I mean Pete, couldn't edit it.

day 26

We've got some weird  looking mushrooms out front today, not surprising after that rain.
The intersection was dug up today to connect something but no paving in the near future.
I met Pam while I was out walking and she said Flo died. Have you run into her yet? How about Tony Curtis?
Road trip tomorrow, a quilt show in London plus a stop at Michael's and one in Ingersoll. I think that's the last one for a while unless we go to the Orangeville show in Oct.
This weekend is punkin fest, all those nuclear giant horrible looking  pumpkins. Remembered it snowed that weekend a couple years ago?
G'night Pate

The Hoarder

OK Pete, I think if had had lived alone, you eventually would have made it onto an episode of "The Hoarders." Do you know how many lighters you had? And those roe jars ? There were empty pill bottles from Drs Hosp and I left there in '97 and all those plastic bags. I'm personally filling up the dump. I'm hoping to find a cache of cash in all that.

day 24

Got my teeth cleaned today, the highlight of my day!
I talked to Bill and he asked if I still was interested in making a quilt from Claire's things. He really likes the idea and I said I would still do it.  I may do one for each of them. So I think I'll go up there after Thanksgiving and get it organized before winter sets in.Todd has taken the whole semester off but is still doing various things just not teaching. I could get him to print a couple of Claire's photos  then I can print them on fabric for the quilt. I'll have to look up how I did that or better yet get Elizabeth to help me. I seem to be thinking it through while doing this. But that's how my mind is right now, I can't concentrate.

G'night Pete, Man this house sure is big and empty at night

later the same day....

I forgot to tell you last night that sis Chris called to see how I was.

Do you remember going to Jack Miners all those years ago to see the geese. Well guess what, Sparks' Corner  now has a huge gaggle in the cut down corn field. They must be local cause it's too soon for the migratory geese.

I went out for a long walk today and checked out Scubby's Point for the sewer construction. They're just around the corner because of the Native issues. Our street isn't paved yet.

I need a haircut.

from John Ball

 I wish to pass on my condolences to Peter's family.I will always
remember Pete for his smile and fun living approach to life. I have not seen
Peter for a long time but whenever I did meet him we would have a good laugh
at many of the Wanderers exploits and there were many. He would remind me as
though it were yesterday of a couple of things that I thought not so
important at the time about the thrill he had when I let him drive my
convertible etype Jag. Also when playing rugby with him I read an upcoming
move from the opposition and I said heh Pete I will intercept the ball on
the next play come stay close to me and I will give you the ball. He scored
a try from this play and he was so delighted and thrilled. He took great joy
and pleasure in reminding me of these events.  He was a good man...jb

end of week 3, start of week 4

Vic was over today with a guy interested in your boat. If you had sold it to Vic when he wanted it, I wouldn't need to do this now.  I don't know anything about selling stuff. There sure is a lot of fishing gear in that room. Mamma mia! I think you have as much fishing stuff as I have quilting stuff. What am I going to do with it. Feel free to give me some advice...somehow...

week 3

It's Sept 25th and there was Xmas advertising on TV. Are you rolling in your grave?
 I guess today was better. The Kent Milroy website has some good articles about grief so I think I'm normal. Never spoke to anyone  today  but I didn't go out either.
I'm interested to see if I hear from your sisters anymore.
My stuff is all over the living room.  I'm doing another wool hand applique project and bought stuff for another on Thurs. I don't like being in my sewing room now, it feels too closed in. I might move it out here after Thanksgiving and use that table you bought for me.
I think I'm using the TV and movies for background noise. I just watched a Frost movie, saw it before anyway. It's almost  Fall Classic time. I'm going for the Phillies all the way baby!!!

G'night Pete

day 20

I had a really bad day today and it's all your fault for dying.

day 19

Went on an all day road trip with Elizabeth to Uxbridge via Cookstown and stopped off in Shelbourne on the way home. It was a  long day topped off with dinner at A and W. I haven't even unpacked my stuff yet. There was no one here to look at it. Next Friday is a quilt show in London.

It's clouded over so I can't see the moon tonight. I think I'll be going to bed early, I'm tired but it's not like I walked to Uxbridge.

