Peter Field, 56, died peacefully on Sunday, November 7, just three weeks after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the esophagus. Pete was born in Detroit, Mich., and grew up in nearby Grosse Pointe Park. After attending Wayne State University in Detroit, Pete had a short career as an auto mechanic before becoming a full time antiques dealer in 1988, along with his partner Susan MacKay; they were known as MacKay and Field Antiques.
In 1996 Pete and Sue relocated from Michigan to Connecticut to fulfill their dream of living in an early house in New England. For more than 20 years Pete and Sue participated in antiques shows all over the eastern half of the country, where they met dealers and customers who became dear friends and often came to stay with them in their little red cape.
Pete’s greatest joy was to be home in front of a blazing fire surrounded by his dogs and his friends with Sue by his side. He also loved to ride through the country roads of Connecticut, looking at early homes and watching deer and wild turkeys.
Antiques and old houses were Pete’s passion; he loved the thrill of the hunt as he searched out the early country furniture and accessories he loved so much at shows, shops and auctions †he enjoyed collecting as much as he did selling items to his customers. He especially enjoyed going to auctions and coming home with a van full of treasures.
Each March, July and October he was almost overcome with excitement and anticipation waiting for the Northeast catalogs to arrive so he and Sue could “shop” for their next acquisitions.
Pete was a gentle and loving soul; with his death the antiques world has lost a most enthusiastic dealer and collector. Pete is survived by his life and business partner of 26 years, Susan MacKay and his beloved golden retriever, Meg; his much loved 14-year-old Lab/Irish wolfhound, Jakie, died on November 8, and will also be greatly missed. Services were private.
In memory of Pete, donations to the Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue (www.MAGRR.org) are greatly appreciated.
