When I think of Peter, I think of what Shakespeare said in Romeo & Juliette: "When he shall die, take him and cut him out into little stars and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun."
I don't remember why, but at 2001 training camp in Northern Arizona, I started calling Peter "Peetah" (with an English accent) ... every time I would say his name that way, he'd get that goofy grin on his face, which just made me say it more. I don't think I ever once called him "Peter" again ... I'll miss that mischievious smile and that crazy hair of his ... he'll always be my Peetah.
I may not have known Peter as well as many at the dojo, but I remember him fondly from when we trained together at Mori Sensei's in NYC back in the day. And I also remember his warm welcome when we first got to Santa Monica dojo. Always a smiling face, which was so appreciated. He was a great guy. Joanne and I are so saddened that he is gone.
I began training at Santa Monica Dojo in '08. Peter was my Sempai and I liked him immediately. He always found time to demonstrate a technique and give advice. He'd been training for decades and I was flattered that he'd stop to help me, a new guy who had no idea what he was doing. But that was his way. Last year at a dojo fundraiser his son won a backgammon set in the raffle and Peter leaned over him and said "It's a great game. I'll teach you how to play." I had to grin when I saw that. He sounded exactly the same when he was showing me how to kick or block. He was a truly nice man. I'm going to miss him a lot.
I always remember Peter showing up to the dojo, gi and belt rolled up in his arms ready to train. And no matter how loud Sensei yelled, or how many pushups Pete had to do, he smiled through it all. He and Sensei had an unbreakable bond that I'm sure none of us will ever come close to understanding. Pete, you are truly missed.
only we know peter, only we will ever know..i will miss you for eternity...someday this will be real, not as it now: a walking living breathing night and day terror--and at the end of both, you are gone. the last time i saw you at the dojo with anthony we laughed in the car until we all almost stopped breathing...someday i will laugh like that again. your friends love you so, so, so very much..
Of course I met Peter in 1990 when I started training at SM Dojo. It’s amazing how fast time fly’s. Pete and I are originally from New York and immediately became friends. Pete and I were always there for each other during our difficult times. Pete was a great man and a caring father. I was so happy that over the last few years he grew close to his son and bonded with him. I know he loved him so much. I always enjoyed training at the dojo with him. Peter loss is a great loss to me and the entire SM Dojo. The greatest loss is that a young boy lost his father. I will always remember Pete and do not understand why God took him so young. This is a tragic loss for everyone and Peter’s family.
Of course I met Peter in 1990 when I started training at SM Dojo. It’s amazing how fast time fly’s. Pete and I are originally from New York and immediately became friends. Pete and I were always there for each other during our difficult times. Pete was a great man and a caring father. I was so happy that over the last few years he grew close to his son and bonded with him. I know he loved him so much. I always enjoyed training at the dojo with him. Peter’s loss is a great loss to me and the entire SM Dojo. The greatest loss is that a young boy lost his father. I will always remember Pete and do not understand why God took him so young. This is a tragic loss for everyone and Peter’s family.
So many goofy stories of you P ... We're all still in shock, but have been sharing some laughs and memories ... everyone's mourning in their own way and at their own pace, but one thing's remained the same: we all love and miss you ... but I'm sure you already know that.
When the rain is blowing in your face And the whole world is on your case I would offer you a warm embrace To make you feel my love When the evening shadows and the stars appear And there is no one to dry your tears I could hold you for a million years To make you feel my love I know you haven't made your mind up yet But I would never do you wrong I've known it from the moment that we met No doubt in my mind where you belong I'd go hungry, I'd go blind for you I'd go crawling down the aisle for you There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do To make you feel my love The storms are raging on a rolling sea Down the highway of regret The winds of change are blowing wild and free But you ain't seen nothing like me yet There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do Go to the ends of the earth for you Make you happy, make your dreams come true To make you feel my love
"Prodigal son is penniless all his life. His life is a green carpet made of mountain, clouds, valleys and the moon. He spends all his time searching in the east and west for one true path, never finding a place to pause along the way."
Muso Soseki (1275-1351)
I am so sorry for Peter and his family and friends. This is a tragic loss of a sweet, wonderful, sometimes tormented soul. He will always remain my good friend.
I will never forget you, Love always, Corey
Corey Dorson(Peter's friend from NYC for over 25 years)
easter sunday pete..happy memories of dinners with mama, easter baskets full of chocolate..i miss you..i've been so shut down pete..trying not to break down with sadness..ive lost my brother.still so much disbelief..doing the best i can.. i will get there pete...i pray for anthony all the time..
