06/05/2026
On this day in 2024, Pete met Jesus.
Until we meet again and catch up on all of the jokes we’ve missed, may we remember the way Pete chose to live his life. It’s a lens I encourage us all to look through. With this, I want to reshare the piece I wrote for his service. I also want to thank you for being here and helping make Pete’s Legacy known. It’s something we need.
⬇️ PETE’S LEGACY by Christina W.
We emphasize to the world the importance of “one” as if it lasts forever.
Yet somehow, in our own lives, that precious thing is often taken for granted,
And the significance of such highlights valuable advice inspired by the way Pete lived his life.
Being here today is not what any of us planned, and though our hearts are filled with sorrow, I think Pete would appreciate a time of reflection.
If we are not careful, our calendars become filled, taking us away from life’s little moments.
The things we thought to be important are trivial in the end,
And the ways we hoped to spend our time turned into what we wished we had done.
Time as we know is a thief, so turn your “We should” into “We did.”
Capture one more photo, share one more thought, send one more message, make one more phone call, take one more drive, plan one more visit or vacation, seek one more opportunity, give one more hug, and say one more “I love you.”
Pete did all of these until disease came knocking, but even then the walls of his room held laughter.
Today, we gather together because of the impact one person made on our lives.
Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns once said: “We are blessed not to have but blessed to give.”
This speaks to the special lens Pete had on life.
He understood what it meant to live in unity and he took this responsibility seriously.
He encouraged, loved, served, comforted others, and cherished community, locally and across the thousands of miles he and his wife traveled.
Pete was also kind and caring, patient and loyal, generous and supportive.
Between [Uncle] Peter and me, we played countless games of digital bowling on Facebook Messenger, and when he could not be there in person he joined the live stream to watch me bowl in tournaments.
Through the screen, I could feel how proud he was, and I can only imagine the multitude of stories that could be shared surrounding Pete’s nature.
Whether someone was walking through the highs or lows of life, he was there, listening and paying attention to the details.
Pete was creative and always found a way to connect with others, even if it was through a whiteboard on his bedroom door… with a joke written on it.
Pete was rich not because of tangible belongings but because of his faith in the Lord and what he knew.
He understood his time on this side of Heaven was short compared to Eternity with Jesus so he made it a point to cherish every interaction and experience.
May we follow in his footsteps, and learn not to let the value of “one” slip away.
Whatever your “one” is, never let it go.
May we smile through the tears remembering Pete as a brother, husband, uncle, and friend,
And honor him by holding tightly to his love for people.
May we find comfort in knowing no amount of time with loved ones feels like enough, but because of a love greater than anything on Earth, this is our temporary residence.
May we look forward to laughing with Pete again one day and take every opportunity to tell a joke until then.
May we feel the Lord’s peace knowing the sound of laughter is echoing through Heaven right now with all of the jokes Pete is sharing.
