Peter Wykes

Wykes, Peter N.
Age 64
Of Scandia
Formerly of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Passed away peacefully Saturday, April 25, in Stillwater, MN of melanoma. Born 1951, Johannesburg, SA. Preceded in death by parents, Eric and Dorothy Wykes; and brother, David. Survived by wife, Michele; children, Joseph McGonagle and Erin McGonagle (Brandon Sarver); new grandson, Liam; sister, Janet (Glen) Moore; sister-in-law, Audrey Wykes; and nieces and nephews.
Peter attended Highland H.S. (class of 69) and earned a BFA in scenic design from the University of Minnesota. An accomplished fingerstyle folk and blues guitarist, Peter performed regularly on the west bank in the 1970's at the Scholar, New Riverside CafAC., and Cafe Extempore.
Peter was a gifted artist and exceptional craftsman. During his 30-year career in technical theater and exhibit design, he worked as properties craftsman, Guthrie Theater; exhibit designer, Science Museum of MN; and property master, Minnesota Opera. Peter wrote satirical songs featured on NPR, and won the Loft-McKnight Prize for fiction. Peter designed and built fine furniture as partner at Xylos Gallery, and won Best in Show and Peer awards for furniture from the MN Woodworkers Guild. Peter enjoyed cartooning and building guitars. He was passionate about animal welfare.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, May 8 at Macalester Presbyterian Church, 1658 Lincoln Ave., St. Paul. Memorial gifts preferred to Minnesota Hoofed Animal Rescue Foundation; St. Francis Animal Rescue of Forest Lake; Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.