Oh Dear Peter -

The last time we saw you was in June of this year and your parting words to me were “Please keep in touch, I want to be there for you in this challenging time”. I reached out to share the news that Mike and I are both employed now and when I didn’t hear back from you, I knew something was not as it should be. I learned that you were home from the hospital but very weak. Today, Bethany’s email offering an opportunity to send a living tribute hit me hard as there is no way to sum up the impact you’ve had on my life but I will try to bring some highlights here.

Last week, I was showing Noah, now almost 14, a photo of himself at age 2 with Pete Seeger at my alma matter when Pete came to do a talk with song shortly after Toshi passed away. Noah has no recollection of this meeting. I am grateful to say that Noah has many memories of you, dear Peter, and he is at an age where those memories will stay with him.

When you invited me to come and work with Operation Respect, I went and spoke with the principal of the school I was teaching in and explained that I needed to leave my position as working with the DLAM program was a once in a lifetime opportunity. She understood and jokingly said “but he has to come sing for the kids first”. I relayed that message and within a couple of days, you were in a taxi on your way up to the Bronx to sing for/with a handful of the classes that I had already started introducing the DLAM curriculum to. This was a classic Peter. Someone, somewhere has a need and you do what you can to help. Over the years, the work of Operation Respect has remained dear to my heart but dearer is the truly remarkable man I got to know. Seeing you over the years has kept some part of my inner need to know things were really going to be okay, alive. The hope was ignited each time. Not only personal hope but hope for our communities, our country and the world. Each time, a reminder that there are people like you, the very best humanity has to offer, who live being lead by their heart and making the connections that need to be made to make change happen!

Fast forward to March of 2020 and the world came to “the great pause”. We didn’t know which end was up or where we were going. Your zoom calls, where we all talked and sang together, had more of an impact on my family than you could ever know. My mom joined in from Massachusetts and we joined in from Connecticut as we were not gathering together in person in those early days because we didn’t want to risk doing anything that could risk my octogenarian mother’s life. Those zooms kept our spirits up and gave us hope that despite all else, we would all be okay and carry on as the sweet survivors we are!

Just last week, Noah’s music teacher reached out to say that the class is going to transition from orchestra to guitar classes as "the 8th grade class curriculum delves into the rich heritage of The American Civil Rights Era. This shift in musical focus will allow students to study, play and sing songs that embody the spirit of this pivotal time in our history, fostering both musical growth and cultural understanding.” She went on to say that what they have planned is “historically significant and thought provoking music of Pete Seeger, Wood Guthrie and more”. Noah and I talked about your role in The Civil Rights Movement. Noah grew up with your presence in his life and understands how remarkable you are in the bigger picture, far more than just the man who called himself “Uncle Peter” when Noah was a younger boy. The first thing I thought of when I got the email from Noah’s teacher was - I know that if Peter was well and I asked, he would hop in a car and share with Noah’s class his first hand experiences with what they are studying and sing with them, just like he hopped in that taxi to sing in the Bronx.

My mother wrote a “Letter to The Editor” last month, they accepted it and held it until after the election. In the letter, she talked about how we need to come together and heal and not live in the divide. She introduced people to Braver Angels and provided a link to their site. This was another part of our lives that came thru you; my mom is involved with Braver Angels as a result of your sharing about the work you were doing with them and introducing us to them.

With that, I want to thank you for being the shining star that you have been in my life and my family’s life! We are grateful for you and all the better for the connection to you!

With much love and admiration,

Tahri (Gang)  

I first met Peter at a young and impressionable age. Once a year he would have a youth group of kids on the Circle Line and sing to us. There wasn’t one of us that didn’t know Puff the magic dragon. Peter loved kids. Later in life I had the privilege of working with Noel Stookey and got to know Mary as well. But it was Peter who always made me feel loved and appreciated. Last year we tried to collaborate on a project for the Children of Ukraine but his cancer kept him from working on it. We enjoyed dinner in his neighborhood, his concerts which I loved going to and hour calls and texts. One of his last texts to me in September said: I would’ve loved to have gotten together with you, my brother, but Cancer is like a chronic disease, one that is a race between the technology being developed to impede its progress and the ability of the disease in its own Darwinian struggle. Big hugs, my brother and thank you for checking in XO.
Peter.

When I called him he said, “This dragon is doing his best to stay strong.”

I love you Peter, you taught me so much about love and kindness and you will always be in my heart and life.   

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- John Battiloro

Peter doesn't know me, but his music, both with Peter, Paul & Mary and with his solo performances, has been the soundtrack of my life. My parents were both big fans, and we had all of the albums (and, yes, I mean actual albums) playing on our RCA stereo all of the time. My sister and I grew up knowing all of the words of...and singing along with...all of Peter's iconic songs. It was a great thrill to see Peter, Paul & Mary performing live in NYC, along with my dad, not too long before Mary's passing. There are moments you remember all your life...and that performance was one of them for me. And, then, of course, I appreciated so many of Peter's appearances on PBS, both his performances and during the fundraising drives. His music, his passion, his dedication to good causes have been a source of true inspiration and admiration and respect for me. When I read about his work with Operation Respect, I saw how very closely it aligns with the some of the work we are doing at Temple Beth Tikvah (Wayne, NJ) with our Shine a Light program. Thank you, Peter, for all you have meant to me and my family...without ever knowing us. Thank you for modeling your good works for your son and daughter, who, no doubt, will carry on your legacy with honor. I shall continue to keep you in my mishabeirach prayers. Wishing you strength and, most importantly, comfort and peace.

Best,
Janice Paul
Wayne, NJ  

I had the great joy of meeting Peter at his home in Manhattan for a special event on June 5, 2019, through our mutual friend, John McKenna who worked with Peter on "Operation Respect". I attach a picture from that day of Peter with me. But my love of Peter, Paul, and Mary's music dates back to my childhood in South Africa and Australia, and their performance at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA I attended many years later. I attach with this tribute, an MP3 recording from an old reel-to-reel tape on July 3, 1966 made at our family home in Melbourne, Australia. In this recording, my three sisters, Lindsay, Celia and Wendy and I (Clive) sing one of our favorite songs, "Puff the Magic Dragon"... I was ten years old at the time, and fifty-eight years later, I still sing Peter's song. As long as we live, we should all sing "Puff the Magic Dragon"! We love you, Peter!

- Clive Roberts  

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I first met Peter in the early 1970's when Alex Hassilev, with whom I was living, took me to McCabe's to see Peter do a solo gig. Alex thought we would appreciate each other politically and was he ever right! We went on to produce three Survival Sunday's at the Hollywood Bowel, anti-nuclear programs that featured a wonderful assortment of performers. Then we did a big rally up at Diablo Canyon, again with a star-studded cast of progressive performers. I learned so much about producing live events from Peter and we went on to do films together as well. I remember with great joy a fundraiser we did at 27 West 67th for our film about Allard Lowenstein. Peter went up and started singing and pitching at the same time, and when we got off stage, we had raised $60,000. Peter was also in the Lowenstein film and did a wonderful interview about Al, his dear friend. To cap it off, we used "Sweet Survivor" at the end of film and it was wonderfully emblematic of the whole project. So many memories, so many shows back stage, so many fundraisers. When Peter did a concert in Malibu by himself, he stopped midway and said "Everybody under 12 years of age, Julie and Carl (Rogers) please join me on stage. Carl and I got to sing Puff with the dragon himself. Flash forward to ONE STORY AT A TIME, the film we made with him and Linda Carroll during the pandemic. Having wonderful work at that time because of Peter, was such a gift. I love you Peter and have loved you for fifty years. Travel on, your songs will be sung forever!  

