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pGvazIoXSFjKauQYMg posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Your cranium must be protecting some very vaubllae brains.
J
John Adkins posted a condolence
Monday, November 29, 2010
I am very saddened to hear about Peter's passing.
I loved Peter very much. When I think of Peter -- I think wow! what a kick in the pants. What a sweet, unorthodox, funny man who wore his heart on his sleeve.
I worked with Peter at Khourie Crew & Jaeger, a smallish antitrust litigation firm in San Francisco. He was the funniest, most down to earth, and caring colleague. He and his secretary, Sue Hammonds, were an amazingly funny and sharp team, known for wit and humor. I remember being in Peter's office one day - door closed because the partners were lurking - and Sue was dissolving on the floor in a fit of laughter -- Peter always had us laughing.
But his passion for the law and his clients was legendary, too. He would get absolutely purple ranting about the antics of some opposing counsel, his eye would be on fire. For all his good wit and cheer, he could unleash that energy against his opponents without mercy. What a passionate, brave soul. He will be missed.
J
John Olden posted a condolence
Monday, October 4, 2010
It was gratifying (all the more so now) to have seen Peter in San Francisco briefly over the July 4th weekend after a hiatus of several years. But it could easily have been weeks rather than years because nothing dimmed for you about Peter. I first met Peter by introduction from Karyl right before their marriage. Karyl and I worked at the same law firm and she had recently sought me out for travel tips on their upcoming honeymoon to Ireland. I was soon to become friends with both. Peter’s sharp brain and comedic instincts were in evidence from the get go. If he wasn’t telling a funny story (or playing out a scene from the Life of Brian or the like), it was Karyl telling a funny story about Peter. The first of the latter that I remember involved a ruffled Peter calling 911 in the middle of the night due to concern over the welfare of an unidentifiable animal emitting plaintive wails outside their apartment. The wind up was the revelation that it wasn’t one creature but two raccoons ululating in amorous embrace which Peter quickly found hilarious. Hilarity was something Peter looked for and often found when the going was good. Way back when, at a lunchtime restaurant in San Francisco, we see Peter loudly cracking up (while I’m watching agog) at the sight of Karyl’s cousin Currie, just off the plane from Seoul, chewing and devouring the head, bones and tail of a cooked trout. There was something of a younger Bob Hope about Peter (I mean this in a good way.) Peter, of course, did have a serious side including being earnest about practicing law. He was also knowledgeable about many things and you could have great discussions on subjects topical or polemical. He could be opinionated, but was never dogmatic and while respectful he wasn’t humble very often. I can’t forget the good times enjoyed at Peter and Karyl’s apartment on Francisco Street, playing basketball with the Riley brothers and others at the school opposite, trips to Montana and Oregon, camping in Big Sur, bike riding with Peter in the Marin headlands or over to Sausalito so that we could enjoy margaritas before taking the 4 o’clock ferry back to the city.
I wrote this haiku for Peter which I shared at his memorial:
Earth heavy and dark
Autumn leaf drops lustrous still
We pick up and press
Peter, you made us laugh and you made us cry. I’ll miss you but I won’t let your memory fade.
T
Theresa Vance, PA-C posted a condolence
Monday, September 13, 2010
I just heard today of Peter's death and I am so sad for all of you, his family. I didn't know him well but I enjoyed working with him off and on for the past 3 years as part of the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee with the DOH. His humor and wisdom will be remembered. Hugs to you-
Theresa
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Noah Rubin posted a condolence
Sunday, September 12, 2010
My warmest thoughts goto you Peter and your family.
A
Arnold Robbins posted a condolence
Saturday, September 11, 2010
I am saddened to hear of Peter's passing. I pray for Karyl, Alec and Maggie and the Harris and Elinski families. There a few words that can console in such times. I can only say that you are not alone in your grief. Many are here to remember Peter and help and provide support for now and the future. Peace.
