed by so many people; he was, indeed, quite a guy.
Peter Briggs set sail for his final voyage yesterday morning, as he died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. Honoring his last wishes, we will be hosting a traditional jazz funeral on Saturday, April 16th to celebrate his wonderful life. A march led by the Mystic Horns will begin at 4PM at Mason’s Island Yacht Club. This is a joyful celebration, so bring your best stories, brightest clothing and share the love you feel for this exceptional man whom we already miss with all our hearts. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pine Point School (89 Barnes Rd. Stonington, CT 06378) in memory of Peter. All gifts will be directed to the Peter G. Briggs Fund, which has been established to support the School's scholarship program, or a donation to: http://www.cfect.org/
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
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