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- Julie Thompson

You were kind, generous, and professional when we first met at your guest artist spot at The Flagpole Radio Cafe show in Newtown, CT.

Two years later, when our lives and hearts were torn apart and we were so deep underwater in grief and sadness, you were selfless in your love and care for us. You came to our home and cried with us, held us, and sang with us. You kept us in your mind and heart in the years that followed and we are honored and so grateful to have had that time with you and your many healing gifts and those of your family. Your dedication to those who need help and a voice lifted in song is unparalleled and one of the greatest gifts the universe has given us is to have had you by our side when we could not stand. Thank you for everything, Peter, we love you very much.

—David and Francine Wheeler  

My friendship with my very dear friend Peter has been an important part of my life for the past 20 years. He represents so much that is good and needed in the world, and I admire him as much as anyone I have ever known.
Intelligence. Humor. Veracity, Integrity. Action. Bravery. These all describe Peter. But the word I most associate with him is passion. Make that Passion, with a capital P.
Not long after we met, Peter asked me to be on his Operation Respect Board. "But do not join unless you have passion for it," he said. "I want people with a passion for what we do."
I was honored to be asked, and happy to accept. However, on the day I was to first go to Peter's house to meet the rest of the board, my marriage exploded. In shock and dismay, I called Peter and told him I was unable to go. Not only did he offer words of solace and wisdom, but continued to do so in the months ahead, helping me through a very difficult time.
And that is Peter. Known for his musical and humanitarian work on a global scale, he is also able to relate on an intimate, personal one, showing that he hears you and he cares. He is truly one of a kind.
There are many individuals who speak of the concerns of the world; Peter acts upon them. He has been tireless in his work with the downtrodden, the underserved, the oppressed. And it is always with a song, a song that he shares with us all, and in doing so, he gives us hope.
He is also my phone buddy, with whom I can discuss politics and other shared interests for long periods of time.
I love Peter. I hope he knows it, because I truly do.

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- Dolores Eyler

While Peter and I had a long overlapping history (for example, we were both at the Washington DC Vietnam War protest in 1971), we did not actually meet until 2010 when he was invited to Ukraine by Peace Corps Volunteers when I was their country director. At his first concert for the Volunteers, I ended up on stage joining him on “If I Had a Hammer.” I uploaded a photo of that memorable occasion! Peter inspired the Volunteers with his Operation Respect messages and came back many times over the next few years.

Peter and I reconnected in 2019 when he did a benefit concert with Noel Paul Stookey at the Lebanon (NH) Opera House. He greeted me with a warm hug and told me about Braver Angels (then called Better Angels), the national citizens movement that brings Americans together to bridge the partisan divide. Embracing values of respect, humility, honesty, and responsible citizenship, the goal is not to change people’s views of issues, but to change their views of each other. I have been involved ever since!

Thank you, Peter!

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- Douglas Teschner

Dearest Peter,
You are a special person for so many reasons. You are an important part of our lives and always will be so. When Burt was ill, you came to our home and performed your magic for him to relieve him from his pain and suffering. You and Puff the Magic Dragon lifted all our spirits. You generously have given to the entire world a heart filled with love and the joy of living. Your legendary music inspired us whenever we heard you, Paul and Mary sing, in Brooklyn and at Tanglewood. You made us feel special when Burt and I walked down the aisle at Carnegie Hall when you would yell out and, of course, at the top of your voice, “Here Come the Fendelman’s”. Your social activism was and is still an inspiration to me and to so many others! Know that you are beloved by so many! Sending you love and peace! Helaine

I am 66 years old, and have been a Peter, Paul & Mary fan since I was about five (c. 1963). My mother passed on two of the early albums, and I played them continually, learning all the lyrics and melodies by heart. Because of Peter (and Paul and Mary) I became a firm folk devotee, later picking out many of the songs on guitar. Their stunning rendition of "Leaving on a Jet Plane" eventually led me to John Denver. In the summer of 1991 I had the pleasure of meeting Peter at an event at Great Adventure Theme Park in New Jersey, where I had come with my partner, David Gordon, and a Peace Child contingent. PP&M were performing, and we were also accompanied by Trudy Mason of NYC, then Peter's girlfriend. I met Peter after the show, and he gave me a great big hug. It was an honour and pleasure to meet one of my childhood idylls. Love, peace, and godspeed to you, Peter. xxx 

- Caroline Smith

My Dear Brother Peter,
I am so sorry to hear that your battle with cancer has not been going well. The note I received from Christopher and Bethany has led me to do a lot of reflecting on our great friendship of the last almost 10 years. When we first met at a Carter Center event in California I was excited to tell you that Peter Paul and Mary's first record album was the first one I bought with my own money as a high school student in back in1963 and that I remember listening to it whenever I possibly could. Our friendship developed from
there and it would take a few typewritten pages to describe all of the wonderful interactions I have had with you since then. Even though we have lived far apart I have been so very grateful that we have been able to stay in close touch through subsequent Carter Center events, your concert dates in Minnesota (during one of which you introduced me to Noel Paul Stookey!), regular
texts and occasional phone calls. You have had a tremendous positive influence on my son Curt and his family and I can't thank you enough for that-Curt will never forget the glowing critique you provided after I shared a video of his version of "Don't Laugh at Me". I am aware of many of your humanitarian efforts over the years but am certain that I am not aware of many others. It is mind
boggling to me when I try to contemplate all of the lives you have had such a positive effect on throughout your life. I can truthfully say that there is no other human being that I admire more than you and I am eternally grateful that you have honored me with your friendship. I love you Peter Yarrow! Your Forever Brother Bob XXXXXXOOOOOO

Dear Peter,
Although you knew my husband and father in-law, Len Rosenfeld, forever, we first met at my home, where we sang, played piano and guitar, and ate key lime pie! We became good friends and spent time together each time you visited South Florida. You're always in my heart and I shall treasure our visits and the video of our first visit, my 70th birthday, forever. Yes, you were my 70th birthday present. Your 86 years have been a present to our world.
Peace and much love,
Penni
Mark Rosenfeld, my husband, sends much love with tears. We'll miss you, buddy.  

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- Penny Fromm

Peter-

I have been fortunate to know you for over 20 years now, ever since we met through the Guggenheim's "Learning to Read Through the Arts" program. From the moment we crossed paths, your warmth, openness, and kindness drew me to you, and we immediately became friends.

You are, without question, a one-of-a-kind man. There's a quote that comes to mind when I think of you: “A person who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” Your life has been anything but wasted, Peter. You’ve spent it pouring your energy into causes that matter, into people who need your kindness, and into creating beautiful moments of music and joy for all who are lucky enough to be around you.

