Peter John Van Eck

Peter John Van Eck (b. 10/23/46) of Dexter, Michigan, died 11/24/23 at University Hospital in Ann Arbor following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Peter was a brilliant, gentle, compassionate man who never suffered fools. An entrepreneur, he owned and operated six different businesses ranging from an art gallery to an international investment brokerage to a publishing company. He was employed at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research; and at the National Highway Safety Institute he did extensive research on cervical and neck trauma, developing research models and performing statistical analyses. Peter also served as a consultant for various departments of the City of Ann Arbor.

He was at his best as a spiritual explorer and teacher. Peter was a listener, a problem solver, and a caregiver to those in need. And, he was an author of a speculative fiction novel, The Odyssey of the Slingshot Man, which was a vehicle for expressing his spiritual understanding of the universe. At his death, Book 2 was in process and will be completed in his memory.

Peter was preceded in death by his father, William, and his stepmother, Arline. He is survived by his mother, Barbara; his sister Linda (Frank) Daniels; brothers William (Kathy), David (Kait), and Jon (Karen); by his wife of 32 years, Lani, and his stepdaughter Erin; and by many nieces and nephews, friends, and students. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.