G'night Pete

day 18

Had a busy day, the bank, phone calls, paying the bill at the funeral home so I don't have to worry about  your ashes being repossessed, cleaning up your roe jars and frozen  and refrigerated eggs etc. Talked to Vic and Jamie. I didn't sleep well due to a big storm which you would have loved so I'm tired. There's a big, giant harvest moon tonight. Can you see it ? Must be a different view of it.

So last night I dozed off watching TV. I kind of roused and thought I was asleep in bed and you were watching TV which I could hear. Then I woke up  and was sad to not see you in your chair.:(

G'night Pete

Hello Sue:

 

Although we've exchanged many Christmas cards, you and I have never met.  Danny and I are sad about Peter's untimely death.  We always think of him as Pete.  As Danny told you on the 'phone, he was the "emergency" Best Man at our wedding, which he accomplished with his usual good humour.  Pete, and his brother Ozzie, were a big part of our lives in the "sixties" -- a great time to be a member of the Wanderer's Rugby Club, as you will see from the many e-mails that have been forwarded to us and which I will forward to you.  He touched many lives.

 

We did meet Phillip, he came with his dad to our house in Kitchener for a barbecue many years ago when he was a young boy, but he probably doesn't remember.  Please share the e-mails with him, and as more e-mails arrive I will forward them to you.

 

Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

 

Linda and Danny 

 

Sept 21

Not much I can say today after seeing all those notes from the old Wanderers.  But on the realistic side, I went to the lawyer today. Alex drove up to go with me. Nothing unusual or unexpected happened. Still on the lookout for a secret box or bank account  or key to the millions. But until then I guess I'll be going back to work in a couple weeks.

Art and Maureen, we are so sad to learn of Pete Mahar's passing.  I'm sure we will always remember the "glory" days at Walker, Briar Hill and the Fowler basement ,with Peter in full voice and brother Ozzie buried under the empty beer cases!  I still believe the short time that I spent in Toronto were the happiest days of my life, NEVER to be forgotten.  We have all gone our separate ways, but the bond of friendship remains forever.  It's very sad that most of the news we have received lately is not good, let's hope that changes!

Nick

The Late Pete Mahar,

 

We are all saddened by the loss of Pete, he had a sense of humour second to none.

Not mentioned in all the "obits" was the fact that Pete was a keen fisherman, he persuaded me annually to take out my little run-about to some salmon bearing stream in Ontario where he "guaranteed" a catch, he had personally made all the salmon roe bait balls.and could not fail.

He wore his trade-mark hat with cork stoppers hanging down from the brim, guaranteed to "keep away elephants" (we never saw any) but we did see mosquitoes and black fly.

He did visit the West Coast after his brother died in Victoria several years ago, and true to his calling brought his newly developed "glow roe salmon egg" bait which he assured me would make him a fortune.

 

He will be missed but I am sure Saint Peter will reserve a place on his boat for him

 

Rodney Barber

So sorry to hear the sad news of Pete's death. Please let me kmow any details at all that you can gather.

 

Brian and I met Pete in '63, he lived in Scarborough at the time with Danny, Don McKinnon and sometimes Brother Ozzie and our "Wanderers Life" began 

The march of time is inevitable and of the three Intrepid Wanderers that set off for South Africa in '65
Highfield, Mahar and  Preston only one remains, I feel Orphaned. The experiences, adventures and fun we had are too numerous to recount in an Email suffice it to say that my life was enriched beyond measure for having lived them. 

The last time I heard from Pete was a totally unexpected 'phone call at my hotel during the wanderers anniversary weekend 10 years ago.

Pete was always "interesting" and an extremely unique individual. I will miss him.

 I am currently in England and will return to California in early October. I will call you then.

John P

Greetings Ron and to all my Wanderers mates,

Yes, sad news indeed. I had the pleasure – some might say misfortunate – of sharing digs with Pete and Brian Highfield and both were integral part of the Wanderers choir, amongst many, many other things. There were many “characters” in the Wanderers motley gang and both of the aforementioned were Kings amidst the many listed above. My time in Toronto delivered many treasured memories; playing rugby, the celebrations that followed win or lose, the friendships made. Time flies, does it not?

If any of you head down under at some stage our home is yours, as long as you all don’t arrive at the same time! Our address – yes, still married to Cathy that I married in Toronto – is 1/283 Bowen Terrace, New Farm, Brisbane, QLD 4005. Home phone is +61733584324, mo 0418772409.

Rest in Peace Peter Mahar and sing your heart out in that heavenly choir.