Your humanitarian work, especially the creation of the Operation Respect platform, which helped Israel-Arab children connect with one another, is a testament to your belief in unity, understanding, and the power of empathy. The way you've dedicated yourself to breaking down barriers and building bridges between cultures is something that will leave an indelible mark on the world. You have made a difference—truly—a difference that echoes far beyond what most of us will ever know.

The memory of the many musical gatherings at your home, with friends and loved ones, will forever remain in my heart. You were always the most gracious, caring host, and those evenings were filled with music, laughter, and a sense of community that only you could foster. And who could forget those countless Rosh Hashanah holidays, spent with you, Valentina, Bethany, and so many others, when you would get up and sing "Puff the Magic Dragon" with such joy and spirit. Those moments, Peter, will always be with me and my family.

You will forever be remembered as “Peter,” the voice of Peter, Paul, and Mary, but to me, you are so much more. You are a true friend, a man whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds. I never had the honor of meeting Christopher in person, but I felt as though I knew him through your stories—your love for him was always so palpable, and I’m sure he is just as proud of you as we all are.

As you’ve touched the lives of so many, I want you to know that your legacy will live on in the countless people whose lives you’ve changed, the children you helped, the music you shared, and the friendships you forged.
Thank you, Peter, for being the light that you are, for showing us all what it means to live with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.

Xoxo,
Vivian Serota

Perhaps 45 years ago, my wife, Cynthia, was an officer of the PTA at PS 158 in Manhattan (located on York Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets. She became aware of the benefit concert that Peter gave at PS6, where we learned, his mother had taught and decided to cold call Peter to see if he would be willing to do a similar concert for our kids' school. Her friends told her that there was no chance as Peter had no connection to her or the school. Surprise!!. With no hesitation, Peter agreed to do it, explaining how important public education was to him, then invited Cynthia to his apartment to discuss it (a huge thrill for her) and even gave her ideas as to how to maximize the fundraising. The concert was not only a huge fundraising success and a great fun event for the children and their parents, but it was a hugh morale booster for the school.

Years later, I was (and still am) on the board of a non-profit called the National School Climate Center which has goals similar to Operation Respect. There were some discussions about our two organization getting together and in those discussions, I saw , in a different way, how comitted Peter is to a fairer, more humane world. In the course of those discussions, there was the added treat of hearing Peter share some of his fascinating anecdotes of his times on the world stage. Clearly, Peter has had a life "well lived"

Jerry Rothstein

My Pietro--your generosity that shows up in the endless outpouring of your music is something I have experienced in everything from meals to carpets or paintings or introductions to such as Seiji Ozawa or some obscure wrist watch you decided I simply must have. And what taste you always showed in the gifting! I have said thanks to you more often (almost) than to Mother Tao and routinely we both enjoyed whatever it might be. But our main gifts to each other may have been those combination walks in Central Park with talks about whatever....just for the pleasure of exercising our minds. We'd even find ourselves learning something sometimes. The true pleasure though was in expressing mutual love for each other. I am most pleased to have pointed out and shared unusual bird songs, trees, and all manner of natural fascinations with you over the years. But you yourself are the greatest natural fascination to me. YOU the being...expressing and sharing in this
world which sometimes seems to be trying to teach humans to be mean, selfish and cold-hearted. You have been, nose in the wind, always insisting on beauty and thoughtfulness. You, our Ambassador of the songs and singers, puppets and dancers of EMBRACING THE ROOT, will always be with us wherever the wisdom of the trees, lakes and stars will lead. So as always, my beloved Pietro, keep a'rockin' and keep our love in mind wherever that may take you.  

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- Carman Moore

Peter
Our love
Our Dragon

Your sweetness
and endless loving being
I love you
forever
Your name and spirit lives on
making us remember
what it means to be human.

Thank you for all you give
To Carman
To Embracing the Root
To me
We created a new theatre form
Together
with you.

We love you
Forever.

Lotte Arnsbjerg 

Along with a few friends from Rancho La Puerta, she accompanied him to a concert for migrants at a shelter. People were arriving en masse on caravans, and both she and Peter had presented at “the Ranch” just the week before. He had attended all her talks, asking profound, educated questions about love and communication. It wasn’t until a few classes in that she realized he was part of the legendary trio she had gone to hear in 1962 at the College of Marin. (she knew him then as “Peter, Paul and Mary”)
That concert in 1962 had been transformative. It was the first time she understood how music could speak to her soul. She went home, replaced her Paul Newman poster with one of Peter, Paul, and Mary, and played their records on repeat, feeling as if they were speaking directly to her. That connection to their music stayed with her—and she passed it on to her friends and family. When she heard Light One Candle in 1986, she knew she’d found a guiding song for her life.
Now, decades later, she sat beside him, ready to sing for the migrants—to support and uplift fellow humans who had suffered unspeakable hardships. During the concert, she noticed a girl sitting beside her, wearing tattered clothes and flip-flops. Despite her circumstances, the girls’ gaze was clear, her smile pure. She seemed to shine with a quiet resilience.
After the concert, she turned to Peter. “That was a great concert, but we need to talk about something else,” she said. “This girl—she just got off the caravan from El Salvador. We have to keep her safe.”
“Who is she?” he asked.
“Judith,” she replied.
“How can we keep her safe?”
“I don’t know, Peter,” she admitted. “But we have to.”
She was speaking from a place deep inside her, not logical or reasonable but intuitive. Peter understood instantly. “Let’s start a non-profit,” he said. “We’ll raise money for the migrants—and keeping her safe will be central part to our work.”
Neither of them doubted they could do it. The next day, they founded One Story at a Time, arranged the first concert in her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon, and helped Judith’s family find shelter, safety and a new life.
From that first connection, One Story grew, offering safety, education, and hope to countless people in need. Orquesta Guadalupe was born under the dedicated care of Ron Wakefield, several kids were encouraged and then sponsored to finish school and go on to college , medical needs were cared for, eyeglasses purchased and a badly burned child was supported to go to Shriners in the USA. Along the way, the two of them forged a friendship so profound that they became part of each other’s families.
Their bond was unshakeable, filled with trust and honesty. In their darkest moments, they called each other. In brighter times, they shared bad jokes that were always funny.
When she turned 80, Peter promised he would be there. True to his word, even as the cancer moved swiftly, he set up a Zoom call from NYC to Portland. He filled the room with his magic, exuberance, and unwavering belief in peace and kindness. He made everyone laugh and weep at the same time—it was his special gift.
My darling Peter, because of the work you have done all your life, and despite those who have tried to extinguish it, your light has never gone out. And it won’t now. Even as you leave us, it will continue to shine through the millions of lives you’ve touched and cared for. One of the deepest blessings of my life is our friendship—knowing your beautiful family, making mischief, and creating magic together for so many years.

