Cranbrook.edu

Peter DeWitt

5/20/2005

1951 - 1988

Peter DeWitt was the first trainer in Cranbrook’s history, but his legacy went beyond wrapping tape and icing shoulders.

DeWitt arrived in 1951 as a mathematics instructor, primarily in the Middle School. He preached to his many students the importance of being respectful to others.

DeWitt also coached basketball and was known for his craftsmanship in building model trains and boats for children.

His wife, Elizabeth, worked in the Kingswood dorms for more than 20 years.

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Date Posted

Andrew McMechan
7/28/2008 @ 12:00 AM

"Sneaky Pete" was my first form math teacher way back in 1969. I don't remember much of the content of what he taught, I have alternately fond and terrifying memories of his class: his habit of chucking erasers at boys he believed (rightly) weren't paying sufficient attention; his demonic insistence no one could remove their jacket unless he did so first. This last was a particularly fond device especially on hot days. But he always let you know it was all in good fun. I was strongly reminded of him while watching one of the Harry Potter films, in a scene where Snape belabors some of the boys in distinctly DeWittian fashion. To this day, I still covet his old Vespa scooter, which he would ride down to the lower fields for baseball practice.
Eric Leins
6/27/2006 @ 1:49 PM

I never had Mr. DeWitt as a teacher, but I have very fond memories of he and Mrs. DeWitt as people. Always kind, warm and welcoming, with great humor and infectious laughs I can remember like yesterday. I was saddened to hear they have both passed, but heartened to find this portal where their memories can live on and those they have touched can reconnect.