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Hi All
I've enjoyed reading your thoughts and sharing emotions about
Peter's death. Yep, he did leave us too soon, and I am saddened.
After much thought, I mostly remember laughter and generosity.
Here's what I wish to share with all of you (and more than likely, with
Peter also having a good, hearty laugh!).
During the post-high school and early college days, our group hung
out at the Armistead's or at the house behind Cain and Abel's. Such a
small thing, really, but I was always tickled by how Peter refused to
walk on the ground, instead preferring to step from couch arm to chair
back to table top and so on until he invariably lost his footing,
smiling and laughing all the way!
A deep gratitude I will share is that he did a charcoal drawing of
an artist I had a serious crush on back then. Rather than treating me
as silly, Peter made it possible for me to carry a life size drawing of
the object of my affection until the hots finally wore off a number of
years later. It was an intense crush that Peter took as an opportunity
to create a thoughtful gift that honored my feelings.
I have much appreciation and loving for the boy/man who laughed and shared himself with me.
See ya 'round, Dude - AJ
Asha Jane
ashajane@earthlink.net
Sep 11, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Handsome, witty, articulate, creative, intelligent, just to name a few of my cousin's most notable attributes.
"He is not dead my well-beloved,
nor has he traveled far.
Just stopped inside love's loveliest room
and left the door ajar."
Peter, you were gone too soon.
Deborah Abraham
okdeb@comcast.net
Sep 10, 2004
Colleyville, TX |
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My dearest nephew, Peter
Patrick Bloch (first-born of my dear sister Jacqueline), your passing from us has left a big aching hole in my
heart. Wish I had been more a part of your life. I loved you dearly.
June 29, 1955 was such a thrill. There you were looking more like a
little boy than those other wrinkled infants around you in the nursery.
I got to carry you home in the cardboard bassinet from the hospital.
"Home" was the second floor apartment of your grandparents'
three-family house in Beechhurst, New York, and I lived with MaMa and
PaPa on the first floor. How convenient. I rushed home from work every
evening to jiggle your crib so you'd wake up and I could hold you and
play with you.
Right on, I decided to dedicate myself to being a good, ever-constant, always-loving, fun-time aunt. But by August 1956, just past
your first birthday, you were whisked off to Brentwood, CA when Daddy
David became a UCLA professor.
In 1961, it was on to Austin, TX when Big Daddy became a professor at the University of Texas.
I wept re-reading your February 2001 letter in which you alluded to our skiing together circa 1965 when Big Daddy was on a sabbatical in Switzerland:
"I love you very much, and the times we spent in Davos are some of
the greatest memories of my life. That was truly a magical time and
place. If there is skiing on the other side, in Heaven, then there is
where we'll meet. I'm certain."
I wish there had been many more such times (or any times) with you.
When I uploaded your work at http://lineforhire.tripod.com in 2001, I dreamed about our doing Web work together. Alas, I couldn't get you
into HTML and JavaScript. But now, because it's the only thing I know
to do, I hope -- with the help of those close to you -- to create a
special Web site in your memory. That's not enough ... tears are still
blinding me ... it's the only thing I know to do.
For some reason or other, only now have I been able to access this
site. I am filled with gratitude reading the lovely entries in your
memory.
Your AuntNiNi will always love you, Peter Patrick Bloch.
Denise deGoumois
auntninix@yahoo.com
Sep 9, 2004
New York, NY |
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Thanks to Deirdre,
Heidi, and Jackie for bringing us together to celebrate Peter’s life.
The service was very special. My husband, Brooks Blake, also knew Peter
in High School, sends his condolences, and was very impressed that we
all sang Waltzing Matilda. It was great to see everyone, even under
such extremely sad circumstances. I hope to keep in touch with you all.
Peter and I dated briefly in High School & I was friends with
him and with his 1st wife Kirsti. I was also friends with Deirdre and
Heidi as is my brother Andrew Tullis. I lost touch with so many folks
when I moved away from Texas in the early ‘80s. I was shocked to learn
of Peter’s death, especially after I thought I might contact him when
he appeared in the Memberlist on the AustinHigh.org website. I guess I
didn’t do that quickly enough…
Please feel free to contact me if you like.
My Best wishes to all,
Marian Tullis Blake
Marian Tullis Blake
Maid1Marian@yahoo.com
Aug 13, 2004
Marble Falls, TX |
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It has been a very long
time since I last saw Peter, but I was still terribly saddened to hear
this news. My memories of times spent with the Bloch family are very
dear ones.
Bill Babb
wkbabb@cox.net
Aug 10, 2004
Phoenix, AZ |
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Jackie, Deirdre and
Heidi - I am very sorry for your loss. Peter is the Bloch I didn't know
very well, but these memorials tell me he was every bit as special as
the 3 of you. Our prayers are with you.