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- Linda Carroll

My Brother, word has reached us that your challenges are great and that your spirit is indomitable. I am glad and honored to be among the cohort of your loved ones, collaborators, and allies, and to contribute something for you at this time. The message is simple: I love you; and in this declaration I speak for Liam and Katrina who know of what I speak and do likewise. I have been invited to remenisce with you about our times together now measured in decades: from our firsrt collaboration with Rod Kennedy (who would be here had he not gone before) over the Napa Folk Festival. Do you remember the night our dear Odetta was having so much fun that she wouldn’t leave the stage? or the day you married me and Katrina in the park; don’t forget the wedding ring you found for me and the hilarious way you carried away my ring size with a trinket-ring purchased at a seedy deli near the bus stop where we were awaiting the airporter; to the extraordinary trips to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Viet Nam; to the seranade (Day Is Done) we gave to Alex in his cell over the telephone the night before his paarole hearing; to the dress rehearsals before Carneigie Christmas programs; to the gifts you were always finding for Liam; through love affairs and painful breakups; the incubabtion of Don’t Laugh At Me. It is hard to stop. Where does the list end? It doesn’t. Remembering that memories are inherently retrospective, and that there is also the future, I remind myself that over the decades we have been absent from one another far more days than not. But I have not felt apart from you during those absences. I have always been able to find you in the light dancing in the trees, and grass, and flowers, and - of course - in the music. This togetherness I do not expect to leave you and me - ever.

With all our heart, Bro Gene, Katrina, and Liam  

I’m 72 and you’ve been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, you made me think about war on a very personal level, “Cruel War,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”. Then my next door neighbor in the small town where I grew up and everyone felt like extended family, was killed in Vietnam. “Blowing in the Wind”
In college I sold my viola to buy a guitar so I could play and sing. I bought all your cassettes and later, CDs. I got my first teaching credential when schools were cutting music from the curriculum. For the next 21 years, my students, from 6th grade through high school, would sit on the floor learning many of your songs from stapled copies of a mimeographed song book.
I especially want to thank you for one particular song, “Weave Me the Sunshine.” It has been my musical mantra through many hard times and I am so grateful!
A few years ago, I saw you and Paul at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, California. The entire concert filled my heart to overflowing, but when you sang, “Weave Me the Sunshine,” I felt like you were telling me for a lifetime to keep faith and hope, to carry on in goodness and love! Thank you, Peter Yarrow, for your profound influence in guiding and strengthening me to help the light of this world to grow.
In love and gratitude,
Cathy Lair

Hi Peter,
Chris Chandler here There are so many ways that you have touched and impacted my life, not the least of which is the admirable way in which you put your activism so squarely in the middle of your art.

I have always seen you as a role model kind of tried to emulate the importance of the message in the art that I create

I am also deeply appreciative of the way in which you went to bat for me at the Kerrville folk festival, even agreeing to let me release a live recording of one of our performances. Performing with you has been one of the highlights of my life. Also recording Our mutual, dear friend Anne Feeney‘s important song. Have you been to jail for justice? Is something for which she was most pleased. The visibility that you gave her helped the two of us find more rewarding work and helped get our message out to larger audiences.

My life is much richer and Fuller because you are in it. Thank you for helping me to become the person that I am.

I love you
Chris Chandler  

Dear Peter,

“Thank you” just doesn’t seem to cut it when talking about someone who has been there for someone without having any idea. I was just a kid and I needed something; something that would help me put our crazy world into some sort of perspective. And then I realized that the “answer is blowing in the wind.”

Thank you for your heart, your love, for singing “bring back the baby, she’s part of the song” as I was walking my crying 9 month old out of your concert in 2001, thank you for your hugs throughout the years and for letting me indulge in sharing pictures of my grandson, Levi on text. Thank you for agreeing to sing with Caitie last year. It meant so much to her family and to me.
Thank you for being the catalyst for Rich and me to meet Sherrie Rosenberg. Your influence, music, and acts of love and kindness will carry on through everybody you’ve touched.
You are such a beautiful soul and I thank God we have been blessed to come in contact with it. It is now intertwined with mine. Love you so much.

Brenda and Rich Goldman

Hello Peter,
It's been a long while since we last spoke. I'm very sorry to hear that you've been ill. You have definitely been in my thoughts lately. I want to thank Bethany and Christopher for their thoughtfulness in reaching out to your extended family and friends across the land, around the world via this social media connection to be able to reconnect and show how much you are loved by so many.
Throughout the decades of your life and ours, with your tireless dedication, thank you for unselfishly standing up and giving a voice for others through your voice and music...you are truly a gift. Behind your gentle kindness, soft spoken calming voice and sparking smiling eyes is a powerful tsunami of awareness and overflowing passion for your fellow man, woman and the Earth. I'm so glad that one of those waves passed my way back in 1990.
Seeing you at the festival over the years was always a sweet blessing and I'm glad that my daughter and I could call you "family."
Much love to you and your family.
~Shirlynn~

I am so sad to see this news. One of my fondest memories was meeting Peter and Noel Stookey with you during your visit to Los Angeles when we went to the Writers’ Guild Theater. The songs they sang that night, some of which I had not remembered hearing, deeply touched my heart. I have never forgotten the feelings I experienced listening to them sing and speak, along with Theodore Bikel. Later, receiving the correspondence you and Peter shared made me realize the depth of his commitment to humanity, in addition to his musical gifts. Such a rare, loving and giving man. A true mensch, with a beautiful neshoma, whose life has enriched mine forever. I hope and pray that in Peter’s remaining time here he will be surrounded by love and comfort, knowing that he has truly made a difference in this world.
Love and prayers,
Aimee  

Who isn't a Peter Paul and Mary fan!
Growing up in Montreal, Canada in the 70's, of course my parents had the "Peter, Paul and Mary" album and I became such a fan of theirs, and especially that album. I would stare at the cover while listening and imagine where that picture of the three of them up against that wall might have been taken.
Fast forward to my living in NY City. As a musician myself, there was the first time I played The Bitter End. I stood there staring at that wall on stage and then of course, looked up to “THE” album hanging up on “THAT” wall. I couldn’t help but cry with a big smile on my face. A full circle moment for me that I will never forget.
Throughout the years, I saw PP&M a few times. I also had the incredible opportunity to accompany Peter in a small showcase room at a Folk Alliance Conference. I then was working for the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, and we hosted Peter and Noel. I will also never forget my first time at the Kerrville Folk Festival where my husband and I sat right beside Peter in a songwriter round and got to play a song while he listened.
Our lives come full circle in so many ways. Now I read that his is coming to an end.
Thank you, Peter, for your gift of music and for all the love and joy you brought to so many.
Cheryl Prashker  

At the Kerrville Folk Festival, there was a camp named by the inimitable Tim Henderson as Camp Moco Verde. (For those non-Spanish speaking folk - Camp Green Booger) Every first Saturday night we had Bawdy Song Night. It was our excuse to drink copious amounts of Mescal, Tequila, Whiskey, beer.... or any other liquor for that matter... and smoke pot and sing bawdy songs. There were no rules. We warned everyone that walked up that this was a special night and that we'd be back to more tame singer/songwriter circles the next night. Every now and then, someone would sneek up from the shadows and be surprised by the unadulterated, uncensored songs.

This was one of those incidents. I went through a "spoof" phase, spoofing a lot of different songs, making them pretty obviously dirty or off color. I had spoofed Puff The Magic Dragon - Biff The Tragic Drag Queen. As I was singing it - I should disclose here that I was under the influence of Mescal worms - a couple of people were trying to surreptitiously inform me of something... My clouded mind couldn't compute.

