Pete is his patient knowing smile. When we were teens he always knew what we were up to even if we thought we were so "smart". Peter, thanks for knowing, thanks for caring, thanks for the smiles. You were Brandy's stepdad, but like a stepdad to Dan & I too.
ps: we didn't get caught. you know what I mean :)
This wonderful man took the place of all four of my big brothers over the last 14 years of my life. I am grateful for that. His words to me were often: "Valerieeee.... Valeraaa.... Valarahahah...!
I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING OR SPEAKING TO PETE, BUT BEING A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF MAR'S, I GREW TO KNOW OF HIS KINDNESS, LOVE AND HOW HAPPY HE MADE HER. I THANK YOU FOR THAT AND HAVE BEEN TAKING CARE OF HER LONG DISTANCE AND MAKING SURE SHE IS OK. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS.
I LOVE YOU MY SWEET FRIEND MAR AND WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU.
MICHELE XOXOOXOX
I first met Peter when I was 15 years old hanging out with Brandy. I soon became a regular at their house. I would come over in the morning before school with a bunch of other kids. We would make a bunch of racket, drink all the tea and leave. We did this every day.
When I was 17 I used to go out with Pete and some others to pick grapes at a local vineyard.
It was high up overlooking the lake and we would begin in the early morning when the sun slanted golden light through the vines. We were paid by the bin and it was always a challenge to fill the bins quickly.
Peter taught me that the best way to slice through the vines with the (often dull) little sickle knives we had was to cuss at them loudly if they were being difficult. It always worked. He taught me how to really cuss.
His sure-fire method of making it through the day was to sing all the songs he knew. He made me sing along with him and demanded that I go home and listen to more Beatles songs so I didn't sound so ignorant. The bins filled and the days passed.
He and Marlene treated the bunch of teenagers that invaded their home on a daily basis like real people. Over the years they have always welcomed me like one of the family. Pete has never been anything but real and true and fair to me. My heart goes out to all those he left behind, my dear friends, my extended family.
