San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Peter Joseph Mullins
Peter Joseph Mullins, the “man with a plan” for the 50-acre outdoor stone garden, the Mendocino Stone Zone, passed away peacefully in San Francisco on August 21, 2022. He was 75.
Peter was born in San Francisco in 1947 to Vincent J. Mullins and Mary Louise Raggio Mullins. He grew up in Presidio Heights and graduated from George Washington High School, where he played as a star quarterback. He then went on to play college football at City College of San Francisco and also played at The University of Montana, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Peter loved playing and watching sports, and became particularly fond of basketball later in his life. Peter spent many years working in various facets of the construction industry. In retirement, he worked on his beloved property in Gualala, CA, the “Mendocino Stone Zone”, a one of a kind marvel showcasing the work of stone masons from around the world. He connected with craftsmen through the Stone Foundation and Art City in Ventura, as well as through his travels in search of unique materials. He would hold annual “builds” in which these stone masons convened to create beautiful installations throughout the property. Peter was most proud of his Fish Rock Watch Tower overlooking the Pacific Ocean, completed in 2015 using traditional old-world Irish masonry methods. He also collaborated on stone installations at the Gualala Art Center and the Point
Arena Lighthouse.
Peter led a fulfilling and productive life amongst the redwoods and within the community. He worked on the property every day and took great pride in seeing his physical labor come to fruition. Peter, aka “The Unapruner”, enjoyed using hardscaping mixed with strategic limb pruning and tree trimming to lift the forest canopy and create a more fire-defensive environment. He was a true patron of the arts, and although he is gone, his presence and legacy will continue.
Peter is survived by his loving daughters Genevieve and Erin, son-in-law Frank, adoring grandsons Mason and Cade, his brother Brian, niece Marian and nephews George and Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a yearly membership to the Stone Foundation in Peter’s name. Stonefoundation.org A memorial will be held in Gualala in early 2023. Please join our mailing list for updates at mendocinostonezone@gmail. com. Private tours of the StoneZone are canceled at this point. A public tour is scheduled for October and will be announced.