My first vivid memory of Peter (a.k.a. “Katie’s dad”) is his direct and opinionated manner at a band concert as everyone was leaving. In my warped teenage worldview, this came across as gruffness. What I didn’t know yet was that he was direct but eloquent, opinionated but kind, and so many other good things.

So, when I pulled out of Katie’s driveway one night, directly into the old Subaru, I expected big trouble. But when I went in alone and let him know, he immediately laughed, almost jolly. He pulled on his shoes and gave me every sense of ease and reassurance as we resolved the matter. I was floored. He taught me another way to be kind and loving to everyone, like Christ. 

I had the pleasure to work with Peter at MTHS for 20+ years.  I consider him a mentor.  We both lead  a 'small school' as part of a Gates Grant, one of the most challenging and difficult times I faced as an educator. Peter helped a lot of us get through it.  Peter was always a Big Idea guy, able to step back and look at the big picture and put things in perspective.   The students loved him for his sense of humor and ability to bring out thier best.  I think about him often...especially when there is food in the staff lounge....him and I always seemed to be first in line...and it always made both of us happy to share a meal or a snack...

It was my good fortune to be a colleague of Peter’s.  One day around the lunch table, I was lamenting my angst about an event for which I was responsible.  Peter, in his wisdom, put it in perspective:  “No matter what happens, when you go home, the people who love you, will still love you.”   Poof!  My anxiety melted away.  That was decades ago.  I have shared this many times with friends and family in similar circumstances.  Thank you, Peter, your wisdom and friendship live on.  

Peter is considered one of the finest teachers that walked the halls of Mountlake Terrace High School. Colleagues and many, many students were positively impacted by his talents as an educator, insight and tremendous sense of humor.  Personally, as the former head boys basketball coach at MTHS, I always appreciated that in retirement, Peter still followed the Hawks and always dropped a kind note on the team at the end of the season.  My thoughts to the Breysse family. Peter will always be remembered at MTHS.

I will miss my dear cousin. I would love to be closer to support and hug my cousin Carol. 

Peter will be missed by so many. He had such an impact on so many including our son Tyler. His encouragement to Tyler was priceless. Our hearts and prayers go out to Peter's family. I'm sure that heaven is seeing a reunion of Peter and Tyler (RIP 2023). 😇

It is with great sorrow that I write a tribute to my oldest, big brother Peter. 

I will remember Peter as a person who held true to his values and his love for the Breysse family, his wife Carole, girls Emma (Clifton) and Katie (Nathan), and grandson Theo. 

It was an honor to be his sister, to play endless games of pinochle and scrabble, to go on family trips to the beach, and the many beautiful memories growing up. He was the smartest person I knew and the reason why I can spell antidisestablishmentarianism -- oh how he loved to make us laugh! He could lead a lively debate at the dinner table, challenging Dad to think differently about school, sports, and well, most anything. Peter was privileged to be Mom’s first born and he held a very special place in her heart.

You could count on Peter, he supported me when I faced one of the most challenging times in my life, he never missed a single one of my birthdays, and he was there when I celebrated my marriage to Kevin and my later in life college achievement. 

He was always there for all of us. My two grandsons loved to talk about Peter’s ornaments from the annual ornament party and what ornament he would steal during the exchange -- he did love to rock the boat!

Thank you dear brother for your love, I will miss your reminder every year on National Poetry Month, and the poems you would send. Mom and Dad were waiting for you, save a place at the dinner table for me. 

I love you!  

Your sister Molly

The road goes ever on and on

Out from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

Let others follow it who can!

Let them a journey new begin,

But I at last with weary feet

Will turn towards the lighted inn,

My evening-rest and sleep to meet.

- J.R.R. Tolkien