I met Peter at some sort of film industry thing at the Director's Guild back in '97 or so. We recognized each other from the dojo. I was trying to break into screenwriting; he was trying to be an actor. We found a bond in our common interests, and we were fast friends, ever since.
In many ways he was the best kind of friend a man could have. He always held up his end of the deal. He always took care of you.
He bought me things -- a gi, a shirt -- when he didn't have money himself. When I was between lawyer jobs, he hired me to help him. I can swing a hammer a bit -- lawyering's the first and only white collar job I've ever had -- but, still. He could've hired anybody.
Part of it was because I had a truck. We called his big white F150 "Moby Dick", and my little black Toyota "Shamu". Between the two of us, we could haul a lot of shit.
Those were crazy times. Peter wasn't a licensed contractor yet, and let me tell you, the life of an unlicensed contractor in LA is no picnic. We had gigs you wouldn't believe. We did a walk in closet for some gal who was allegedly born a man, then figured out after the operation that s/he loved women. The joke was that she was a lesbian transsexual. I think she was maybe also a porn producer.
Peter built her a walk-in closet, just for her shoes. She wanted it painted pink. Peter let me do that. He couldn't keep a straight face on, by that point.
We would laugh our asses off. That's what I'll probably miss most about him -- the laughter. We would laugh until we cried, pure joy running down our faces, our bellies hurting like we'd just cranked out 200 sit-ups.
We did another gig, building a recording studio in a garage in Studio City. In July. 104 degrees outside, and we're putting 2-3 layers of sheetrock in a windowless room to kill the noise. Hot? You betcha. It was hellish.
Peter worked like a dog. Like a mule. If I've ever met someone who deserved better than he got, it was him.
We used to joke about shooting a movie together someday. We had a story about two screwups who get hired to put a new bathroom in a porn producer's house. Apart from demolishing the bathroom, we get loaded with his porn star wife. Peter sleeps with her, the guy finds out, and he starts shooting at us. We accidentally burn down his house as we escape.
I wrote a short for him to star in, about a drunk sailor who gets hit by a bus, and finds himself in Limbo, where he has to apologize to all the animals he's eaten in his life. All of them.
It doesn't seem funny now, but at the time, we'd laugh like maniacs.
Over time, we sort of grew apart. I got married, had a son. He did the same, albeit in a different order. I think both of us put our friendship aside a little, so we could be the best fathers we could. Neither of us begrudged the other that. It was understood.
But we'd always catch up when we could. I always thought he'd be there. He was such a good friend that I took him for granted.
If there's any good at all in his passing, it's that it teaches us to tell people how much we love them, when they're still around.
I saw him not too long ago; I think it was Kangeiko, winter training. I asked him what he did for the holidays; maybe Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
He said he was sort of on his own unexpectedly, so he bought a ham, and fed some homeless people he knew.
Who does that? I mean, really?
Maybe he was pulling my leg, but I really don't know.
Peter was no saint, but he just might have been a bodhisattva.
God damn, I miss him. I miss him like a limb.
Peter, I love you, and I'll never forget you. Not so long as I live and breathe.
I did not know Peter well, but he was there on one of the most important days of my life. I will never forget that day, or Peter.
Sensei instructed me to show up at the dojo on a Saturday afternoon. I wasn't sure why. I suspected he might test me for Shodan, but he didn't say so, so I didn't assume. I walked into the dressing room and Peter was there. I looked at him, he looked at me, and we kinda shrugged and smiled nervously. Or at least I was nervous, not sure about Peter. Actually, come to think of it, he appeared rather relaxed.
Sure enough, Peter was testing for Nidan, and I for Shodan. He was the only person there besides Sensei, the only person who watched me try my best and who attacked me with trustworthy strength. I don't remember a whole lot of details (nerves will do that to a person), but I sure remember being glad that it was Peter who was there.
I am honored that I got to witness his Nidan test and he will remain a part of my karate life forever. As Senpai Bob said the other night, he lives on in our dojo... he also lives on in my black belt. I wish all his family and friends peace and strength during this sad sad time.
20 comments:
every minute is agony pete.. but im pushing through ..
When I think of Peter, I think of what Shakespeare said in Romeo & Juliette: "When he shall die, take him and cut him out into little stars and he shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun."
I don't remember why, but at 2001 training camp in Northern Arizona, I started calling Peter "Peetah" (with an English accent) ... every time I would say his name that way, he'd get that goofy grin on his face, which just made me say it more. I don't think I ever once called him "Peter" again ... I'll miss that mischievious smile and that crazy hair of his ... he'll always be my Peetah.