When I was finished, a few people laughed nervously. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back and there stood Peter himself. He sighed and said,"Graham, spoofing songs is a legitimate art form.......... but........... I really didn't like that one. Please promise me that you will never sing that song in public again."

I laughed, but, through my mescal addled brain fog, I realzed that he was serious. So, I promised. And I have kept that promise.

Peter has been such an inspiration to me. I had been playing Puff for decades. All my kids know ALL of the words and can sing them to their kids now. At one point, all of my girls have sung Puff with him on stage. Even my grandkids have sung with him. Those moments are precious to me. And it has been precious to them as well.

I gave Peter a pecan for his 60th birthday. I told him to go plant it and make sure that it was watered so that when he was an old man, he'd have a shady place to sit and pick his guitar. On his 80th birthday, he said he didn't remember that, however, that is a lesson to remember to plant and care for seeds for the future trees... whether in the literal sense or a figurative sense.

Thank you Peter for all of these precious moments and for the love you have spread through your lifetime.

I love you!!

Graham Warwick

My mother would play Pat Boone or Elvis records on her small turn table that she brought from her real home with my grandparents. She'd order a pizza and just sat there ignoring me for hours on end. Every once in a while, she'd beg me to understand what it was that she was listening to ,but I well, just didn't feel anything. We had a neighbor, who I called Uncle Sid, who loved folk music. He played Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary. One day, as I was sitting in his living room, "Motherless Child" sung by Mary Travers came filling the space. I cried. Someone understood how I was feeling and it made a difference in my life. I get the anti war music and I get protest songs, but to me, the way Peter, Paul, and Mary just told a story reached down into my Soul bringing me pure light. Later on, I met a boy who I just loved with all that I am. And your music brought us to concerts, hours spinning songs together, and being happy in each others company. You helped me craft memories that last a lifetime. Music changes people. It changed me for the better. Music can change the world especially when we can all join voices and sing together. Although I never met you, know that your music and pure heart just filled my life in the darkest of times and into the light. Thank you. You made a difference for one little girl who just didn't belong anywhere.  

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- Andrea Perez

In October of 2009 my brother David and I organized a "get-out-the-vote" rally at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, OH. We were on the verge of electing our first African American president. We had a large and diverse slate of some of the best local talent. Peter and I had a mutual friend in Cleveland, Chuck Fink, and it was through him that I was able to contact Peter. I left a message at whatever number he gave me and didn't really expect much to come of it. I figured it would go through Peter's management or whatever and disappear. Imagine my surprise when several weeks later I heard Peter's voice - that unmistakable voice - on my own voicemail. Peter showed up. It remains one of my great privileges as a musician and as an activist to have shared the stage with one of my heroes that night. Thank you, Peter, for that and for all you've given us over a lifetime of service.  

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- Noah Budin

Dear Peter,

I met you only a few times, but the deep impression you left on me will last my lifetime.

You were planning a concert for Native Americans in the midwest and wanted my assistance. My help was nothing compared to the work that you put into it. To me, your commitment to justice for all people was admirable not only in the words you spoke, but the actions you took. And that is of course on top of your artistry, for which you will have enduring fame.

Indeed you are an immortal now. You have joined the ranks of those who time will not forget, and if anything, as technology advances, you will grow larger than life. In the years that come your music, your commitment to justice, will become all the more important. A steady keel to hold an unsteady ship the world has become.

I am honoured to have met you. I am saddened to hear your time is near, but glad to know you will go with a glorious celebration, the celebration of a life well and justly lived, a glory that no riches can buy, and no power can take.

May I see you again in the world that comes, so that you may inspire me more to do what is good and do what is right.

Your friend,

Alex Ewen 

I was a little kid probably 5. And it was Sunday morning and the sun rays were poring through my parents bedroom window across the hallway into my eyes waking me to the day and I turned around and in the morning sun beaming was the Peter Paul and Mary album in full color Movin’ with Puff and all his glorious friends. It was my very second album in my two album collection-The first was Herman’s Hermits.
My uncle Kevin Gilles was Mary’s guitar player when PPM took a break in the early 70s. I met Mary and Mary her tour manager back stage at the then Capitol Center Arena when she was on tour with Seals and Crofts. Meeting them again at Kerrville Folk Frstival was wonderful. Being around Peter and Noel and Mary always feels like part real part dream because they made the path for me to walk in. Which I do every breath of everyday of my life. That music is a way out of misery and defeat and a way fortified possibility in equality love and peace. And that a guitar and a voice were all you need to walk on through the reign.

I was just getting the love at Kerrville when Peter took me around the campfires where no logs are necessary and introduced me as the next PPM - never in my ever did I see that coming although - the magic of their spirits is quite aligned with the almighty and it doesn’t get better than that.
Watching thousands sing out on their songs fills my heart with joy. Later a gathering in March 2001 to stop a military invasion of Iraq we sang together in the night with a misty light rain on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with PPM at the center and Bethany and myself and others praying and singing that no violence - no war- no more. The media was scared and barely covered this peaceful action. Even though there are 4000 protesters the news minimized this action and skinned us down to 400. I was there and that was simply not true. But fear prevailed. It was backstage that we heard the news that Rachel Cory had been mowed down and died in an occupation protest in Israel.
I remember sitting next to Peter at the Threadgill theater and we heard Nic and Ellen’s song By My Silence. I turned to Peter and said you guys should record this song to which he said - “Sonia, You should record this song”. And so I did.
My love for Peter and PPM is full of gratitude and gratitude and gratitude. I have learned so much and yet hardly begun.
Love you always Peter.
Love Sonia Rutstein

Dear Peter, Meeting you at the Black Hills Unity Concert is one of the highlights of my life. You embody a different way of living as an elder with love and wisdom. This is something I hope to live up to in my own way. I'll never forget you leading the children in a sweet singalong onstage with Christopher and Bethany. Love was definitely in the air. In the game 'Who's the most famous person in your phone?' your name often makes me the winner!" lol Even though we haven't talked in years, I think of you often. Your contributions to justice in this life are really too numerous to count. I'm so grateful that our lives have touched. Love to you and blessings on your journey, Donna Melcher  

If I had never met you, Peter, I would still love you for the music you gave to the world. Throughout my 20’s I was angry and sad, a lot; I would soak in PP&M’s music like medicine. Emotionally numb, I remember times clutching a boom box against my body, wishing the shear vibration of Mon Vrai Destin or 500 Miles or the Unicorn Song or Weave Me the Sunshine could--like a defibrillator--jolt me back to life. If you only gave this world your beautiful, hopeful, healing music, it would have been enough!

But you wanted to know my story. Why didn’t my sadness drive you away? I came to realize it wasn’t entirely unusual for someone touched by a song to come pour out their heart to you. Peter, if you had offered kind words and encouragement to me one time, it would have been enough.

But like Puff the Magic Dragon, who in the animated series would drop out of the sky to help a troubled child find perspective and courage, out of the blue you would call me to check on me.

With you, I could laugh at absurdity. You gave me dignity. It took years, but I reached a place of peace.

