Peter Bryce Appleton
Peter Bryce Appleton died peacefully after extended illness, surrounded by his children on February 20, 2020. He was 76.
Growing up in the west as a son of parents with east coast ties, Bryce headed east for school following family tradition. He graduated from St. Mark’s School in 1961 before heading to Yale. While at Yale, Bryce earned a B.A. in English in 1965, but described his “real” majors as squash and tennis; officially Silliman was his residential college, but Payne Whitney Gym was a close second. He credited Coach Johnny Skillman, 42-year Yale Squash and Tennis coach, with teaching him to expand his knowledge of racquet sports beyond tennis to include squash. Even though Bryce was introduced to squash at Yale, he worked hard to learn the sport, ultimately served as team captain, and played in the U.S. National Championship in Squash.
Following Yale, Bryce graduated from the University of Connecticut Law School in 1968 and Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program in 1983.
After a short career practicing law in Tucson, AZ, Bryce was drawn to the airline industry. As a licensed commercial pilot, the airline industry combined his passion for flying with his love of building teams and starting, operating, and fixing companies. Bryce directed the start-up, turn-around, and development of four regional airlines. Bryce also served as a Special Consultant to the Department of Transportation
providing direction on airline deregulation. Later in his career, Bryce was a consultant and coach to various corporations on strategy, leadership effectiveness, and general management.
Bryce served as Alumni Class representative while daughter Amy (‘94) was at Yale. He organized and coordinated a donation by the Appleton family of Pre-Colombian artifacts to the Yale University Art Gallery.
Throughout his life, Bryce was passionate about the environment and land conservation. He contributed his time and leadership to several non-profit organizations focused on conservation, the environment, and sustainability. He joined the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies External Advisory Board in 2010, an opportunity that blended his appreciation for Yale with a commitment to the environment.
Bryce moved around but found a home in Crested Butte, CO, Tucson, AZ, and Santa Barbara, CA. Racquet sports, especially tennis and squash, continued to be a life-long endeavor. Bryce was most fulfilled when he was able to share his passions for sports, the outdoors, and travel with his family and his friends.
Bryce was devoted to family and delighted in reaching out to people of all walks of life. He touched many and always made people feel special and appreciated. He is deeply missed.
Survived by daughters Amy Appleton, Sarah Appleton with partner Nicolas Maillet, son Nathan Appleton and wife Heidi, brother Marc Appleton, sisters Lynnie and Lili Appleton, three loving grandchildren and other extended family.
Memorial donations may be made to Squash Haven or Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.