Joe Babb
joe@joebabb.com
Aug 10, 2004
Austin, TX |
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I was shocked to hear of
Peter's recent death. He was a grade behind me in High School and I
have an interesting story I could tell. He will be missed. God Bless.
John Mayo McKeown
johnmm1223@yahoo.com
Aug 10, 2004
Martinsville, TX |
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I sure was sorry to
learn about Peter's untimely death and have just a couple of memories
to share. One is that I remember he had a real affection and affinity
for cats, and it was mutual, our cat would always gravitate to Peter. I
guess he evolved into a dog person, but when I knew him he was
definitely a Cat Dude. I also remember Saturday nights the two of us
would often watch Project Terror at his family's home on Gilbert St.
Low-key but entertaining! Now Peter has gone through that Ultimate Door
to the mysterious Other Side...if he could communicate what he found
there it would for sure have a unique spin...guess we will just have to
wait our turn...anyway, I want his family to know you are in my
thoughts and prayers.
Marianna
Marianna Mansfield Goldrick
mgoldrick@ambion.com
Aug 10, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Dierdre and family,
please accept my most heartfelt condolences and let me know whether
there's anything I can do for you when you return to Raleigh.
Lynne Attix and family
Lynne Attix
lattix@nc.rr.com
Aug 8, 2004
Raleigh, NC |
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For PETER,
I KNOW that the brilliance and talent of your mind were often
overshadowed by the constraints of your body and this was the struggle
of your life. However, what was in your heart was not kept secret. To
know the greatness of love that moved through you, one need only to
look to your children.
In the heart of your eldest son exists the benefit of time. The
struggle of understanding his father while facing his own journey into
adulthood. His memories of you will hold the clarity only one's own
child can have, as the world tends to see through rose colored glasses.
So when the goodness of your heart is remembered by him and he speaks
of his father with love, you can know that you are remembered with
truth.
Your youngest son does not have the benefit of time and so he
must let his heart remember for him. It is with the pure love of his
heart that he will speak of you. Know that you are remembered with
purity.
It was love that gifted your hands to create with paint and clay,
play any instrument with ease. It was love that gave me a friend
with which to debate Theology, discuss Quantum Physics, appreciate
beautiful music.
That you were born, that you lived, and now that you are free, what remains is this....
Truth, Purity, and love.
That is your legacy,
Peter Patrick deGoumois Bloch.
I wish you well,
Yvonne Renee
Yvonne Auxier
ayrenee@aol.com
Aug 6, 2004
Seattle, WA |
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Peter was a buddy of
mine in grade school. Even now, I can remember how artistically
talented he was. Funny, too! I also remember his mom coming to class
many times with her guitar for fun singalongs. So sad that a family who
was so filled with joy and mirth has to endure such sadness.
Richard F. Roberts
groovy@sover.net
Aug 6, 2004
Underhill, VT |
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My sincere condolences
to Peter’s family and friends. Although Peter and I never actually met
face-to-face, we became very good friends via e-mail correspondence.
For the past 18 months or so Peter mailed me on a daily basis and we
discussed a wide variety of topics, from health (HIS health included),
relationships, his family, his graphic work (I am an architect, thus we
shared a love of the Third Dimension), scientific phenomena as well as
down-right silly stuff – politics included. I believe that he was
really a very shy and gentle person and through the veil of the
internet was free to confide his deepest thoughts and feelings to me,
and me to him, sharing parts of ourselves that remain hidden to the
world in general.
As I look back through our correspondence, I realize I will miss
his mental tenacity, humor & whit and mild sarcasm terribly. Even
though his life was not what some might consider successful, it was
clear knew he was cared for in a special way by many. Peter’s passing
has made me reflect on my life and relationships with the knowledge
that being vulnerable to another is the kindest gift. One of his
friends sent the following quote about on how they thought Peter would
have approached death:
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
"WOW! What a Ride!"
Hold on Peter, we’ll see you soon.
Love, Alice
Alice Macfarlane
awland@tamu.edu
Aug 6, 2004
College Station, TX |
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Peter was my first
husband, and a very powerful force in my life. We explored many things,
and learned much about the world together. Though I hadn't spoken with
him in years, this news is a terrible blow.
He was a brilliant artist, a gifted musician, a novel thinker, and
a passionate personality. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was not
afraid to do things his own unique way. He was extremely genuine. He
loved his family and friends very much.
He seemed to come into his own when he started working for himself.
I think that was the wisest and bravest thing I have ever seen anyone
do. I am so glad to see how many true friends he had. I agree that he
was very successful in life, and in reading some of the other comments,
I am so sorry he didn't seem to know it.
Kirsti
kwhitworth@austin.rr.com
Aug 6, 2004
Austin, TX |
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I too had the pleasure
of reconnecting with Peter last year just prior to the reunion. I
enjoyed his thoughtful e-mails & his artwork was awesome. This is a
kind individual who reached out to others. He will be missed by many.
