Cortland William Peret

Born August 2, 1947 in Columbia, MO to Barbara Ann (Albrecht) Peret and John Cortland Gifford Peret, Cort spent his pre-school years in that college town, close to both pairs of adoring grandparents. The family moved to Boston where he started elementary school. He became a baseball fan there and followed the Red Sox until the family moved to Falls Church when he was 9. He was active in Boy Scouts, received his God and Country award at 16 and made Eagle Scout at 17. He enjoyed Little League, watching westerns including Gunsmoke, Maverick and Bonanza, and hiking and camping (a highlight was the trip to high-adventure Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico). Cort graduated from George Mason Jr-Sr High School where he lettered in track and cross country. He attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 1969. Cort was an army veteran (Spec-4 military police in Missouri and Korea, 1969-71). Cort spent his career at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, retiring as Supervisory Program Analyst in 2008 after 40 years’ government service.

Cort described that he “had a ball” during his retirement years. He enjoyed playing golf, helping his parents as they aged, and traveling. He visited destinations as diverse as Tanzania and the Uyghur region of western China and especially liked his trip to Alaska and the landscapes of Utah. Cort was a ticket holder to Baltimore Orioles games for decades and annually attended first and second round NCAA Tournament games around the country. He was a dedicated officer of his homeowners’ association board for 20 years. In 1996 Cort invested in farmland in Illinois and his partner who farmed the land became a valued friend. In 2014 he purchased more acreage and sponsored that farmer’s son in the USDA’s young farmer program. His grins were widest when he visited the farms and walked in the fields or rode in the combine at harvest time. In 2019 Cort suffered a stroke following surgery and he was in rehab for 19 months working hard to learn to walk again. He faced every health challenge with dignity and determination. Except for those recent setbacks, he remarked that he had “a great life” and that he did not regret any choices he had made.

Cort was preceded in death by his parents. His marriage to Elaine Heinefield ended in divorce. He is survived by his sister Anne Peret of Arlington and cousins across the country. He will be missed by many friends and neighbors, particularly Jeanne Fox of Churchton. Burial will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Falls Church Presbyterian Church, Boy Scout Troop 895, or Goodwin House Foundation staff education fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Peret family.