[UPDATED: At the request of the bereaved, this page has been edited for identifying content. Family and friends of Peter's can feel free to comment or relate their memories of him, but I will edit for identifying information before approving the comments to be published. For any additional information about Peter or the circumstances surrounding his untimely death, I would direct you to the official police reports or to his survivors.
"Auntie Jo," please forgive me for any intrusion. I hope you know that it was unintended.]
Compiled from the [official reports]:
Peter … was driving a [sedan] north … approaching [a major highway underpass] service road about 2:10 p.m., as a [pickup truck], with a trailer in tow, was headed west on the north service road. The [sedan] struck the trailer being towed by the [pickup], and continued over the left curb of the service road and up the embankment. The trailer separated from the [pickup] and both vehicles went over the right curb of the service road before coming to a rest.
[Peter] was transported to [a superb trauma h]ospital where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of the accident and the driver responsible for disregarding the red light have not been determined at this time.
The investigation is continuing.
Peter was a very good friend of ours. His wife … was Georgia’s boss once-upon-a-time, and they have remained close through the intervening years. [His wife] has been working overseas … for the last few years, occasionally taking time off to spend with Peter; here in Texas, around the country with Peter’s children, and in Thai vacation huts or on Mediterranean cruises.
They were a study in incongruity: he was a naturalized [immigrant], she is a native of [Louisiana]; he was a genteel white European, she is a Southern black firebrand; he was very matter-of-fact, almost precocious, she is very sophisticated — probably the most nuanced person I’ve ever known; he was a tall … and very thin, she is …not. But anyone observing them together could see their love, and sense their almost palpable devotion to each other: their lingering glances, the subtle, casual touches, the playful banter — the way two people behave who are deeply, deeply in love.
Joanetta was when Hurricane Rita graced us with devastation in SE Texas, and an oak tree in my house. Georgia was 8.75 months pregnant with Thing 2, and Thing 1 was 15 months old. After an initial escape to Wichita Falls, we sequestered at Peter’s … home for several weeks, until we could finally return to rebuild ours. During that time, Thing 2 was hatched, and Peter, who was very particular about his home, very graciously accommodated our expanding family, even taking care of Thing 1 while we made several hospital trips and while Georgia recuperated.
Now, Thing 2 is just over two years old, and Thing 3 is imminent: only 18 days away. Of course, it’s ridiculous to even think of going to the funeral [several hours away] at this point in Georgia’s pregnancy. So, of course, we haven’t decided whether we’re going yet. But I’m leaning towards “no.”
One thing keeps circling around and around in my head: I don’t know whether Peter was saved or not. You can say that’s inappropriate or whatever you like, but, to me as a Christian, that’s even more important than how [his wife] is holding up, as much as I’m concerned for her. I just never asked; I don’t know. To my grief and shame.
He died on a Monday.
UPDATE:
Another friend of Peter’s wrote me to tell me he had helped lead Peter to Christ back in July of 2006. What wonderful news! Praise God!
Georgia and I were talking about this today, after we found out. We had attempted to visit Peter that weekend, while we were going to meet our friends, Aaron and Amanda, at the [z]oo on July 4th. Peter had told us, when we were making the plans, that he was going to be out of town, but welcomed us to stay at his … house in his absence. Thing 1 was most distressed at this, ‘cuz she had been looking forward to helping “Mr. Peter” feed his fishies. She had to settle for helping Daddy feed them.
…
And now, this most perfect news!
I implore anyone who knew Peter to not grieve his passing as those who have no hope, but instead celebrate his life and his memory, and rejoice in the knowledge that he is in a much better place, safe in the presence of his Creator and his Savior.
16 November 2007 at 0 47
I’m so sorry.
17 November 2007 at 13 26
Brian,
Peter was one of my best friends for the last 19+ years. When he was visiting me at my home in [edited for content], I had the honor of buying Peter a bible and leading him to the Lord.
[edited for content] and the next day my sister, my brother, my niece and myself were gathered around Peter [edited for content] praying for him. After we prayed my sister asked him if he was ready to receive Christ (I had bought him his Bible the day before [edited] and we’d spent some time in it) and Peter said yes. So we led him in the sinner’s prayer. He was Saved July 7th, 2006.
Can you tell me where you got the info on the accident? Thanks, Del Abbott
17 November 2007 at 13 32
By the way, Peter was a a naturalized [edited for content]. And [his wife] is surrounded by Peter’s kids, his AA sponsor & friend, her best friend and myself, she’s doing fine.
17 November 2007 at 18 41
This is the best news I’ve heard — bar none — in a long time! How wonderful!
Still, it doesn’t excuse the fact of my inaction.
It’s funny, how times of great joy or deep grief can have a way of etching themselves indelibly upon your psyche. Like a camera flash in a dark room, leaving an image burned into your retina. The births of my children, especially Thing 1, are such times, as is the day I married Mrs Brain. Peter’s death was another. My realization on Thursday, that Peter was dead and I had no idea where he would spend eternity, left me feeling hollow and cold.
This was a wake-up call. I’ve been at best a somnambulant Christian; no more. I will not find myself in this situation again. I couldn’t bear it. While I know that my intercesssion on His behalf will not cause anyone’s salvation — that is the work of the Spirit, and it is God’s gift to give — I’m not gonna let another opportunity pass by.
I’m just sorry it took the death of a friend to wake me up.
By the way, for anyone looking for the link to the police report, [you will have to contact Peter's family for this information, or find it on your own. I'm sorry for any inconvenience].
16 December 2007 at 16 38
Brian, Peter’s eternal destination was the first thing I thought about, also, when I heard of his passing. I rejoice with you and “Mrs.Brain” in the knowledge that he is in heaven. He was the most genteel person I have ever met, and word of his death was a shock!
gran