I knew on one level that you were a man who sang for John F. Kennedy, for Martin Luther King, for Cory Aquino and the Dalai Lama. You were flying around the United States helping raise money for good political candidates, making regular appearances to sing to hospice patients and other patients, then later flying around the world with Operation Respect. And yet you made time for me.

I sometimes worried you were too giving and too generous and too trusting with strangers. I knew the fate of your friend Allard Lowenstein. But how could I tell you to dial it back when it was that very kindness that lifted me? I knew you were thoughtfully living the words of your songs:

The longer I live the more I find that people seldom take the time
To really get to know a stranger and make him a friend.

Thank you a million times for taking that time with me, Peter, and so many others: backstage crowds, coffeehouse friends, activist friends et al.

May those ripples of love and peace that you sent to all of us come flowing back to you, now; may you know they will forever swirl through this world, stirred by the wings of the thousands of little dragons you helped fly.
Love, always.
Dolores de Vera
writer, teacher, union activist

Dear, sweet Peter. I am flooded with so many memories of the past 50 years. Late night Japanese dinners with you and Mary Beth and a multitude of friends after concerts in Manhattan; visits with Vera; lunches with Penny; a summer night in Willmar with Mary Beth’s dad using his fogger to attempt to control the mosquitoes; Bethany and Christopher covered in sand at Broadbeach Road and many wonderful PP&M concerts. How fortunate I was to meet you through my budding relationship with your brother by choice Carl Rogers. A decade and a half later, in1984, you sat in our Venice, bungalow, cradling and singing to our newborn son. Fast forward to 2016, two weeks after Carl died you wrapped me in a warm blue shawl and a comforting hug before sharing a lovely meal at the Santa Monica Pier. Five months later, you once again flew across the country to sing Carl’s requests at his memorial. For us and so many others, you not only filled our hearts and heads with song, but somehow found time to be present for us as individuals. All the while, you were busy creating and nurturing
innumerable organizations to give us direction and hope.

I can’t imagine the world without you. We will have to somehow carry on… To walk in your footsteps to honor you and all you’ve worked for, for the world, we are leaving to our children and grandchildren… and all the children of the world. We will certainly get cues from your daughter and granddaughter.

I send you and the family abundant love. I hope you are comfortable and that you are able to take in all of the love that you were surrounded by, both in person and digitally.

I love you, dear Peter.

Debrah Wiley

Dear Friend Peter:
“We are the boat. We are the sea. I sail in you, you sail in me.” As we were together with people from many countries, teachers from many places, many fields studying our environment at Land Between the Lakes in Tennessee, we sang together. Our hearts were joined there as we broke bread before we sang. Yet the words rang out that when we work together, when we feel together, we are the boat and the sea. We sailed together and we felt a kinship with one another.
It mattered that our voices and hearts felt the need to be one to make our world a better place. The “magic dragon” spiriting us on to believe in the value of joining together in song. Because as you have reminded us, music does “speak louder than words”
Going back to the workshop Mark and you did for 500 people in Operation Respect and the KY School Safety program at Murray State University; you Stewball to a group of those assembled. In the moment you asked someone to join you on stage, that person connected to their life and that song as you encouraged her to interpret the song in the context of her heart and mind. Instantly, without hesitation, she shared a very piquant moment in her life, something that was deeply seated. She shared how that song really connected to her life’s learnings, and it mattered. It was so seamless and an important moment that I recall it as though your song rang out and beckoned her to think, to feel, to see how the music and lyrics had a deeper and resonant meaning.
I had asked if you would sing at the opening of the North American Association for Environmental Education. You led 1000 people in the audience with Bethany to believe in themselves to make a difference by working together, as they sang together. You beckoned us to join you on stage and sing. This Land Was Made for You and Me, as the chorus of dissonant voices joined one another in feeling the oneness of that moment. Never had I seen a moment where environmental educators and our association persons felt the need to have a common voice, the feeling that we can, when we take the time to feel our sisterhood and brotherhood.
Your selflessness has made me think of the importance of the difference you have made in our lives. We have sailed on the sea of lives together. Each time I have asked for you help you have transcended any shortage you have had of time because there has never been a time when you have not found a way to spirit us together with thought and song. I hope you know how much I have valued your friendship and your willingness to help us to think with song how important it is to “work together”.
It is interesting I was about to ask you if you had thought about a time when a group of people from across the globe could sing like “We Are the World,” the song, “Blowing in the Wind.” The need to encourage “oneness” in these times made me think of you as the “Magic Dragon” spiriting us into a global effort to sing and think and feel “together.” Uncanny that this came to me the other day as I thought of you and what you have done to help me and many others in environmental education. Surely I would be happy to help in any way in something along these lines. But this is not to ask you do anything, it is my attempt to be grateful on this Thanksgiving for your manifold gifts to me and many others.

What is most important to me is to let you know how your kindness has mattered in my life and to those you have touched in my small sphere. Gail and I are sending our love because we have found that love and music are essentials to our lives and we know this also from the way you have spirited us on to believe in the value of love.
I see more clearly now, “we are the boat, we are the sea, I sail in you, you sail in me.
Sending to you from Gail and me our gratitude and love,

Joe (Baust)  

I am writing to express appreciation for Peter Yarrow's great legacy of movement-building through music, and other means through which he has created and carried a lineage of ways to imagine and organize together for the greater good. I met him at gatherings hosted by his daughter Bethany at her home in upstate New York that were full of activists, artists, local community members, folks from far and wide, plenty of good people just looking to live their lives to help others, in offbeat and/or on-beat ways. It was fun, and actually there were important eco-justice initiatives organized there too! Peter shared songs and stories and deep words of hard-won wisdom and encouragement. We should not forget the courage it took to be fighting Jim Crow and racial terror in the deep South of the 1960s or to oppose the Vietnam War when so many powerful forces wanted to suppress the truth. Also, when he talks about contemporary social problems, he brings an intelligence about the need for healing and repair that is rare in today's polarized, and combative world. I also heard him share like this in New York City and in the Black Hills. Peter reminds us that creativity, humor and kindness nurture courage. He reminds us that adversity can strengthen character. And that we can grow our imagination in community. Through his beloved Mary Beth, Christopher and Bethany, he has radiated out a culture of loving family that is happy to enfold and include others from all walks of life. I am among the many who are grateful to Peter for his life's work. Sincerely, Karenna Gore  

Peter,

Words can barely describe the impact you have had on my life. From the moment I met you - some 30 years ago when you called me in Columbus, OH. I came home one night from synagogue, and I asked if anyone called. William, then maybe 5, said someone called. When I asked who, he said he didn’t know. When I started to chastise him for not getting a name, he said, “but he told me to tell you that “Puff” called.” Without context, I didn’t know who it was. And then the phone rang. It was you and after an hour conversation, you invited me to bring our children to hear you present “Don’t Laugh At Me” to Columbus school teachers. And when I told you, “but it’s a school day,” you asked how many days do they go to school? I replied every day. And you asked, “And how many times do they get to sing with Puff?”

