From the Office of Bishop Bob
In sadness, we share the news that Rev. Robert (Bob) Peale died on Friday, October 1, 2021.
Rev. Peale was admitted on trial in 1952 in the North Texas Conference of the Methodist Church. He was appointed to attend school and became an elder in full connection in 1954. He served in the North Texas Conference at: Myra-Hood, 1954. He transferred to the Southern California-Arizona Conference of the Methodist Church in 1956 and served at: Glendale AZ, associate, 1956; Phoenix: Trinity MC, 1957; and Phoenix: Aldersgate MC, 1966. In the Southern California-Arizona Conference of The United Methodist Church, he served: Phoenix: Aldersgate UMC, 1968; Santa Maria CA: First UMC, 1970. In the Pacific & Southwest Conference he served: Santa Maria: First UMC, 1977; Oxnard CA: St. Paul’s UMC, 1978; and Sierra Vista AZ: Sierra Vista UMC, 1982. In the Desert Southwest Conference, he continued serving Sierra Vista AZ: Sierra Vista UMC. He entered into a leave of absence in 1990 and retired in 1993.
Rev. Peale was very pastoral and always looked for ways to encourage others to discover and use their gifts for ministry. He led his churches to start new ministries, was a good administrator, and helped several congregations to build new buildings. Ministry ran in his family, as Bob’s uncle was the well-known minister and author Norman Vincent Peale. Bob liked ice cream, classical music, animals and nature in general (especially fond of his dogs). He was a good storyteller, though sometimes given to his great imagination. He was very witty. Bob wasn’t a good athlete but was quite fond of hiking, even in his later years.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 20th at 2 pm (MST) at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, 3225 Saint Andrews Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650. There will be a reception after the service at one of Bob’s favorite restaurants: Vinny’s Pizza, 1977 South Frontage Road, Sierra Vista, 85635 – no reservations required.
Condolences and Memorial gifts may be sent to:
Sierra Vista United Methodist Church
3225 Saint Andrews Drive
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650
or by clicking this link: https://sierravistamethodist.org/electronic-giving/
Remembering God’s word for us, we give thanks to God who gives us the victory over death through Jesus Christ. With gratitude for the life and ministry of Rev. Robert (Bob) Peale, please hold his family and friends in prayer at this time.