Very Best Regards to you all

Bob and Cathy

Sorry to get the news.  Passing on of another of the never-to-be-forgotten characters !

 Glad to get an update on your email addresses so can send my best regards to you.  This electronic age  !  Where are the days that when we wanted to contact any of us all that was needed was to pitch up at the Walker Avenue bar  !  

PS Missed email addresses for Pogo, Maris, Mike Anck, Roger “drop that shoulder and charge” Newman, Eddie Carpenter, Moonie

Very Best Regards to you all,         Ron.

Ron Voigt,

O shit !

I was only thinking of Pete recently and wondering where he was and how he was doing.

Freddie Miller and wife were at the Kraal for a belated Sean Rowley tree planting session and Pete's name cropped up then again.

Sad to hear about the news.

John Knight

Thanks for the info about Pete - very sad to hear about him passing away. Have fond memories of him having such  a quick wit and I reckon he could have been the stig of the 1960s -  a bugger to be in the car with but always seemed to get there eventually, even if he had to go through the odd hedge or two.

 

RIP Pete Paul &Lyn

Day 17

 

Although I had not seen him in years, Pete brings wonderful memories.

Pete was part of the Wallasey Crowd and we were part of a wonderful gang . It was probably one of the best times of our lives with the Wanderers.  Pete was certainly one of our best singers and had a wonderful Merseyside sense of humor.  Remember one of his wedding songs was 'Bridge over Troubled Waters.'

Condolenses to all his family and friends.

Roy Quinn

day 16

Well Pete I started off well today but petered out. Can I say that? I went for a walk again and made all those pesky phone calls which took a couple hours. I had to look in the filing cabinet for some papers which I couldn't find. Where is the deed of the house???? Certainly not in the file that says "House". I have to get things for the lawyer tomorrow but thay say the deed will be registered anyway. I found the boat papers and the cars are in my name so that doesn't matter. I faded fast around 2 and haven't been able to get restarted. Well I did just clean the bathroom though so I guess I'm not as bad as I thought.

Oh yeah, one of the gov't forms wants proof of common law status. What the hell is that?? But there is a form that they are sending out. If we had gone to Las Vegas and been married by an Elvis inpersonator , I wouldn't need to prove that we weren't married.

I'm still not eating right, I did for breakfast and lunch but didn't feel like cooking dinner. I had a peanut butter sandwich. Isn't that pathetic? I'd better smarten up.

G'night Petey

yesterday

I didn't around to writing this last night. It was a beautiful fall day, cool,  crisp and sunny in the morning. I went for a walk and managed to do my whole route. The beach has totally changed in 2 weeks, well no one is there to start with and there was a big blow the day you died. According to the Saugeen Times it was a gale. You would have liked it. I also managed to do some quilty stuff, got a small wool winter pillow or  wall hanging cut out and started the applique. I had some movies to keep me company.

2 weeks part 2

It's 2 weeks ago today  that you died. Have your expectations about the afterlife been met? You didn't believe in that anyway.

I went up to the hospital to deliver a box of chocolates to the staff and my heart started pounding.  I didn't see anyone I knew so I just gave them to someone and left.

Patty phoned this afternoon at "cocktail hour" and we had a glass of wine over the phone.

Oh you won't believe who else called- my brother Jack. I was talking to Patty though and he left a message saying he'll call back.

I was planning on a sewing day but got stuck playing solitaire and wasted the whole afternoon. Even though you weren't here to comment, I still felt your barbs spoken or not.

G'night Pete

2 weeks

Subject: Article Response


I've just read the Saugeen Times' generous obituary for Pete Maher.  And,
because of what was said, I also dipped into the Letters section archive.

There I saw that Pete had expressed his views on many things.  (No doubt
some Times readers would remember him for frequent letters that are mostly
spontaneous attacks on privilege and hypocrisy - but that are often funny).

To my surprise I even found a Times letter (of May 2, 2009) referring to me
as a 'very straight friend' who doubted his seeing a UFO when visiting
Tasmania.  Given that Pete also enjoyed a drink, of course I doubted him.

Later, after seeing the UFO report on the front page of the Launceston
Examiner (February 20, 2009), I was a little less sure.  However, to avoid
agreeing with Pete's over-active imagination about 'aliens', I reminded
him that the first word in UFO is 'unidentified'.  Perhaps he now knows the
truth!

