Peter Anthony Steinhauser, died peacefully in his home in Denver, CO on October 21st, 2026 with his wife, Holley, and beloved dachshund, Daisy, by his side. Peter fought a valiant seven year battle with lung cancer. He was 70 years old. Peter was born in the city of Davao, Mindanao in the Philippines on November 27, 1955, the son of Anthony and Ellen Steinhauser and the younger brother of Lore Steinhauser.

Peter’s early years were spent in Switzerland and Connecticut before the family moved to Alexandria, Virginia where he attended St. Stephen’s School. He received his degree in Literature from the University of Richmond.

As a youth, Peter excelled at multiple sports. In high school, he was selected to the Washington D.C. All-Met Seniors Basketball Team and earned a scholarship to play Division 1 college tennis. He had a passion for skiing, hiking and backpacking. His outdoor adventures included multi-week trips in the Wind River Range of Wyoming, canoe trips on the Rio Grande River in Texas, winter fishing on New Mexico’s San Juan River and skiing on some of the great slopes of Colorado, Wyoming, Switzerland and Austria. He was highly active in all those pursuits throughout his adult life until lung cancer prevented him from participating in the sports and activities he loved. He relished his time in the great outdoors and never took for granted the beauty of the natural world. As his health declined over the years he took great comfort in sitting outside and reading or talking on the phone to an old friend, listening and watching the birds, enjoying the garden and a calm breeze or the change of the seasons.

While he recalled all of his sports, adventures and destinations with a smile, he especially treasured having done those with close friends and family. He was comfortable in new surroundings or situations and actively sought out opportunities to explore new locations and meet new people. He lived in many places throughout his life and collected friends of all ages far and wide. An unparalleled listener and trusted confidante for many, he took his relationships seriously and always took the time to have meaningful conversations with those he loved. His presence was quiet, but strong, kind and intentional.

Peter enjoyed a successful career over 35 years in advertising, marketing and data sciences. He rose to lead one of Publicis/Leo Burnett’s first digital marketing businesses as CEO working with some of the nation’s best known brands. He held executive roles and board positions of companies such as Leo Burnett WW, McCann-Erickson and Acxiom Corporation.

Following his career in the private sector, Peter applied his experience to pursue his passion for youth sports and outdoor education. He served as the founding Board Chair for the Chicago Chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance. He served as the National Executive Director and Director of National Brand and Marketing for Outward Bound USA for ten years after moving to Denver, CO.

As his time and energy became more limited, he found great satisfaction contributing his efforts to two early stage non-profits: Hopestream Community-an organization for Moms of teens and young adults navigating substance misuse; and Live By Living-an organization providing outdoor experiences for cancer survivors and caregivers that connect them with the healing power of nature.

He is survived by his wife, Holley Sanford Steinhauser and his sister, Lore Steinhauser in addition to five step children whom he loved as if they were his own. His stepdaughters and their families from his first marriage are Liz, Mike, Nell and Will McCarthy; Emily, Reid, Liam and Izzy Snyder. Those from his marriage to Holley are Louisa, Spencer and Teddy Reinhart; Mallie Sanford and Lawson Sanford.

Peter will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.