K
Karen Slotnick posted a condolence
Friday, September 10, 2010
I am incredibly saddened about Peter's passing. Very hard to absorb this. My heart is aching for Gloria and Leon, Kevin, Karyl, Alec and Maggie. Peter lives permanently in my lovely childhood memories of happy birthdays, pool parties, holidays and homemade fourth of July ice cream. I send my love and wish you peace and comfort.
S
Steve Karasick posted a condolence
Friday, September 10, 2010
I have a sense of loss that I can only explain by saying that regardless of time and distance, there has always been a place in my life reserved for my friend, Peter, and that place feels so vacant now. I'll miss his sense of humor, his wit, and talking about our shared past, beginning when we were teenagers. Years ago, I was both honored and humbled that Peter thought enough of me to ask me to play guitar at his wedding. Few people in this life will let you in the way Peter did, and I'll value that always. My heart goes out to Karyl, Maggie, Alek, and the Harris and Elinski families.
D
David Woo, Grant High '79 posted a condolence
Thursday, September 9, 2010
High school was the best of times because of Peter. I remember his smile, his laughter, his guitar playing . . . our embarassing moments (like our gong show act, which was gonged!) and our triumphs (playing for Ms. Rolla's class). I remember his learning to drive, our days cruising in his parent's convertible. Our days, acutally weekends, jamming and looking forward to becoming rock stars. He made a tremendous impact on my life and I thank him and his family for letting me share some of his moments. And it's clear that after our time in high school he continued to make wonderful moments for others.
M
Marq Del Monte, Grant High '79, Northridge, Calif. posted a condolence
Thursday, September 9, 2010
I always thought Peter was a great guy with a terrific sense of humor. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. I wish the best for his family and want them to know that the pain will subside and the memories will bring smiles.
A
Andrea Lightman, White Plains, New York posted a condolence
Thursday, September 9, 2010
With the saddest heart, I wish his family the deepest of condolences. As one of my brother's friends, I knew him as a great 'kid'. I wish his family comfort and love during this tragic time.
E
Ellen Fink Israel, Calabasas, California posted a condolence
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Peter was an integral part of my Grant High School experience, brightening many of my days with his great humor and warm smile. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and to all those whose lives Peter touched over the years.
S
Sally Carpenter posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Peter will be so missed. My heart aches for Karyl, Maggie, Alek, and all his family. Peter will be remembered as, first and foremost, a fabulous Daddy and husband.
J
Jim McLaughlin posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Peter Harris was my friend. I don't think I ever told him that. We sat next to each other every day at work and communicated in joking insults, but when I went through hard times Peter was there for me. I once told him he was a "good dude," and I'm glad for that but like so many things left unsaid I wish I would have told him more. We communicated in barbs, but the truth is there are so many ways I admire about Peter. He found interest and even fascination in so many things, was quick witted, and loved truly and profoundly. Peter genuinely cared about people. He was a first responder by nature to anyone's signs of distress. He carried the troubles of so many on those broad and worn shoulders, and I don't know if he left room for himself.
To Karyl: We never got to meet, even though I prodded Peter to bring you to Dr. Heye's dinner and then didn't show. But one thing was clear to me. Peter loved you and was IN Love with you. I never heard him end a conversation with you or the kids without saying, "I love you." And not in a perfunctory way, he would make sure you heard him if there was any doubt, almost as if for the millionth time he was desperate to let you know. I would say, "me too," which was funny for a minute but I think I wore that one out. Peter was a man in love.
To Peter: I love you bro, and miss you, and though you might not agree I hope to see you again my friend.
