Lasting Memories

Peter Kolb Danner
Jan. 10, 1936-Dec. 11, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Peter Kolb Danner, 89, of Palo Alto, California, passed away peacefully at his home on December 11, 2025. He was a much loved father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed.

Born in San Jose, California, Peter was raised by Sara Kolb and William Mason Danner. His early years were spent on the Stanford University campus, where his father was a doctoral student, and Santa Barbara, where his mother was part of a vibrant art community. The loss of his father at age ten had a profound effect on his life; Sara moved with Peter to the suburbs of Philadelphia to be near extended family, but soon returned to Santa Barbara. This pattern would repeat, and Peter found himself frequently uprooted, attending at least six schools before graduating high school.

Peter enrolled at Ursinus College in the fall of 1953 as a history major. He took to college life with enthusiasm, playing rhythm guitar in a dance band, turning his hand to journalism and trying out for drama and the debate team. A choir rehearsal for a production of the Messiah would change the direction of Peter’s life. He later claimed George Frederick Handel was to blame for his career in music. Because there was no music program at Ursinus, Peter transferred to UC Santa Barbara to study music history.

Peter married Zuriel Elizabeth Lelande, the granddaughter of another Santa Barbara painter, on September 12, 1959. Peter and Liza had known each other off and on since childhood. They would make their home in Palo Alto, a city they both loved.

Peter had received his masters degree from Stanford University the year before, and was now returning to work for his doctorate. The following years were busy but happy ones, including a move to London for study, and the birth of two children. Peter was awarded his PhD in 1967. He was proud of his time at Stanford, and regularly visited the campus to take advantage of cultural events and explore new campus features.

Peter worked as a music critic for the Palo Alto Times and had an active performing career before giving it up to focus on teaching and writing. His writings soon drew interest, providing opportunities to network with a wide range of music professionals. He was president of the Lute Society of America from 1977-1982, and spent time on the faculty at Menlo College. Peter was a central player in the forming of the Guitar Foundation of America, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1977-1985, and as editor of their journal, Soundboard, from 1985-2001. He received the GFA's Distinguished Service Award in 2007.

In his later years Peter took up the sport of lawn bowling, joining the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club. He was an active member, serving on their board and eventually taking on the role of club historian. He was posthumously honored with their award for exceptional service. He became a member of the Avenidas Village of Palo Alto, enjoying classes, community and social events.

His mother described Peter as a “quicksilver” child, overflowing with inquisitiveness and energy. These traits would remain with him throughout his life. His passing creates an enormous void, but he leaves behind a wealth of writings and a legacy of curiosity.

Beyond music, Peter loved travel, trains, baseball (Giants!), antiquarian books, literature, history, old movies, John Steinbeck, Jack Benny, soccer, puzzles, friends, and his family.

Peter is survived by his daughter Colette (Patrick), of Seattle, son Eric (Samantha) of Santa Cruz, grandsons Owen and Quinn, and cousin Jane. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Liza.