Cindy Fant Howard
ka5cdm@aol.com
Aug 5, 2004
Cedar Park, TX |
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Peter is my cousin, and
I didn't know him at all. In hearing that my cousin had made his
transition to the next plane of existence, these thoughts crept into my
awareness that I was connected to this man, who looks so much like his
father, who looks so much like my brother Peter Jay, and I had not a
clue of what he felt, who his friends were, what he did for fun. ...
It
is such a blessing to have this form of communication, and as I read
all of these beautiful expressions of love for Peter, I have been given
a portal to who this man was, how well he loved, and how many folks
were touched by him, and how his generous heart touched their lives in
ways that are evident here on this site. I believe that the person
lives on in energy, in the memories of those who hold him dear, and I
am so grateful for those of you who shared your vulnerability, and
allowed me an inside view of who my cousin was, and will continue to be
in all of your hearts.
I see all of us, Susan, Peter P, Peter Jay, Diedre, Heidi and
Ellen, dancing in our P.J's in the forest in Bar Harbor Maine. I see us
in Conn. standing in the creek, catching Crayfish, and being with
Grandma Clare at the Warwick with clean faces, and tidy attire (cause
that's who she was) and I know that those are the memories that I will
keep with me, about the great times that I had with my cousin(s), at a
time when I knew him.
I now know him, again.
Ellen Saravis
ellen@LFBalance.com
Aug 5, 2004
Los Angeles, CA |
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We are so sorry about
the loss of Peter Bloch, and the health problems that he had to endure
so bravely. He was quite an intelligent person.
Aunt Judy & Uncle Cal Saravis
Aug 5, 2004
Glencoe, IL |
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I was extremely saddened
to hear about Peter. I had known him since he moved to Texas. His
father came to Texas to work in the UT Botany Dept. My father, Ralph
Alston, and Laura Spear Smith's father, Irwin Spear, all worked
together. I remember us all going to Mrs. Helen Brown's Garden Parties
in her back yard. They happened every spring for the Botany Dept.
faculty. We kids always played and ran around her yard. I'm sure we
looked and acted like heathens!
What I remember most about Peter is how intellectually brilliant
he was. He was so far ahead of most of us throughout school, yet he was
such a regular guy. He was a friend to everyone.
Peter's death opened up a whole line of thought for me. For
example, did I spend quality time with him at our reunion? Did I tell
him he and his family were an important part of me and my family's life
when we were growing up? Did I tell him he reminded me of his father?
I imagine Peter would tell us all to take time to stop and smell
the roses. Life is precious, and in his case, far too short. From now
on I will try, in memory of my wonderful childhood friend, to live each
day as if it my last. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Jackie, and to
Heidi and Deidre. Also I would like to extend my sympathy to Peter's
children and to those of you whose life he touched.
Adios, Amigo. May you rest in peace.
Carol Alston Roessler
Carol_Roessler@sbcglobal.net
Aug 5, 2004
Corpus Christi, TX |
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Although I have not seen
Peter in many years, just this past week I found myself fondly
remembering fun times with Peter, with Bill Anderson and other shared
friends. Unexpectedly I opened the newspaper to his picture today in
the obituaries. I'm so sad that Peter has left this plane.
Martha Lynn Small Morgan
marthamorgan@austin.rr.com
Aug 5, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Peter was a kind and
gifted man. I had the pleasure of spending time with him several years
ago. Although we had not kept in touch recently, his gentleness remains
a prescence in my heart. Not only was he a gifted artist, but a gifted
musician--I loved to hear him play the piano. My thoughts and prayers
are with his family and close friends.
Lisa Conley
Lisa Conley
themissy45@hotmail.com
Aug 5, 2004
austin, TX |
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Peter was a kind and gentle man and has a cheerful soul.
Gabriel Folse
Aug 4, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Until last summer I had
not talked to Peter since high school, which is why it was such a
surprise to me to receive an email from him a year before the
reunion--with a kind and jovial greeting and his website address. When
I looked at his site I was blown away by the extent of his work, and
touched that he had reached out to me after all the years to share his
gift. He was obviously a prolific and gifted artist, and it was great
then to see him at the reunion last summer. This is sad news, and my
heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all his friends.
Shauna
Shauna Johnson Sopel
sjsopel@austin.rr.com
Aug 4, 2004
Bastrop, TX |
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I guess you could say
the way Peter and I met was interesting. I was at the grocery store
waiting for someone to come along and help me lift a container of
juice. I was using an electric wheelchair and had a mask covering my
face. Peter approached me and began a conversation. He was very
friendly and personable. Usually, people do not know how to react to
me. They stare or hurry away in avoidance, but not Peter. He saw beyond
the mask and the disease that I have. He saw me. We developed an
instant friendship.