Well, of course, we came. And when we walked in, though we had never met in person, you saw our kids - and welcomed Elana and William up to join you to sing Puff the Magic Dragon. When I saw the 3 of you up there, my heart melted. You were stuck with us as friends. Whether the times you stayed in our home, you played on the Shabbat before Elana became a Bat Mitzvah, when Elana worked for you, when Elana and I met you in Jerusalem, or when you played on the night before she and Noah were married, when you took time to meet my Confirmation class at a NY restaurant and serenaded them for an hour…my heart was filled with love and joy.

Each time we spoke, you called me your brother (I know you had LOTS of brothers and sisters). But as I witnessed on so many occasions with others, when you were with me…you were with me 100%. And I felt embraced. I will be forever grateful that you came into my life…years after you made an impact with your music on Leslie and me.

Our children grew up on your music before they met you. Then, they - too - came to know you and came to know your passion. Just three months ago, while spending time with our granddaughter and grandson, we sang Puff and told them about you. To have them learn your music brought unbridled happiness to us all.

Peter, as the the poet Hannah Sennech wrote, “There are stars up above, so far away we only see their light long long after the star itself is gone.” Your light has shone on my family for all my 7 decades. And your light will continue to shine long into the future…for me…for my family…and for so many others.

P.S. Elana just (day before Thanksgiving) gave birth to her first child, a beautiful baby girl. She - we - will sing her your songs. We will tell her our stories of you. And she, too, will believe in the magic of Puff.

Here are three pictures that I cherish - you and me; and you and Elana at her wedding; and you serenading my mother-in-law the night before Elana and Noah’s wedding.

All our love,

Art, Leslie, Elana, Noah, William, and Ali (and our 3 grandchildren representing the next generation).  

Dear Peter,

I don’t know how to say goodbye. I don’t want to. You have been such a loving, motivating and inspirational part of my life. You gave the best advice and moved me to action, to lead when needed, to follow when needed, and to give the world the best of me. I will carry your love to my own dying day.

Some memories:

The first time I met you, I was volunteering for Allard Lowenstein’s congressional campaign. You came in to sing to the volunteers. I was annoyed because we were so busy – and now we had to stop to have a sing-along. Al found it funny and introduced the cranky teenager to you. You were very sweet and I said, “I thought being a folk singer meant you were dead.” Lovely, right? It’s amazing we ended up being friends after that.

I got to know you though after Al had died. Working on a memorial out of I think Muffy Huffington’s apartment. I think. That was followed by your PS 6 concert, the only one I attended as part of the audience. I went with Mike Klesh. We loved it. When you announced that this would become an annual concert, I thought I could be helpful to make the day run better – and volunteered. You allowed me the honor of working with you on what seemed a bazillion of those – until the school’s Principal assured me, and then you, that they no longer required the supplemental funding. Over time, we introduced that audience to members of the NY Choral Society, Ed McCurdy, Tom Chapin, David Buskin, Doug Katsaros, Peter Cofield, Joe D’Urso, Chris Brown, David Roth and Cantor Bruce Benson. I have already sent you photos of some of those performances – shot by Evyonne Baker. There was a formatted invitation ostensibly written by you to the parents’ body, inviting them to be sponsors at various levels and every year the names of the sponsorships were tweaked to match that year’s concert theme. I wrote the 1st draft and faxed it to you for editing. One year, after hearing you call people mufkie puffkie and other adorable names just once too often, I renamed the sponsors to something like Mufkie Puffkie Sponsor, Doophie Dumpher Sponor, etc. You swore revenge. Thank G-d you never really exacted a price!

After the PS 6 run ended, I told you I would help on any project if the money was needed. You called me with Barry Nisman of On Our Way. You don’t know this ... Barry and his wife Barb have become among my and Marsha’s dearest friends. (They have just become grandparents by the way of a beautiful girl – Riley).

In July 1985, I was volunteering with World Hunger Year (now WhyHunger) and it was the time of the then annual Harry Chapin Memorial Concert at The Bottom Line. The lineup of performers was supposed to be Tom and Steve Chapin, Harry’s band, and Tom Paxton. A week before the show, Paxton had to cancel his appearance. They had sold a lot of tickets because of Paxton. Allan Pepper suggested the charity replace Paxton with someone at least on his celebrity level. I called you ... and YOU SAID YES. You were always saying ‘YES” when I needed help. I joined the staff in August 1985. I was charged with producing fundraising concerts at Town Hall – with a budget of $0.00. I was telling you about the challenge of communicating that a concert was to take place with no budget. “Sweetheart, you need to place ads in the NY Times, Village Voice, and get mentions in newspaper calendars.” Of course. I knew that. But I had literally $0.00 to work with. You paid for the ads as a donation. OMG – you really saved the charity’s butt.

When I asked a few performing artists to help design holiday cards to be sold by the charity, you and Noel painted beautiful art. And Mary painted the back end of a horse with its tail in defecating position. That was memorable.

I remember helping Penny to study for her American Citizenship exam. I was quizzing her. When I asked her where the White House was located, you, just passing through from the kitchen to your living room, adlibbed “at the end of the march”. That derailed us all for a few minutes.

For a few years I drove a Pontiac Aster – a terrible car. One year, both of us were invited to Thanksgiving at Dotty and Sonny DiCintio’s house. It was cold outside. And then there was an awful smell inside the car – as the exhaust started coming into the car. We drove with the windows open. When we got to Dotty’s, you walked in – pointed at me and informed her that I had tried to kill you. Nice! I considered making you walk back to Manhattan, but ... nah.

You welcomed my friends into your loving circle. You showed such compassion when Judy Zdziera needed a brain tumor surgery. Oh, how you loved on her and made her feel so safe. When David Buskin and Robin Batteau parted ways for a few years, you made David feel wanted and welcome when he needed it the most.

When it was time for me to finally leave WhyHunger, they gave me a goodbye party – and you came to sing for me. I will always treasure that sweetness. You sang “The Great Mandala”; “Bob Dylan’s Dream” and “Sweet Survivor”. Those lyrics are haunting me now.

Carry on my sweet survivor, carry on my lonely friend
Don't give up on the dream, and don't you let it end.
Carry on my sweet survivor,
Though you know that something's gone
For everything that matters carry on.

Peter, I promise you that all of us you leave behind, will carry on for everything and everyone that matters. It’s the very least we owe you.

I love you dear Peter, my dear, dear friend.

