WATERFORD – Peter McAfee Leslie, 86, died peacefully on Feb. 2, 2023, at home with his wife and children.

The son of John Leslie and Jean Savage Leslie, originally of Lake Minnetonka, Minn., he is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathleen Scribner Leslie; a sister, Susan Abuhaidar of Millbrook, N.Y.; two children, Martha Jean Leslie Long of Wayzata, Minn. and Patrick Scribner Leslie of North Bend, Wash. Peter is the beloved grandfather of Kathleen Long (21), James Long (21), Reese Leslie (7), and Johnna Leslie (5).

He was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Lange, and brother, John Leslie. He cherished all his family and friends.

Peter resided in Maine following his retirement from international investment banking in 1986. He then devoted his time to public service. He was appointed to national commissions to improve the financing of postsecondary education and to improve the effectiveness of the United Nations. Locally, he served on the Cape Elizabeth school board, the Maine Audubon Society, the Maine Health Care Finance Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Peter donated his time, talent, and treasure to support local arts, cultural endeavors, and community organizations. His proudest achievement was 30 years of service as Trustee and Chair of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.

Prior to retirement, Peter enjoyed an exciting, challenging, and successful business career. Having graduated from Philips Exeter Academy and from Princeton University with honors in European Languages, he worked for Citibank for seven years in Brazil. He then joined a New York investment bank where he traveled in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. In 1972, with his friend and colleague Richard Weinert, he co-founded Leslie, Weinert & Co. Inc., a firm which specialized in Latin American investment banking with clients that included governments, corporations, financial institutions, and the United Nations.

Together, Peter and Kay enjoyed a fun and adventurous life in Brazil, the Bahamas, Manhattan, and Maine. Over his lifetime, Peter’s curiosity and love of life led him to work on Canton Island, snorkel the reefs, ski in the Alps and the Andes, sail on the lakes and seas, play the banjo and sing in folk groups, and row on the Charles River. To those who knew him well, rarely was Peter at a loss for something interesting to do – or at a loss for words. He shared his love of life, language, and laughter generously with his family and friends.

Peter was a proud Scotch-Irishman whose handshake was his word, whose belief in the goodness within all of us was steadfast, and whose love of nature was never-ending. He believed in honorable hard work, thoughtful consideration, and the element of chance in life. He was a true teacher, often sending his family to the computer to look up a famous quote or to translate a Portuguese or French poem. He is sorely missed and proudly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Waterford Congregational Church, 15 Plummer Hill Rd., with a lunch reception to follow next door in the Wilkins house where stories and memories will be shared.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stephens Memorial Hospital, Stoneham Rescue Service, Lakes Environmental Association, Waterford Congregational Church, and the American Stroke Association.

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