I thank my God every time I think of you

Phil 1:3-11

We laid Pete to rest on Saturday morning, July 5th, at Oak Hills Cemetery in Glendale. Our family, close friends and Pete's "inner posse" were part of a private and quiet ceremony, led by Fr Fay from St Gabriel. The above scripture reading was our basis for Pete's service, beginning at the funeral home and closing at the graveside. Thanksgiving to God for Pete, the lives he touched and the mercies we have been granted.

We were unable to see Pete for one last time but that did not stop a few people from bringing memento's of his favorite things that adorned the outside of his casket:
-his "retired" dealer license plate tag, #25, signed by his former co-workers at Busam Nissan
-a game ticket from the Green Bay Packers game he attended last September
-a golf score card from Black Wolf Run on 7/5/07 when he beat his dad
-the game ticket from the Ohio State- Michigan game he attended with Paul last November
-a Christmas picture of he and Leigh, with the tree top angel appearing to stand on his head
-his baby blanket and baptismal candle

We remain ever grateful to everyone for the outpouring of love, compassion and comfort. The lake people in Tennessee were there for us to the very end, providing assistance and support to Pete's safety until the rescue team could get to the lake. For over an hour, local resident Harvey Mills and the Ohio police officer who spotted Pete, kept watch over his body and kept boat traffic at bay until the sheriff and detectives arrived. We are forever indebted to the kindness and love of strangers; a part of God's mercy to us.

The letters continue to arrive daily and we have lost count after 500 cards. Thank you for sharing your stories about the positive impact Peter made to your lives and for taking the time to write to us. Our joy grows as we realize what a fabulous life and friends Pete had. A continuation of God's mercy to us.

We are expecting to receive autopsy results in about a month, per conversation with the Univ of TN coroner. Extensive testing will be performed due to the interference from the time in the water, and this will take over a month.

The picture of Pete at the top of the blog page is one taken at Zach and Kate Hick's wedding. We like the happiness on Pete's face and hope you will join us in remembering him that way forever.

Much love, thanks and blessings-
Helene, Bob and Paul