L
Larry Berg posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Peter was a good friend and colleague. It was a revalation to discover that we were both Valley boys and grew up in the same area, although I was a bit ahead of him. We both recognized that we came from very expressive and over-dramatic families. Peter lived big. We would get into these debates during small group meetings, each of us trying to one up the other. Someone would get uncomfortable and suggest that we cool down, and we would stop, look at each other, and crack up because we were playing a game and knew it. Then we would start cracking jokes over someone thinking that we were out of control. And Peter was wicked funny. That oneupsmanship thing. He didn't surrender very often, wich is one reason why his death is so hard to accept. Peter was able to live in the moment. It's hard to to consider that a risky activity, but in this case he got lost in the moment. One moment when I wish that the future would have intruded in this thoughts, because it was a future that Peter very much planned to shape. Moment by moment. And now that's how I get by. One moment thinking of Peter. The next not. I know that the time will come when I only think of Peter with that impish grin on his face. But the world is a less interesting place with him gone. Peace and love to everyone.
B
Bob Riley & Family, Danville, CA posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wow. I can't believe it and don't want to believe it. Peter was a great friend. We went through Davis together and have many fond memories of those days. I'm so happy that we got to see him on an all-too-short visit to the Bay Area this summer. Although we hadn't seen each other for about five years, it seemed like we we connected just like we hadn't been out of touch. Of course, I wish that he was still around. I heard the sad news on Saturday and, weirdly enough, right before I found out, I thought of Peter. I went to the store, and while in the parking lot, a couple of Queen songs played back-to-back on the radio - Somebody to Love was the last one. It made me think of Peter - fun, irreverent, and just a great guy. I hope and pray for the best for both the Elinski and Harris families. Miss you Peter.
C
Cousin Currie in Guatemala posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Oh, this is tough. I have read through most of your thoughts and comments and I have shed a few tears and laughed a bit as well. Now I'll take the lead from my cousin Dennis and ramble. Like most of you, when I think about Peter Harris, I remember his great sense of humor and his clever wit. He was a riot to be around! When my mom talked me into going on the Mark and Jackey wedding cruise (It wasn't hard to do, she told me that if I could get myself to Ft. Lauderdale, she would take care of the rest.) one of my first questions was, "Will Peter and Karyl be going?" When I found out that not only were Peter and Karyl going but they were bringing along their wee laddies too, I was ecstatic! This was going to be great! The last time I had seen Maggie, she was only two years old and I had never even met Alek in the flesh. I knew right then and there that this cruise was going to be wild.
Well, the first day we were on the cruise and I'm playing in the pool with Peter, Alek and Dennis and the cruise director announces a belly flop contest, Peter grabs my arm and raises it and yells out, "This guy, Currie Smith!" Well, I had a ball and Alek got a kick out of seeing his "Uncle Currie" belly flopping until his stomach was beet red! Later in the cruise Peter invited me into his stateroom and showed me his latest coup: he had somehow gotten a bottle of primo tequila on board the vessel after our visit to Cozumel - wow! TEQUILA PARTY! We started bouncing around his cabin and singing the "Tequila" song (the Pee-Wee Herman's Big Adventure version.) It was a blast! Then we locked horns with a couple of shots to whet our appetites for dinner.
On our last full day of the cruise we went to Key West for Mark and Jackie's wonderful wedding. Afterwards we retired to a lovely Irish bar/pub for the reception. Both Peter and I were running around and dancing like whirling dervishes, Peter then somehow produces some funky, little Irish drums and we begin to include those into our little repertoire - it was nuts! And yes, we naturally ended up dancing on the bar - how could we not??!! We went for all the gusto and by golly we nailed it! I'll never forget that day with my spiritual brother and honorary cousin, Peter Harris.
Of course it wasn't all partying and fun, during my sometimes lengthy visits in San Francisco we often talked for hours about our lives and past adventures. He and Karyl were always so kind and generous to me when I was going back and forth between jobs in Korea. After I settled down in Guatemala I realized how much I missed those visits to 360 Francisco Street.
Like all of you I have had a very hard time dealing with this great tragedy and it has hit me hard but after several days of struggling with devastating grief I have decided to embrace the great memories that I have of Peter Harris. If I remember something that he said or did and it makes me laugh out loud, well that's what I'm going to do. I don't want to be sad any more over this. Peter, my dear little brother, wherever you are I want you stake out a piece of real estate for your cousin/brother/friend, I'll be there to look for you some day. You rustle up the funky, little Irish drums and I'll be in charge of sneaking in the tequila. We have an encore to perform! I love you bro.
