![[ Nu Alpha Phi ]](../../NAP.gif)
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According to Pomona College Magazine, the following brothers have passed on:
Daniel B. Millikin '26 #45 Gordon Pettit `34 #133
Mr. Pettit's extraordinary range of interests encompassed archaeology, history, woodcarving, real estate, and commerce. He was best known in San Diego for his 43 years on the board of directors of the San Diego Museum of Man, which he served as president from 1946 to 1949. "He provided us with collections and financial support over the years and was here almost daily until a few months ago," said Jane Smethurst, the museum's associate director. In 1973, Mr. Pettit founded the museum's Collectors' Club, whose more than 100 members donate a minimum of $100 per year to buy items for exhibit in the museum. Mr. Pettit also launched a program of cultural tours in connection with the museum. As a board member of the San Diego Historical Society, he hosted with his wife, Elsa Marston Pettit, a retreat in the 1980s at the couple's Setenac Creek Ranch in Julian. Mr. Pettit owned and developed property in Bonita and Rancho Santa Fe and maintained a second home and ranch in Ramah, N.M., where archaeological digs were conducted. Students from the universities of Wake Forest, Denver and Vanderbilt learned field techniques over the years at the Pettits' archaeological sites, which became training grounds for budding professionals. Mr. Pettit also shared his archaeological expertise on the board of directors of the School of American Research in Sante Fe, N.M. He developed his skill as a wood-carver while stationed in the Philippines as a Navy supply officer during World War II. "He picked up a piece of wood when he was bored one time on a Navy ship," his wife said, "and the hobby went from there. He carved 20 doors during his lifetime, including the ones in our Julian home." Herbert Kunzel, a retired San Diego attorney and longtime friend of Mr. Pettit, said, "He would carve small objects, 1 to 2 inches or so, and give them to friends." Mr. Pettit began devoting more time to his cultural interests after a 25-year career with the Marston Co. which was San Diego's leading department store when it merged in 1960 with The Broadway. Before retiring from Marston in 1959 as vice president, Mr. Pettit directed merchandising and publicity for the store and oversaw an expansion that included branches throughout San Diego County. Mr. Pettit also designed the often-lavish floral displays in the landmark downtown Marston store. His wife's grandfather, pioneering merchant-philanthropist George W. Marston, founded Marston Co. in 1878 on the southwest corner of Seventh Avenue and C Street. A native of Los Angeles, Mr. Pettit graduated from Pomona College in 1934 with a degree in economics. He met his wife when she was a student at the adjacent Scripps College. Before marrying in December 1935, the couple attended field schools for archaeology together in New Mexico as college students. During their 61-year marriage, they took several archaeological trips abroad, mostly to Mexico and Central America. In 1950, Mr. Pettit served as foreman of the San Diego County grand jury. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Mary Margaret Myers of Highpoint, N.C., Leda Catherine Lawrence of Julian, and Sara LaBreton Cannon of Bonita; son Steven Henry Pettit of Julian; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Friday, April 18, 1997 at the San Diego Museum of Man. Donations are suggested to the Museum of Man, the San Diego YMCA, the San Diego Historical Society, the Julian Museum or the Jemez Pueblo in Jemez, N.M. [And, of course, the Nu Alpha Phi Memorial Scholarship Fund. --Eds.] |