I was privileged to have met Pete Maher when he came to work beside me
at GM, Oshawa, 50 years ago.  We were both 21-year old migrants and,
although I'm Scottish and he was English, we struck up a friendship.

Pete was a very humorous, talented guy who could turn his hand to anything.
For example, he was an inventor, writer/poet and cartoonist.  But what he
liked to do above everything else, was fishing - sometimes using the lure he
created.

When Pete was here in Australia last year visiting his sisters, he reminded
me that I had introduced him to the Saugeen River in the early 1960's. Over
the decades he took every chance he could to fish the Saugeen, and when he
retired he went to live beside it.

Now he has died there...

RIP, Pete.  Thanks for the memories left with me and my family.

                                     Harry Joyce, Goolwa, South Australia

Day 13

Hi Pete,

I'm slowly working my way through all the paperwork that your death has caused. Good thing you died first cause knowing you, you would have just left it all  in a pile.

Lots of boats up and down the river tonight. Our street is in worse shape than ever with that darn sewer project. Can you see it ? If so, can you see the lottery ticket that I bought last week? I thought I was using it as a book marker. We could be millionaires and not know it.

I thought I would have a glass of wine tonight and the cork broke off. I ended up splashing red wine all over me wearing a white shirt, the counter, into the drawer, it was very messy but I didn't blame you.

We -Alex and me, got a card from your cousin Anne. She was glad to have seen you and to have met Alex those years ago. She said you were a "character." That seems to be the concensus of opinion.

Matt has his flight booked for T'giving weekend. He already requested the roast beef and yorkshire pudding.

I guess I'll go do something. Elizabeth gave me some quilting magazines so I'll read those and see if I can get my mojo back.

G'night Pete.

day 12 Funeral Blues

We liked this movie....... 4 Weddings and a Funeral

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

W.H. Auden

what a day

Well Pete, today really sucked. It was my first day alone. I can't seem to concentrate or get anything done. John Conroy and Danny both called tonight so I had to explain it all. They had good things to say about you and talked about the old days. I worked on this blog off and on to catch up, hit a few snags but Patty helped me out. Wow all these forms and things I have to do. I never would have thought of it but the funeral home has a handout. And I have a cold from not eating and sleeping  well, drinking too much, and not exercising. Matt took me on a couple major walks in the city though. But twice in 2 weeks doesn't count. Today is his birthday and he called me before I could call him. You would be really proud of the 2 "brothers." They have been terrific. I'm getting all weepy talking about it.

I got some new mousetraps  "a better mousetrap". If I can do that, I can do anything. If you have any influence any where can you help out please? You know I hate mice. So much for those electronic things.

G'night Pete.

Pete, My Brother

My brother Pete`s a talented man.

He`s creative, and cartoons when he can

The details and the messages evolve when pen hits paper

Are also a big part of him and his story telling caper!

And when he`s got a sec` he`ll strum a little tune

Also sing along

He`ll entertain the room.

You might have guessed by now that ``Our Pete`s`` not really shy.

He just likes to have his fingers in every kind of pie.

He`s not afraid to take a chance,

Invent some new device.

He believes in himself, no matter what the price!

But what is most amazing about my older brother

Is that he taught himself these things

No assistance from some other!

So I`m here to tell you how proud of him, I am.

Because his philosophy for life

Has always been ``I can ``

My brother Pete`s a talented man

CML                                              June 28th 2002

Peter Maher

A few memories and thoughts from Harry Joyce in Australia

Peter enriched my life, as he did for so many others.

We met 50 years ago when, newly arrived in Canada, he appeared in a General Motors toolroom in Oshawa where I worked.  We struck up a friendship as I too was a recent migrant – and because we shared the same values and a similar sense of humour.

Socially, we mostly went our different ways as Peter was a rugby player and I played tennis.  We did, however, go to Toronto for the odd soccer game and to a few Saturday dances at the 'Y', and at the Autoworkers Hall in Oshawa.

We also went fishing together.  In recent times Peter surprised me by claiming that I had introduced him to the Saugeen River.

I was always made welcome by Peter's widowed mother, Flo, to the Maher home.  There I met Peter's four sisters – and, later, Austin when he arrived from England.

Our paths separated for a while after he moved to another GM toolroom; I got married; and he did some international travel – including to Australia.  We only met occasionally when visiting his Mum, who treated Annette and I – and our two girls – as part of the family.