M
Marna and Mark Metcalf posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Although we didn't know Peter, it is very clear what a kind and fun-loving man he was by reading these messages. We are deeply sorry for your loss and hope that happy memories will comfort you during this difficult time.
M
Mitch and Angela Abney, Austin, TX posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Although we did not have the honor and privilege of knowing Peter, we are so saddened by his loss and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Harris and Elinski families. As a close friend of Dennis Elinski, Peter's brother-in-law, we have heard how amazing, wonderful, and sweet Peter was -- both to his family and those around him. We wish we had known him personally.
To both the Harris and Elinski families: we will pray for you during this difficult time. May the cherished memories of Peter and the love of family and friends surround you and give you comfort. We are so very sorry for your profound loss.
Mitch and Angela Abney
R
Renata Lac, Bainbridge Island posted a condolence
Monday, September 6, 2010
Dear Karyl, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Peter. My thoughts are with you, your children, and your family!
K
Ken Smith posted a condolence
Monday, September 6, 2010
Karyl - I m so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, Peter.
There are no words that can express what is more important to you that anything right now- his presence. It is throughout these passages. May strength and fortitude be your wings that will guide you through as your family already has....Love always, Cousin Ken
D
Diarmaid Mac Alsándair posted a condolence
Monday, September 6, 2010
Peter was one of my oldest and closest and dearest friends; I don’t think I will ever run out of stories to tell about the laughs, adventures and wonderful experiences we shared together. I first met Peter at college and we immediately became instant friends. Somehow we managed to survive together for four years at that infamous Nazi death camp commonly referred to as the University of California, Davis. During our internment I started making amateur films which Peter acted and often stared in. Although Peter always managed to keep us laughing on the set, his attitude was extremely professional and tireless. I don’t think I have ever worked with anyone who showed as much dedication and determination to give any role he was handed his absolute 100% commitment. There seemed to be nothing I could ask him to do that was too much or too difficult. If I asked him to lie down in dog sh*t for a scene he would do it without hesitation or complaint. For the record, I didn’t actually ask him to lie down in dog sh*t, I was speaking metaphorically. But that’s the kind of person Peter was and I just wanted to let people know how big a part of his life film and theatre were. He was often chosen to appear in plays in college, again working his butt off for free to bring entertainment and joy to others. Peter was also extremely gifted musically and would often appear in stage bands playing behind the scenes at musicals. He turned me on guitar and gave me my first guitar lesson and encouraged me to continue playing despite how apparently brutal and musically deaf I was. I still think of him every time I pick up and play my guitar. Peter seemed to really love all the arts and was extremely literate; he read so many of the great poets and writers. His writing style was a delight to read every time I got an email or letter from Peter it was like reading James Joyce on acid. After college I moved back to New York and as luck would have it Peter got accepted at Cornel so we managed to keep in touch for several years till he moved back to the coast. He would often spend time at my house and my parents and brother got to know and grow extremely fond of him. We regularly partied in New York and in many ways it was like we were still back in Davis, minus the sadistic prison guards of course. We recently got back in touch with each other and I am so happy I had this last chance to catch up with him. Peter, I will miss you terribly, you were a true friend and a great artist, love you big guy and I always will. I want to offer my prayers and condolences and deepest sympathies to Karyl, Maggie, Alek, the Harris and Elinski families and all those who knew and loved Peter.
M
Mark Warren posted a condolence
Monday, September 6, 2010
Since I'm the new kid on the block in the Elinski family,I didn't know Peter as well as some.The trip we took to Alaska with Peter Karyl Maggie and Alek last year,gave me a chance to get to know Peter a little better.