Love,
Sue Leventhal

Dear Peter:
I was too young for the New York folk revival, and on the wrong side of the Atlantic. But I remember hearing Peter, Paul & Mary as a very young child and loving your songs, all so beautifully harmonised. Your music, and that of your great contemporaries, spoke to me even when I was too young to understand all that you were saying. I saw you live in London in 1982, on a PP&M reunion tour, the Royal Albert Hall. I was with my old friend and mentor Bob Shelton, and we all hung out a bit during sound check. The concert was wonderful. Fast forward to 2015, and the launch of FOLK CITY at the MCNY - a wonderful show and a moving performance. We spoke briefly and I told you about my idea for a festival celebrating Greenwich Village. You said we should talk and you called a couple of days later and offered lots of encouragement and advice. You said the festival must include activism. Fast forward again, to 2022, the fourth VILLAGE TRIP, and you came to the Bitter End for our celebration of Phil Ochs. And then, in September 2023, you asked if you might come and sing at LET FREEDOM RING, our evening of words and music honouring 60 years since the March on Washington and the continuing fight for justice for all. And you did come and sing, many songs, and everyone joined you on stage with Bethany at the Great Hall in Cooper Union. Cliff Pearson and I were so moved and teary-eyed. To have you with us meant so much - so too the wonderful email you sent a few days later. And then in April this year, I saw you and Noel in Boston, for the inaugural FOLK AMERICANA ROOTS HALL OF FAME AWARDS, when you were among the honorees and spoke so lovingly of Mary and your time together. And then you and Noel joined Joan Baez for 'Blowin' in the Wind'. Such an amazing conclusion to a weekend I will never forget. You have been a loving inspiration to so many, a light in the darkness, a voice in the wilderness. Because of you, the festival I crazily dreamed up is now titled THE VILLAGE TRIP - A CELEBRATION OF ARTS & ACTIVISM IN GREENWICH VILLAGE & THE EAST VILLAGE. Next year and always, we will honour your music and your memory. Your day will never been done, Peter. With love and deep respect, Liz and Cliff xxxx  

My dearest friend and brother, Peter,

Well, I can't begin to pretend there's anything ordinary about this missive, and the raw bittersweet emotion that accompanies it. It is, in fact, the most difficult I've ever written to you. In composing this, I find myself steeped in great sorrow and anticipated grief, yet with a heart full of joy and nothing short of the gratitude and love I feel for you. Ours has always been a friendship rooted in honesty, forthrightness, and completeness - words left unsaid were never our nature.

And, here we are, and here I am. Yet another opportunity to express the deep love, admiration and gratitude I have for you, and to tell you what a profound, once in a lifetime difference you’ve made in my life, in particular. I’m forever indebted to you, for the love, compassion, kindness and acceptance you graced upon us all over these past forty-three years.

This message I post now will deviate somewhat from the text I sent earlier, which I hope was read aloud to you. You know me - I have to share some of my prized memories of being together in your good company... the best company, really. But, where to begin! That was January in 1980, when I attended my first concert at the Front Row Theatre here in Cleveland. When I saw that the group would be performing, yet being only a little familiar to me—I still knew I wanted to go. It was just three days after my grandfather - my mom's father - passed away. My dad and I had planned to attend together, but he opted to stay home for shiva, so a neighbor accompanied me instead. After the show, when I mentioned playing guitar, you wrote down your address and phone number, telling me to send you a cassette to critique. That critique would finally occur when you invited our whole family to a show in Toledo in April 1981. I'll never forget playing those songs for you and Noel backstage on a borrowed guitar. That’s when our friendship really began.

Then life took that hard turn in November 1981, when my father passed away suddenly. You stepped in exactly when I needed it most, becoming what you later described in those college recommendation letters you’d write on my behalf, as "a combination of uncle, mentor, teacher and friend." Once I asked why you'd taken such interest in a fourteen-year-old kid, and you said you saw both a need in me and yourself as a young man. That was so you - always seeing straight to the heart of things.

And the memories just flood in! Remember surprising me at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in '82? Well, I do. There I was, a camper attending Kutz Camp in Warwick that summer. And during our day visit to the City, it was planned that I’d meet your assistant Kathleen, already a familiar voice to me, for lunch, in your absence. But, unbeknownst to me, you rearranged your schedule, and to my great delight and surprise— it was YOU who greeted me on the steps! Jennifer Alden was visiting at the time, and the three of us just cavorted through the museum, arm in arm. You had to show us your favorite—the armor room, no doubt! Then you sent us back to the apartment by cab, where Penny made us lunch of macaroni and cheese, watermelon, and milk. Such simple things become sacred memories.

You've been there for all our simchas and sorrows, haven't you? Even when you couldn't make Lisa and Jay's wedding, you flew in for that crazy post-wedding celebration dinner with all the bells and whistles, and then after we all sat in a circle at the house, serenading the new couple for hours. During our Mom's illnesses, your visits lifted her spirits like nothing and no one else could. Even stuck in that Colorado winter storm, you tried for hours to solidify plans to attend the funeral. The fact that you'd even consider leaving your once-a-year retreat still moves me deeply. But the inclement weather halted that plan. At your suggestion, a few months later, just after Madison's birth, we threw that celebration of life party for our dear mom Marsha-just like you'd done for Vera. It was exactly what we needed, and pure you to know that.

I treasure all our drives together - those magical conversations to and from airports, hotels, shows. How many times did I get us lost in those pre-GPS days? Like that infamous time I dropped you at the wrong hotel! You insisted it looked familiar, so you went in and I left. I didn’t realize my mistake until your morning call, when you alerted me as to the correct hotel. I felt horrible about that, but it still makes for a great story! "It's OK” you said, “everyone f**** up occasionally”. That was you - always showing such humanity, such patience, even when I tried it more than a few times over the years!

And then there's the music. OY, the music - don't EVEN get me started! Your sweet, angelic voice that touches the highest clouds, and brighten even the darkest days - I'll never know another like you. You've shown me how to be strong yet gentle, brave yet sensitive, thoughtful yet free-spirited. "You always have a choice," you'd say, and that's guided me more than you know.

The other day, I saw this touching film of Einstein in his later years, standing with friends in his yard in 1946. A young girl there - now elderly – was interviewed, and said something that made me think of you instantly. She recounted him having "tremendously twinkling eyes, like Santa Claus,” and, at other times, “he had extremely sad eyes—a very sad look, that held all the pain in his life. But they say the eyes are the window to the soul, and he had a very deep soul”. And that's you, my friend, with those sparkling and piercing eyes of yours—eyes that have seen so much and touched so many souls. I've watched them a million times - intense and hopeful, well-worn and tired, yet always with that spark of playfulness and joy that makes you purely you. And that’s how I’ll always remember you.

I was just thinking back to the catharsis of being with you in New York, at the time of Mary’s memorial concert. It was, as you know, one of those occasions to remember and acknowledge her many gifts, and to reaffirm life. I remember us eating together at (your favorite) Chinese restaurant down the street on W.67th. I’m reminded of how you were clearly going through your own grief and pain, and the permission you gave yourself to just be with it all. I anticipate allowing myself the same permission in grieving your loss, even as I’ll struggle, and fight back the tears and learn to embrace and incorporate your strong spirit into my life, however differently.

I'm not always sure where I am, but I'm always grounded in the love and gratitude I feel for you. You took that wide-eyed 13-year-old kid under your generous wing and taught him to fly. These last four decades have been an UNBELIEVABLE ride and gift, my friend. I’ll always cherish beyond measure, the gift of the friend that you’ve been to me. Here I am, quoting your own lyrics back to you. Words that I, and countless others, have long taken solace and comfort in… and you should, too. Thank you for all the joy and love and compassion you've given to me, and to the world. To say I'm better for having known you would be an understatement.

Your beautiful spirit will continue to guide me and live within me, forever and always, and your sweet voice will continue to soothe and resonate through me, as long as I live.

Go easy, my beloved and beautiful friend.

With all the love in my heart,

Chuck Fink