I was the last person to see Peter. For those of
you that may not have seen him recently, he spoke highly of his friends
and family. He cherished each of you. Despite being in physical pain he
was happy and joival. He was not afraid of death and spoke of Heaven
and angels often. In Peter, I saw a kind, compassionate, and sensitive
person. His heart was bigger than most. He was full of goodness and
love. I do not think I have know anyone more gentle than he. Here are
some quotes that are reflective of him...
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the gentle autumn rain. I am the
soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am
not there. I did not die.
Goodness is the only investment that never fails. ~ Henry David Thoreau
There is love enough in this world for everybody, if people will just look. ~ From Cat's Craddle by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the
reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it in turn will look
sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly, kind
companion. ~ William Makepeace Thackeray
If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel I have worked with God. ~ George Macdonald
Peter did just that...he brought sunshine to my life and you, Peter Patrick, will be in my heart forever!
Thank you.
With smiles and love,
Nici Willoz
Nici Willoz
joyfulfirecracker@yahoo.com
Aug 4, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Peter was always
cheerful and he always had a good story to tell.
We had many classes
together in High School and I was very happy to have spent some time
with him at our 30th Reunion last summer. We traded e-mails after the
reunion and he often sent me computer refined photographs that were
incredible. I will miss Peter very much. Wally Scott
Wally Scott
Aug 4, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Peter and I had
reconnected last year after having been high school friends. I loved
his art work, his musings and philosophical discussions and his
wonderful sense of humor. There was a genuineness about Peter that is
rare these days. I will miss him. He had told me about Nici and between
her and his family and friends, I am sure he knew he was dearly loved!
Liz Smart Weisser
wine4liz@earthlink.net
Aug 4, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Last week, I was
kayaking across a lake in Maine with one of my daughters. We saw a face
on a rock wall that looked like the Tiki Man that Peter carved into the
limestone in one of his Texas computer images recently. The immediacy
and intimacy of the memories which that unexpected sight brought are
very similar to the stories which are flooding in now that he is gone.
I will write again soon. Thank you all for sharing. Love, Deirdre
Deirdre Bloch Barlaz
ddbb@mindspring.com
Aug 4, 2004
Raleigh, NC |
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I've learned many things
about my brother since his untimely death, including what a rich e-mail
relationship he had with so many friends. My thanks to all who took
time to befriend him and to those who appreciated his insight and wit.
Heidi
ebloch@mailbmc.com
Aug 4, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Peter, in a very short
time, became like a brother to me. He embodied the spirit of true
friendship, compassion and caring. His very humanity, combined with a
keen intellect, made him the wonderful individual that graced our
lives.
Peter often told me he wished he’d done more with his life, been
more successful. I could never understand this in him, and never will,
for we loved to exchange quotes of merit and the following was one of
his favourites:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve been each other’s Rock of Gibraltar. I’ve no doubt we will again.
Peter, you are the most successful person I have ever known. Be at peace, my friend, my brother, until we meet again.
Meg McKenna
Aug 4, 2004
Mouguerre, - France EU |
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My prayers are with your family at this sad time.
ginny rohlich
grohlich@bga.com
Aug 9, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Jackie, I am so very sorry.
Margret Hofmann
Margret Hofmann
m-hofmann@sbcglobal.net
Aug 8, 2004
Austin, TX |
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Austin will never feel
the same to me; knowing that you're gone diminishes my world. Even
though we were not close friends, all the times we shared in times past
created a bond between us that could not break. I've felt somehow
"connected" to you since high school; now I feel your absence. I will
miss you, Peter
Steve Armistead
steve@armisteads.net
Aug 8, 2004
Vancouver, WA |
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Due to technical
difficulties, the previous messages have been removed from this site.
The funeral home has assured me that they will try to correct it Monday
morning. Please don't hesitate to add more thoughts here. I can't tell
you how much they have meant to us.
Deirdre Barlaz
ddbb@mindspring.com
Aug 8, 2004
Raleigh, NC |
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I knew Peter in High School and remember him fondly. I am very sorry to hear of his passing
Karen Stice Ratliff
ratliffscout@aol.com
Aug 8, 2004
Austin, TX |
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To our sweet friend
Deirdre...Please know that our arms are surrounding you with loving
hugs to comfort you. When we lose a sibling, we lose not only our loved
one but a part of our childhood treasure. We will enjoy hearing of
sweet stories of Peter when you get back to Raleigh and will celebrate
his life.Our friendship with you and your family is a great blessing to
us. With our love to you and your family in Raleigh and Texas.
Frank,
Barbara, Alex and Daniel.
Frank, Barbara, Alex, Daniel Smith
Aug 8, 2004
Raleigh, NC |
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