Memorial Service for Kenny Peter
Yesterday a memorial service for Kenny Peter was held. I couldn’t be there due to distance, so I’ll just have to imagine what went on at the service and lunch.
No doubt there were a goodly number of friends and relatives gathered for this occasion. I’ll have to admit that I do not look at it as a “sad” ocassion. Please don’t misunderstand me. Clearly, those who knew and loved Kenny will miss him terribly. And that’s good.
My view of Kenny has been mostly from afar. I didn’t go to school with him, I didn’t work for or with him, I wasn’t on the city council when he was mayor, and so on. Many of those who remembered him yesterday no doubt fit into categories such as those so their memories would be much more focused and valid than are mine.
A Full Life
Kenny lived what might be called a full life! I’m reminded of the song which says something like, “I’ve not regretted things I’ve done and some things I wish I’d done more.” Or something like that. I think that probably fits Kenny.
When one who has led a full life and that life has significantly deteriorated, it’s difficult for me to be sad. My life will not be the same without them and I’ll miss them, but I’ll not be sad that they have gone from a world which is on the skids and a life which is anything but pleasurable for them to a far, far, better life.
I bet there were plenty of stories yesterday about the full life Kenny, with Blanche at his side, lived!
Just today I remembered that we did have something in common. I’m pretty certain that we both had the same flight instructor! That would have been about in 1970.
Loved and Respected
The article published here last week brought the most comments of any article, signifying that Kenny was known, respected, and loved. There were also several postings on facebook. (And to those writers, Thank You!)
Now the hard work of Life After Kenny begins. Kenny and Blanche brought their family up in such a way that I have no doubt whatsoever that they will weather this storm in fine shape.