The one thing that stands out from the whole trip was when we were in glacier bay.sailing by some of the most breath taking scenery in the world,shear mountains,huge glaciers,icebergs floating by,whales surfacing next to the boat... And Peter belting out the "spam" song from Monty python. It's hard to "ohh and ahh" at what your seeing while laughing so hard your ribs hurt.
I can't pretend to know what Karyl and the kids are going through,but I will be there if they need me.
P
Patty Smith posted a condolence
Monday, September 6, 2010
Karyl, Maggie, Alec, the Harris and Elinski families; I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, father, son, brother, grandson, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend. My thoughts are with all of you at this very sad time.
L
Laila Holland Barker posted a condolence
Monday, September 6, 2010
I am deeply saddened to learn of Peter's passing, and my heart goes out to all his family. I knew Peter at UC Davis, and especially remember his wit and dry sense of humor that always nailed a situation on the head! Peter was a true friend who was always there to listen when needed and would tell you what he really thought of something, making it easier to sort a situation out. Peter truly was one of a kind, and I feel honored to have known him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
P
Paul O'Donnell posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Karyl, I didn't know Peter, but I can see from what I have read that he was a wonderful man. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
C
Cathy Turk posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Corrected version: Our hearts go out to the Harris and Elinski family. I remember the first time that I really had an opportunity to sit and talk with Peter was at our annual neighborhood picnic several years ago. We were both excited and amazed to learn that, although ten years apart in age, we grew up on the same street (in houses that were just about two down from each other) and went to the same junior high school in Southern California. And here we ended up living across the street from each other in Olympia many years later. It was fun to compare notes about our childhoods and experiences. Peter had a great laugh and smile. He will truly be missed.
C
Cathy & Randy Turk posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Our hearts go out to the Harris and Elinski families. I remember the first time that I really had an opportunity to sit and talk with Peter was at our neighborhood annual picnic several years ago. We were both exciter and amazed to learn that, although ten years apart inane, we grew up on the same street (in houses that were just about two down from each other) and went to the same junior high school in Southern California. And here we ended up living across the street from each other many years later. It was fun to compare notes about our childhoods and experiences. Peter had a great laugh and smile. He will truly be missed.
Ies
T
The McAleer family posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
After many hours of contemplation and photograph sifting, I can only say that Peter was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Karyl, Maggie and Alek as well as the Harris and Elinski families. He will be held in our thoughts and memories forever.
K
Kathy Elinski posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
Peter will be both well remembered and greatly missed by anyone lucky enough to have met him.
K
Kevin Elinski posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Peter was not only a brother-in-law but a friend and a true family member. He was always good for a laugh, good to his family, I will truely miss him.
D
Diarmaid Saunders posted a condolence
Sunday, September 5, 2010
When I think of Peter I always have great thoughts and such wonderful and special memories that I will always treasure. I feel blessed that I was fortunate enough to know someone like Peter. Peter was completely unique, a one of a kind tour de force mogul of a man with a spirit of compassion, adventure and sense of humour that just couldn’t be beat. In Ireland we have a tradition that when someone like that leaves us we say: Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam (May his soul dwell at the right hand of God) and Ní bheidh a léitheid ann arís ( His likes will not be seen again). I consider it a great honour to have know a person like Peter, may God bless and comfort you all durning this mournful time, love, Diarmaid
D
Dennis Elinski posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Okay, after sitting here for a few hours, trying to think of something to say, I am just going to ramble….
I remember visiting Peter and Karyl in San Francisco shortly after they got married. I didn’t know Peter all that well. We made a bunch of small talk…then we started talking about movies. Peter told me his favorite movie was an old Jason Robards flick called “A Thousand Clowns”. I had never heard of it before, and certainly had never seen it. He popped the video in the VCR later that night, and we watched it. There was a line in the movie that reflects my feelings about Peter, perfectly…”You are not a person, Mr Burns, you are an experience.”
