Avery Peyton

member of a Spokane family with a long and varied local history, has died at the age of 88 from Alzheimer's Disease. Peyton was born in Spokane on April 4th, 1922, and was the son of local businessman and civic leader, Harlan Ide Peyton and Ruth Peyton. He attended Lewis & Clark High School, Class of 1940. He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Peyton interrupted his collegiate career to join the U.S. Navy, and served as an officer aboard the USS Bataan in World War II. Upon his return, he joined the Peyton Investment Company in 1948 where he assisted in the management of the Peyton Building, located at 10 N. Post Street. He later worked as a commercial real estate appraiser. Peyton was elected to the Spokane School Board in 1960, and was later named President. He was a member of various civic and educational organizations, including the Washington State Board for Community College Education. In 1952, Peyton married Irena Vrbova. Irena Vrbova was a recent immigrant from Czechoslavakia at the time, a force of nature, and his loving partner until her death at the age of 67 in 1991. Peyton is survived by son Harley, daughter Karla, and four grandchildren, Jourdan, Erika, Monica, and Tess. He was an honest man, good and true. He will be missed more than words can say.