I may not have known Peter as well as many at the dojo, but I remember him fondly from when we trained together at Mori Sensei's in NYC back in the day. And I also remember his warm welcome when we first got to Santa Monica dojo. Always a smiling face, which was so appreciated. He was a great guy. Joanne and I are so saddened that he is gone.
I began training at Santa Monica Dojo in '08. Peter was my Sempai and I liked him immediately. He always found time to demonstrate a technique and give advice. He'd been training for decades and I was flattered that he'd stop to help me, a new guy who had no idea what he was doing. But that was his way. Last year at a dojo fundraiser his son won a backgammon set in the raffle and Peter leaned over him and said "It's a great game. I'll teach you how to play." I had to grin when I saw that. He sounded exactly the same when he was showing me how to kick or block. He was a truly nice man. I'm going to miss him a lot.
--Bahar Kaffaga
I always remember Peter showing up to the dojo, gi and belt rolled up in his arms ready to train. And no matter how loud Sensei yelled, or how many pushups Pete had to do, he smiled through it all. He and Sensei had an unbreakable bond that I'm sure none of us will ever come close to understanding. Pete, you are truly missed.
only we know peter, only we will ever know..i will miss you for eternity...someday this will be real, not as it now: a walking living breathing night and day terror--and at the end of both, you are gone. the last time i saw you at the dojo with anthony we laughed in the car until we all almost stopped breathing...someday i will laugh like that again. your friends love you so, so, so very much..
Of course I met Peter in 1990 when I started training at SM Dojo. It’s amazing how fast time fly’s. Pete and I are originally from New York and immediately became friends. Pete and I were always there for each other during our difficult times. Pete was a great man and a caring father. I was so happy that over the last few years he grew close to his son and bonded with him. I know he loved him so much. I always enjoyed training at the dojo with him. Peter loss is a great loss to me and the entire SM Dojo. The greatest loss is that a young boy lost his father. I will always remember Pete and do not understand why God took him so young. This is a tragic loss for everyone and Peter’s family.
“Oss” Peter you will be missed you friend always
Lou L.
Of course I met Peter in 1990 when I started training at SM Dojo. It’s amazing how fast time fly’s. Pete and I are originally from New York and immediately became friends. Pete and I were always there for each other during our difficult times. Pete was a great man and a caring father. I was so happy that over the last few years he grew close to his son and bonded with him. I know he loved him so much. I always enjoyed training at the dojo with him. Peter’s loss is a great loss to me and the entire SM Dojo. The greatest loss is that a young boy lost his father. I will always remember Pete and do not understand why God took him so young. This is a tragic loss for everyone and Peter’s family.
“Oss” Peter you will be missed your friend always
Lou L.
So many goofy stories of you P ... We're all still in shock, but have been sharing some laughs and memories ... everyone's mourning in their own way and at their own pace, but one thing's remained the same: we all love and miss you ... but I'm sure you already know that.
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I would offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go blind for you
I'd go crawling down the aisle for you
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on a rolling sea
Down the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy, make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love
test
"Prodigal son is penniless all his life. His life is a green carpet made of mountain, clouds, valleys and the moon. He spends all his time searching in the east and west for one true path, never finding a place to pause along the way."
Muso Soseki (1275-1351)
I am so sorry for Peter and his family and friends. This is a tragic loss of a sweet, wonderful, sometimes tormented soul. He will always remain my good friend.
I will never forget you,
Love always, Corey
Corey Dorson(Peter's friend from NYC for over 25 years)
PETER,
YOU ARE THE GUY WHO OFFERS TO PICK YOU UP AT THE AIRPORT WITH OUT BEING ASKED.
YOU ARE THE GUY WHO PICKS YOU UP AT YOUR FRONT DOOR RATHER THAN CALL YOU FROM HIS CELL PHONE.
YOU ARE THE GUY IF YOU NEEDED HELP WITH ANY THING WAS ALWAYS THERE.
YOU WERE THE GUY WHO CALLED ME BUDDY AND REALLY MEAN'T IT.
YOU ARE THE GUY I WILL MISS FOREVER.
JACK
easter sunday pete..happy memories of dinners with mama, easter baskets full of chocolate..i miss you..i've been so shut down pete..trying not to
break down with sadness..ive lost my brother.still so much disbelief..doing the best i can..
i will get there pete...i pray for anthony all the time..
PETER,
YOU ARE THE GUY WHO OFFERS TO PICK YOU UP AT THE AIRPORT WITH OUT BEING ASKED.
YOU ARE THE GUY WHO PICKS YOU UP AT YOUR FRONT DOOR RATHER THAN CALL YOU FROM HIS CELL PHONE.