I remember coming home from my trip, thinking that Peter Harris might have been one of the funniest people I had ever met. And he was as kind and considerate as you could ask of anyone. Peter was just as decent a person as you could ever know. I place him right up there with my old next door neighbor, Alek Karro and my grandmother, “Nonnie.” Peter will be in great company. My big sister had married very well.
I am really at a loss to explain how sad I feel about Peters’ passing. If I could talk to him now, I am sure he would have my gut and ribs hurting from laughter. I’ll just have to rely on the memories to get through this.
I am so glad I got to see him back in 2008, on the Elinski family reunion/wedding cruise. One of he highlights of the trip, for me, was hanging out with Peter and Alek, playing air hockey, talking about music…reminiscing.
Peter had an uncanny knack for remembering little things. I would only talk to him a few times a year, but he always asked me about things we had talked about, that I had long forgotten. He really had a way of making people feel comfortable. I used to find myself talking to him about things I never talked with anyone else about. I will miss those chats.
I want to express my sincere condolences to Karyl, Maggie and Alec. I can’t even pretend to understand how you all must feel right now. Just know that I love you all, and you are in my heart.
And, of course, I also want to express my deepest condolences to Gloria, Leon and Kevin Harris. I know your loss is great. I will say my prayers to the world for all of you.
They say to know him is to love him… I know Peter Harris.
D
Dan and Trish Alessi posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Dear Karyl and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Peter's passing. We did not know Peter as did your family and close friends, however, he sure seemed to be a joy and a blessing to those who did. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss seeing you Karyl.
K
Kim Elinski posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
As everyone has mentioned, Peter had a fantastic sense of humor and seemed to find humor in almost everything. I always had a great time visiting Peter and Karyl in San Francisco, Bainbridge Island and Olympia. I always used to say that I didn't need to see the sights, that I was there to visit with them (and Maggie and Alek). Peter always kept Irving and I entertained for the duration. I appreciated his patience, his politics and his puns.
I am going to miss him terribly.
K
Karen Elinski posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
To express how beloved Peter was to the Elinski family is beyond words. A man of such unmitigated decency, wit and spirit, we could not have been happier to welcome him into our family. To see how much mirth and joy he brought Karyl, Maggie and Alek was truly astonishing. Peter lit up the room with an infectious smile and ever good humored take on life. I know Karyl, his children and the Harris family takes great comfort in knowing he lives on in all of us that he touched. I truly adored him and will miss him deeply.
K
Karen Elinski posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
To express how beloved Peter was to the Elinski family is beyond words. A man of such unmitigated decency, wit and spirit, we could not have been happier to welcome him into our family. To see how much mirth and joy he brought Karyl, Maggie and Alek was truly astonishing. Peter lit up the room with an infectious smile and ever good humored take on life. I know Karyl, his children and the Harris family takes great comfort in knowing he lives on in all of us that he touched. I truly adored him and will miss him deeply.
S
Susan Kaelin posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
I was surprised and saddened to learn of Peter's passing. I remember first meeting him after your family's arrival to the Steamboat area, and we had a number of discussions regarding the educational programs and services for Maggie and Alek. Peter was a bright, articulate, and passionate advocate for his children. My thoughts and prayers go to you, Karyl, to Maggie and Alek, and to your family members and friends.
J
Jean and Web Chandler posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Peter was a welcome addition as president of our neighborhood association for a couple of years. His knowledge and expertise of the legal profession was always appreciated and valued. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a wonder father and always quick to greet you as he walked the dogs in the neighborhood. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Peter.
J
Jonathan Lightman posted a condolence
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Peter moved across the street from me when we were in seventh grade (1973 or '74). While I don't remember who knocked first on whose door, it did not take long for us to become very good friends. Whether it was basketball or football on Murietta Avenue, classes at Milliken Jr. High or Grant High School, JCA Camp at Barton Flats, weekends at "Scoops" on Ventura Blvd., or time spent together in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, Seattle or Olympia, the bonds of friendship never waned, the spirits never dimmed.
