Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Memory shared at Peter's Memorial Service on October 4, 2022
Good morning. I am Peter’s sister, Sandy. I could easily spend days telling you stories about my beloved brother Peter, but fear not. I will simply share one tale about Peter from his teenage years that speaks volumes about his character.
When Peter was about five years old, he started to play peewee hockey. This little boy was adorable in his oversized uniform, bulky protective shin guards and heavy helmet. Peter played hockey for years and continued to improve rapidly. He was very quick on his skates. He skated backwards faster than most could skate forward. He could stop on a dime. He truly was extraordinary. So, when it is was finally time for Peter to play high school hockey, he was ready and excited. But before any athlete was eligible to compete, a sports physical was required. The doctor who assessed Peter discovered a potential issue with Peter’s heart. Until he was evaluated further, he could not play hockey. My parents took Peter to a specialist who confirmed that Peter should not play competitive hockey due to the risk it presented. Just imagine how Peter felt. His dream of playing hockey was dashed. His years of practicing seemed worthless.
However, Peter was soon given the opportunity to coach a peewee hockey team. He jumped at it and worked diligently with his little guys. He taught them the skills of hockey that once had been poured into him. And this team of “bad news bears” won the championship that year. At the post-season hockey banquet, my parents were in awe (and my Dad in tears) as the parents of these little guys sang Peter’s praises. He not only taught them hockey, but also sportsmanship, how to lose with grace, how to work together as a team, and how to keep trying and never give up.
This is a testimony to who Peter was as a teenager and who he continued to be throughout his life. I never heard him dwell on disappointments or limitations that his heart condition gave him. He seemed to accept these with grace and lived his life with devotion to God and Carol and his family, a strong work ethic, joy, kindness, faithfulness, and overflowing love. My heart aches that he is gone from this earth. But hope and joy from the Lord bubble up inside me, as I know Peter is with Jesus, his Lord and Savior. We too who love Jesus will join him one day in Paradise and be together for eternity.