Later in the 1960's, Annette and I used to visit Peter and his girlfriend, Chrissy Kaminsky, in Toronto.  I recall going to see '2001: A Space Odyssey' with Peter while the women went shopping, and being introduced to Peter's new Beatles 'Abbey Road' album while Chrissy made a beautiful Polish dinner.  And then there was the lovely wedding – with the yet-to-be-famous Rita MacNeil…

Peter too was on a creativity pathway.  He had addressed his urge to invent and create.  I believe this was his 'copper' period, as all of his friends and rellies suddenly had sheet-copper clocks on their walls.  Little did I know of Peter's potential for writing and cartooning that would emerge later.

But then our paths really parted…  Annette and I moved to Thunder Bay in 1971, and then to Australia – to thaw out!  We next met Peter here in Australia in 1990 when he came to visit his Mum, who was critically ill.  Then last year we saw Peter, and finally met Sue, when he visited Mary and Beau in Tasmania when Kath and Ed also visited.

Little did we know that our reminiscing about 'the old days' and joking about (sparking off one another as always), would not be repeated.  After that we continued with our email exchanges about soccer – especially as to how his beloved Everton was doing.

Sadly, it was through these emails over the past few years that I got glimpses of Peter's troubled frame of mind – particularly, I assume, when he had been drinking late at night.  I put some of his irrational anger down to the frustration he had experienced from not being able to fully express his artistic drive over the decades.  But no doubt it was a lot more complicated than this.

However, no matter Peter's faults (and don't we all suffer from imperfections?), he was a richly engaging person who was a very welcome part of my life.  I especially enjoyed his company when as young men we were so optimistic about the unknowns of the life in front of us.

My last days with Peter had both sweet and sour elements.  It seemed appropriate, therefore, that when news of Peter's death came Annette labeled the marmalade she was making: Mahermalade – a name last used when Flo was around to enjoy it.

Memories are fleeting, as indeed life itself is.  I just hope that the people who knew Peter will remember his exuberant good nature – and will overlook those less attractive characteristics that trapped him in the course of his life.

Vale Peter…

EULOGY FOR MY BROTHER - (OUR PETER)

3^RD August 1938 – 4^th September 2010

Happy memories of my irreverent, loveable, larrikin brother, Peter,

You were most certainly at the front of the line in the Maher family when artistic

gifts were handed out!

All my life, I was in awe of your many talents; your capacity to reduce everyone to tears of laughter when you got started with your jokes & jibes.

I recall being very much the 16 year old ‘kid sister’ in England, seeing you spend hours perfecting the guitar.  You begged me to ‘take in’ the inside seams of your new pants to make them into ‘drainpipe’ trousers so you could ‘fit in’ as  a ‘Teddy Boy’ at  the ‘CASBAH’ where the Beatles got their start in 1959!

Your talent for singing; when the mood moved you, you’d lead the crowd in a 'sing song’. I still love ‘THE WILD ROVER’ song. (Trust someone sings it at your wake).

You made things; I remember the copper clocks, we all got one! When you got hooked (pardon the pun) on fishing, the many very beautiful ‘flys’.  Also, the almost ‘patented’ fishing lure. As I recall you lost patience with greedy patent lawyers, told them all to ‘get stuffed’ and gave the lure to your mates!

Your drawing talent; the cartoons. I have a framed 1990 cartoon featuring the Canadian Prime Minister paying for a home delivered PIZZA entitled ‘Extra Large with the works, $15.00 plus GST and related costs, $200.00 Even’! I love it.

Your talent for writing poetry; In March 1997 you sent me 8 poems along with related cartoons to match, I was so happy to receive this gift at a difficult time in my life, I treasure them.

Not only did you have artistic gifts; you were a loving, doting father, demonstrating great patience in guiding your son through life’s journey. You were always there for him and in return he adored you, it was so obvious. Somehow, you discovered within yourself the gift to nurture, a very special gift indeed and this, without benefit of having our own Fathers influence. This would surely be one the most important achievements in your Life’s Work.

I was so proud of you, your ability to focus, concentrate and be single minded about the task at hand.

These are but a few of many happy recollections and memories of a talented, gifted, quick witted, charming, very special brother, Peter.

You’ll always hold a very special place in my heart.

Now your mind and body are at peace. I loved our Peter.

