I will remember for the rest of my life the moment I received the devastating news. Keith called me and told me that Pete had passed. It was last Thursday morning. I couldn’t believe it! Pete was gone… I was in disbelief for a moment. No, not Pete, that’s impossible… then the reality sank in, and a feeling of deep sadness and sorrow followed. I was in shock, what a terrible moment..

Then I thought about his family, Christy, who must be devastated and lost. He always talked about Christy, how much he needed her in his life, how supportive she was of him. I don’t know her well, just a few interactions over the phone, so I didn’t call her yet.
Then I thought of the “big guy,” my friend, who must be completely devastated too. He and Pete were so close. I wanted to call him, to take on some of his pain, to tell him how much sorry I am for his loss, to tell him so many things.

It has been six days since that terrible news, and today and every day, I can see Pete in my mind. Hundreds of images of him, his smile, his voice comes to life. I am so sad that Pete is no longer with us. I can’t believe the place he took in my heart. I didn’t realize how much he meant to me until now. I’m upset, I’m sad, and I still somehow cannot believe that I won’t see him again, that I won’t hear his laugh. I can see his face at Bernie’s place, at car shows, in Pismo. I’m so glad I saw him about a month ago when he stayed with us. We had such a wonderful evening, talking about anything and everything. I was so happy we could offer him a new place to stay while in L.A…
Haaa… I’m so mad at life right now. He was not supposed to go!!

I posted the news for the club and also on his 1957 Oldsmobile Facebook group. People are so sad about his passing. They are paying huge respect to Pete from all over the world. Of course, they’ll miss the ’57 expert, but most of the comments are about his kindness as a man. Many met him in person and were charmed by him. It’s a beautiful tribute to Pete.

I’m also doing what I can for his legacy in the SoCal club. I want his name on the club’s jacket, he deserves it, right next to Bernie’s. There are some “problems” with a few members, but I will take care of them. He’s a forever friend to the club. Many members are truly affected by Pete’s passing; many are sad and shocked.

I also got in contact with Rick’s machine shop. Pete had been taking care of my heads and dropped them off a couple of months ago. They’re supposed to let me know when they’ll find them and  what’s been done to them. I’m not sure exactly what Pete’s plan was, but I’ll take care of it, I guess. I may owe some money to Christy, not sure yet. I’m of course will take care of Rick’s invoice. Someone will pick them up or if someone want to drop them off, it will be even better.

I won’t be able to attend the funeral, I think I may be coming down with something, maybe COVID.

I will call Christy today to offer her my condolences. And to my “big guy” friend, I want to tell him how sorry and sad I am about Pete’s passing. I want to give him a big hug and share his pain. I hope I can see him soon and just talk about Pete. We have the memorial picnic in October, it will be nice to see him there, maybe.

You can send an email to the club at this address. I’m in charge of the emails.
[email protected]

If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Below are a few pictures of Pete when he came a month ago…
here is the link for Pete’s 57 Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1429023884080383