LAFF Society

NEWSLETTER

Many Happy Returns

 

 

 

Family and friends of Peter Geithner gathered at his home on Cape Cod this summer to observe his eightieth birthday. 

 
Peter, a former president of LAFF, worked in the International Division of the Foundation for nearly thirty years, from 1968 through 1996. Most notably he was Ford’s first representative in China before becoming director of Asia programs in 1990. Among his other positions was deputy representative for India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and representative for Southeast Asia.
 
Since leaving Ford he’s worked as a consultant in Asian affairs for several organizations, including the Asia Center at Harvard University, and served on several boards, including the National Committee on United States-China Relations and the Institute of Current World Affairs.
 
He received many tributes but nothing sums up the meaning for him of that day better than his own reaction. 
 
“Because it was my 80th,” Peter wrote of the event, “my birthday on July 14 was bound to be special. It could not have been more so. 
 
“My family organized a party that brought together not only all my children and grandchildren but also a group of local friends – nearly 40 strong. Included were delicious food (Eastern/Western fusion) as well as singing and dancing by children and grandchildren and a jazz/saxophone combo. In addition, Tim (his son, Timothy Geithner) had solicited greetings from a host of colleagues from around the world and presented me a treasured book of the responses.
 
“The main downsides of being 80 are that I can no longer drive, a slowing down generally, a giving-up of long-cherished board memberships and consulting contracts with various organizations here and abroad, and the end of the long-loved opportunity to travel, especially to China and elsewhere in Asia. It has also meant adding to the burdens on Deborah (his wife), who now has to be mother to me as well as to the rest of the family. Ah, the advantages of having a younger wife!
 
“My best wishes to all LAFF members, near and far.”
 

 

 

 

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