MARY

from Kathy

  I've had quiet afternoon recalling memories of our Pete  -  the earliest is of Pete & Austin being tanned on the backside by Mum for leaving Mary & I in a very leaky tent on the Greenhill in Egremont in the middle of tremendous thunder storm while all the boys ran for cover.  Mrs. Williamson (a neighbour) who came looking for her own son  brought us home like drowned rats.

Pete doing a take off of BILL & BEN THE FLOWER POT MEN one of the early UK children's T.V. characters  -he kept us in stitches laughing at his antics.

After I passed the scholarship to the same high school he went to over in New Brighton - he asked me not to speak to him - on the bus or at school -it was not cool to have a younger sister at your school.  and for two years i didn't until the time he got a crush on one of my classmates.  then he bribed me for an introduction.

Meeting him at Oshawa railway station in 1960 and hearing for the first time of his beloved Beatles and the Cabin in Liverpool where they sang - it was several years before they became very popular I think around 62/63.

Of him buying his first car probably later in that year - a huge late model bright yellow Chevrolet with those very large wing shapes at the back . he was like a kid who'd just discovered Christmas.

Having dinner with him at Westmoreland Avenue before we both took off for overseas - him South Africa and me to Australia - Aunty Frances and Uncle Jack came over and Pete tried to pass my friend Myra off as the maid

Then of course he walked me down the aisle and gave me away on my wedding day - I'm not sure who was more nervous, me or him I know we were both shaking  - this was after he had rescued Aunty Mary from a locked bathroom - he and Ed's dad knocked down the door.

He beat us to the punch at parenthood by two days.(Phillip) Alex being two days older than our Neil.   I recall him taking these two fishing in Hungry Hollow creek just below our Irwin Crescent home.  He also came up to Kincardine with his friend John to fish in Saugeen River  in 77 when we briefly lived there - sitting at the kitchen table making his own flys.

I remember Xmas pudding made by Mum with wrapped silver coins - always a bit nervous that the kids would swallow them by mistake - however Uncle Pete topped the lot when he pulled car keys and wallets and all kinds of things out of the pudding.  the kids were fascinated the Uncle Peter could do magic.

Many memories  but non sweeter than seeing him last year at Mary's.  I Know it was a bad time for her and Beaux I missed all the drama and I'm so glad I had the opportunity of seeing him once more.  Rest  in peace dear brother

  I feel better for having written it - my farewell.       Kath

Hi Alex,    Thank you for letting us know and sharing with us Peters final moments and your very special time with your Dad.      It must have been a very difficult time for you Alex and I Pat appreciate it very much.     Peter was very fortunate to have you all with him - he would think that was the greatest.      Please forgive me on the lighter side --- Peter once said to me carrying the BIGGEST  FISH he had ever caught, up out of the water would be the way he would like to go - but he would agree I'm sure that having you Patty and Sue around him was far more wonderful.    He was so proud of you Alex and loved you very much.

               

                I had to smile when I read the message he wrote on his 70th birthday - yes he sent me it as well and I'm glad you didn't edit it.      He hated bigotry and hypocrisy,  delighted in shocking and of course was always  extremely humorous.       Peter you are my little brother I love you and will always remember you and especially our younger years playing and surviving as children during the 2nd world war.

 

                Alex keep in touch and come down to Aussie when you are ready - Just take us as we are.      Peter would love that.   Love Pat

 

