Anniversary 2015 Get-Together

On February 1, several of Pete’s fans came together at our place (Shaun and Amelia in Pakenham, Ontario) to play in the winter snow, eat, drink and talk about Peter. We agreed to co-author this blog post.

Shaun Writes

Linda Vanderlee arrived just after lunch and accompanied Amelia and I for a snowshoe jaunt. With seven inches of new snow on the ground and the sun shining in a cold sky (0F/-18C), we hiked into the woods for several hours. This was the time of year that Peter always came from sunny Tucson to renew his visa. The last time he visited us, he snowshoed on much the same trail as today.

Nathan Rudyk and Glenna Watts arrived near sunset for dinner. It was an evening to reminisce.

A few months before Pete died four years ago, I succeeded in winning a councillor seat on our small town council. Peter was so proud. In 2014, I ran for mayor (successfully). Through the campaign, Nathan and I often remarked how we could feel Peter watching. We knew, if alive, he’d be there by our side in the campaign trenches.

Amelia, Linda, Shaun, Glenna, Nathan

Linda Writes

Late January and early February is the time of year I am most aware of my brother’s absence.  For many years, this was when he would take leave of the desert to spend time in his home country. In the dead of winter. (A subliminal way to confirm his decision to live in Arizona perhaps?) He would spend a few days with me in Rupert, taking in the cultural wonders of Wakefield, and him advising me (of course) on my business and property.  But a good chunk of time was also just for him to simply crash on my couch, in front of the fire, relaxing with a trashy novel. He relished those times, as did I.

Interesting that so many of Peter’s friends (at least the ones I know and consider my friends too) live rurally. He often called our respective places ‘paradise’ though he did not choose this life for himself.  It’s lovely to be with our mutual friends, wondering at the beauty of the snow, the comfort of a warm home and enjoying great food and conversation.

Thinking of you Big Bro.

Nathan Writes

It was a wonderful evening seeing Linda and remembering Peter with Amelia, Glenna and Shaun. Red wine, good food, friends, and music (Linda and I with our ukes) made for a Petery evening. If we were all pieces of cloth and string, Peter was the one who sewed our lives together. I met Shaun through Peter and we worked together on many projects, me working for him, he working for me, and the latest, me working for him on his Mayoral campaign. We met Linda through Peter and she looked after our kids at her daycare during our sojourn in Quebec. Peter helped Glenna find her first job in the computer industry and was as involved as any brother (mine) and uncle (for the kids) would be in the lives of our children. He was first a mentor, and then a friend who knew no boundaries to loyalty, optimism and encouragement. He’s never very far in my mind, and when I think of him these days, it’s with less regret for losing him, and more appreciation for having the good fortune to share the planet with him for a while. Thanks Pete.