YOU ARE THE GUY IF YOU NEEDED HELP WITH ANY THING WAS ALWAYS THERE.
YOU WERE THE GUY WHO CALLED ME BUDDY AND REALLY MEAN'T IT.
YOU ARE THE GUY I WILL MISS FOREVER.
JACK
I met Peter at some sort of film industry thing at the Director's Guild back in '97 or so. We recognized each other from the dojo. I was trying to break into screenwriting; he was trying to be an actor. We found a bond in our common interests, and we were fast friends, ever since.
In many ways he was the best kind of friend a man could have. He always held up his end of the deal. He always took care of you.
He bought me things -- a gi, a shirt -- when he didn't have money himself. When I was between lawyer jobs, he hired me to help him. I can swing a hammer a bit -- lawyering's the first and only white collar job I've ever had -- but, still. He could've hired anybody.
Part of it was because I had a truck. We called his big white F150 "Moby Dick", and my little black Toyota "Shamu". Between the two of us, we could haul a lot of shit.
Those were crazy times. Peter wasn't a licensed contractor yet, and let me tell you, the life of an unlicensed contractor in LA is no picnic. We had gigs you wouldn't believe. We did a walk in closet for some gal who was allegedly born a man, then figured out after the operation that s/he loved women. The joke was that she was a lesbian transsexual. I think she was maybe also a porn producer.
Peter built her a walk-in closet, just for her shoes. She wanted it painted pink. Peter let me do that. He couldn't keep a straight face on, by that point.
We would laugh our asses off. That's what I'll probably miss most about him -- the laughter. We would laugh until we cried, pure joy running down our faces, our bellies hurting like we'd just cranked out 200 sit-ups.
We did another gig, building a recording studio in a garage in Studio City. In July. 104 degrees outside, and we're putting 2-3 layers of sheetrock in a windowless room to kill the noise. Hot? You betcha. It was hellish.
Peter worked like a dog. Like a mule. If I've ever met someone who deserved better than he got, it was him.
We used to joke about shooting a movie together someday. We had a story about two screwups who get hired to put a new bathroom in a porn producer's house. Apart from demolishing the bathroom, we get loaded with his porn star wife. Peter sleeps with her, the guy finds out, and he starts shooting at us. We accidentally burn down his house as we escape.
I wrote a short for him to star in, about a drunk sailor who gets hit by a bus, and finds himself in Limbo, where he has to apologize to all the animals he's eaten in his life. All of them.
It doesn't seem funny now, but at the time, we'd laugh like maniacs.
Over time, we sort of grew apart. I got married, had a son. He did the same, albeit in a different order. I think both of us put our friendship aside a little, so we could be the best fathers we could. Neither of us begrudged the other that. It was understood.
But we'd always catch up when we could. I always thought he'd be there. He was such a good friend that I took him for granted.
If there's any good at all in his passing, it's that it teaches us to tell people how much we love them, when they're still around.
I saw him not too long ago; I think it was Kangeiko, winter training. I asked him what he did for the holidays; maybe Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
He said he was sort of on his own unexpectedly, so he bought a ham, and fed some homeless people he knew.
Who does that? I mean, really?
Maybe he was pulling my leg, but I really don't know.
Peter was no saint, but he just might have been a bodhisattva.
God damn, I miss him. I miss him like a limb.
Peter, I love you, and I'll never forget you. Not so long as I live and breathe.
I did not know Peter well, but he was there on one of the most important days of my life. I will never forget that day, or Peter.
Sensei instructed me to show up at the dojo on a Saturday afternoon. I wasn't sure why. I suspected he might test me for Shodan, but he didn't say so, so I didn't assume. I walked into the dressing room and Peter was there. I looked at him, he looked at me, and we kinda shrugged and smiled nervously. Or at least I was nervous, not sure about Peter. Actually, come to think of it, he appeared rather relaxed.
Sure enough, Peter was testing for Nidan, and I for Shodan. He was the only person there besides Sensei, the only person who watched me try my best and who attacked me with trustworthy strength. I don't remember a whole lot of details (nerves will do that to a person), but I sure remember being glad that it was Peter who was there.
I am honored that I got to witness his Nidan test and he will remain a part of my karate life forever. As Senpai Bob said the other night, he lives on in our dojo... he also lives on in my black belt. I wish all his family and friends peace and strength during this sad sad time.
pete's birthday today..ashes came yesterday..struggling..struggling..
really struggling ..thank you for posting good memories of my brother
It's been a year, Peter. I still miss you. RIP.
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