Saugeen Times has lost one of its own

The Saugeen Times has lost one of its writers who always wished to remain anonymous. We were introduced to 'Pete' through his consistently thought-provoking Letters to the Editor over issues that concerned his community of Saugeen Shores. Never one to mince words, sometimes his strongly worded 'rants' had to be edited but, then, he would turn around and send in a retort to the edited pieces. Unbeknown to us, Pete was also a poet.  He sent in funny little poems that he had written in the 1960s and '70s and also sent in what can only be described as two odes.  The last poem he sent was prefaced by ... "Sandy, this is a daft one" ... COUNTRY COURTESY  A man and wife went off to bed  As the rain came pouring down  Kids were away for the weekend  Staying with grandma in town  Their house was in the country  A lovely concession road  Lawn and flowers front and back  A wonderful little abode  At three am in the morning  Someone hammers on the door  The guy gets up trips over the dog  Slithers across the floor  He opens the front door cursing  Moose stood there in the rain  I need a push. He sez urgently  His plea was heard in vain  The guy slams the door in his face  The dog continues to bark  No way, the guy swears, at three am  I’m going to get wet in the dark  Who was that? Sez the wife  Telling the dog to shush  No idea, the guy snorts  Some guy wanting a push  It’s 3 o'clock in the morning  Pouring down with rain  The fool thinks I’m going out there  He must be half insane  Go give him a push. Sez the wife  Now sitting up in bed  Remember that storm last winter?  We could have all been dead  That stranger spent an hour  Pushing us out of the snow  If he hadn’t stopped to help us  We’d all be dead I know  She nagged at him for ages  Till he jumped up with a rush  Ok, Ok. he sez finally  I’ll go give the guy a push  Dressed quick, went outside  It was wet and black as coal  His jacket was soaked in no time  Heard distant thunder roll  Where are you? he calls loudly  Unable to see a thing  Moose bellowed out in the darkness Right over here on the swing

Pete's last 'Letter to the Editor' was sent on August 20th about the recent signage issue ...   "Gladys Micks got it right.   "It will be a shame if the mayor and council get away with this. "This little beautiful place is not some thing to be auctioned off to a corporation or petty interference from council.   Leave the signs alone please. This is my town   Pete" Every community needs a 'character' who is willing to speak his mind and  "damn the torpedoes"!  Pete  Maher was one of those characters. He will be missed and our thoughts go out to his family.

These lines were written by Henry Scott Holland, Canon of St. Paul’s (1847 - 1918)

Death is nothing at all; I have only slipped away into the next room.

I am I and you are you; whatever we were to each other, we are still.

Call me by my old familiar name,

speak to me in the easy way you always used.

Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

What is death but a negligible accident;

why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near;

just around the corner.    All is well

from Sandy Lindsay

Pete was special to us as were his writings that he often submitted.
Although we never met face-to-face, I feel we had a friendship of a
different sort and I am so happy that he touched base with me and sent me so
many of his poems.

We had many on-line 'discussions' which I will treasure.  

To Our dear friend Peter, may you rest in peace. 

We will remember you for your sense of humor, wit and the true "character
that you were", and our get together's at the campfire. 

Forever in our memories. 

John, Julie & Christiana Stan & family .

Sept 15th

Good morning Pete,

I don't know what day post your D-day this is as I have lost count. Must be 11, 15 minus 4 right?

I got home from TO last evening with Alex. I said I would take the bus but he said if he put me on a bus, you would come back to haunt him.  Alex was going to go home but felt so relaxed and peaceful downstairs that he stayed. He also wrote a beautiful poem that made me cry.

I didn't see a butterfly the entire week I was in TO until we were pulling out of the garage to come home. Now you've had to fly all the way back. But you always liked those dreams where you were flying.

I got a lot of sympathy calls and cards. Frank McGregor called to speak to you. He was planning a visit so that was an awkward convesation. He told me how you knew each other in England, what  a nice person you were etc.

I have some letters from others that I want to put on here but can't get them out of my email.

Just an FYI, I set a mousetrap last night, well 2, and caught 1 and disposed of it. I'm not removing them from the trap though. The 2nd trap has the cheese removed, damn that mouse!

Day 2

I woke up thinking today would be better and that I wasn't going to weep. I thought that I needed some alone time so I went for a walk along  the lake. It seems like the world is still going on out there without you.People were saying  hello and I wondered why.

The worse thing about today was my ipod music. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils were Travelling Onward Free as a Bird , Lionel Ritchie was Easy, Jimmie Buffett was saying That Come Monday It Will Be Alright, but worse of all The Beatles were saying Sleep Pretty Darlin Do Not Cry and I Will Sing a Lullaby. By that time I was openly weeping and sobbing with tears running down my face on the street.

It turned out that I wasn't ready for  that alone time yet. The butterfly was around here today.

When I got home Alex and Patty were also weeping so we had wine again.

Goodnight Pete xoxo

Day 1

I finally slept last night for the first time in 2 weeks knowing that you were no longer suffering.

It turned out to be a rather difficult day having to arrange your funeral but some of Reg's wine took the edge off. I think you would be pleased with the plans.

Was that you hovering around the window of the funeral home in the guise of a monarch butterfly? I know I asked you to watch over me but that was really obvious.

Good night Pete.