To say that Peter was both funny and irreverent would be wholly accurate. To suggest that he was nothing but genuine would be the understatement of the year. We can only hope to achieve the same level of sincerity in our lives.
Janis, Ari, Noah and I extend our deepest condolences to Karyl, Maggie, Alek, Gloria, Leon, Kevin, Barbara, Cameron, Daniel, Karen, and to the entire Harris and Elinski households. Please know that Peter inspired many and his light will continue to shine.
L
Leslie M. Burger, MD posted a condolence
Friday, September 3, 2010
As chair of the WA State Medical Quality Assurance Commission, I am expressing the feelings of the commission and staff in passing on to the family our deepest condolences in this time of grief. Peter was a beloved member of the commission team, known for his passion, devotion, expertise, camaraderie, and sense of humor. He contributed greatly to the success of the commission. His memory will remain with us always and will help guide us in improving health care for our citizens.
P
Pete Farr posted a condolence
Friday, September 3, 2010
I knew Peter as a caring and involved parent during those years that I taught his son at Centennial Elementary. I remember his deep and loving passion for the educational process. We were kindred liberal political spirits and I enjoyed Peter's bright and penetrating humor. He was a tireless advocate for quality education and social justice. I am so deeply saddened by his sudden passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children in this very difficult time. We will be unable to attend the memorial service because of prior travel commitments, but we will be there in spirit.
Big Hugs To Everyone
Peter and Maureen Farr
C
Carolynn Bradley posted a condolence
Friday, September 3, 2010
Peter...so many facets to enjoy. A true family man who took such pride in being a father. His deep love and devotion to his family was incredibly admirable. Even those of us who didn't know Karyl felt that we did because he spoke of her so often. His cubicle neighbor at work commented to me that he never heard Peter end a conversation w/Karyl or the kids w/out telling them he loved them. What a gift. His children were most definitely his passion and I was so glad to meet Maggie recently while she so patiently waited for her dad in the cubicle next to me while he attended a short meeting that he had come in for. She was every bit the doll that he always talked about. I loved hearing about the kids and their pets. I admired Peter’s drive and energy. I was always so amazed by the level of energy he had to care about so many different things and by the level of detail he would go into. His fascination with so many things in life was fascinating to witness. He had something to offer on any subject that came up. Oh my…was he funny! I will miss hearing his Friday afternoon belly laughing which was most often the result of the comedic banter that went on between him and his two cube-mates (Jim McLaughlin & Mike Bahn). That was truly the best. His heart was just too big I think. He seemed to care about everyone and everything - so much compassion. No matter what I had going on, he would ask about it, show interest, offer advice or just simply listen. I was very touched by his kindness. He was a talented musician and I am so thankful for being able to observe the pleasure he enjoyed on his way to his jam sessions w/our co-worker and friend, Connie Pyles. The two song-birds beamed w/pleasure every time they’d get together to practice or perform. When carrying his guitar case, he just had an extra spring in his step. It was an honor to know Peter. Karyl, Maggie and Alek –I hope your memories are bringing each of you some serenity and my heartfelt thoughts are with you and your entire family. Your husband and your father was a great friend to so many and was dearly loved and respected.
L
Laura Olexa and Hunter posted a condolence
Friday, September 3, 2010
Peter was a wonderful man who loved his family very much. I met him when our children attended Centennial Elementary. Over the years, I had the pleasure of many conversations on the trials and tribulations of raising children today. He was smart, witty, devoted father, staunch child advocate and good friend. May you rest in peace. Laura
T
Tracy Bahm posted a condolence
Friday, September 3, 2010
I worked with Peter for the last 3 years, and came to like and respect him more and more with every interaction I had with him. He was smart, warm, very funny, and very kind. I'm still in shock at his death and will miss him so much.
My sincere condolences to his family. He talked often of them, and was clearly a doting father who loved his family with all his heart.
Peter, my friend, may you rest in peace.
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