Peter noticed I was alone one day at lunch during the hardest year of my life at garfield, he asked me (a complete stranger) if I wanted to eat lunch with him and had no idea how much his kindness meant even now years later at 24 years old. He will be remembered always.
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I didn't get to spend much time with Peter, living on a different continent. Our cousin Alex's wedding this year was the first time I'd seen him in eleven years. We spoke briefly about my plans for collage, then Peter started asking me about the drawing I was making, what techniques I was using, what kind of art I like to make and such. And one thing that really stuck with me from that conversation was how much he sounded like he truly cared. He wasn't just being polite and making small talk, he genuinely wanted to know more. In that short period of time I could feel what I've heard so many people say about him, that he really believed in others, that they can be the best and most confident version of themselves, his infectious energy and joy. I'm really glad I got a chance to see him one last time. That the last memory I have of him was filled with smiles and nerf darts flying around in a forest.
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2019, Garfield High School, 23rd Avenue, Seattle, WA, USA
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2023, Cathedral Pass, Pasayten Wilderness, WA
PK and the Methow Valley Ranger District Climbing Ranger Crew enjoying the views from Cathedral Pass.
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The Methow Valley Ranger District had the great pleasure of having PK work on our climbing ranger crew during the summer of 2023. PK was an absolute joy to work with! He was bright, smart and funny, and oh man you couldn't tire that guy out! PK and his buddy Will would do 5 am hangboard sessions before work. At one point last summer, he climbed Direct East Buttress (11a, 9 pitches) for a climbing ranger patrol during the workday, which is more than enough to tire out a normal person. But PK was still fresh, so he went back up to Washington Pass after work to climb his project Backseat Driver (5.13, 7 pitches) through the night, which he sent later that season. PK would complete huge days of climbing, and show up at work the next day ready for more - with no harrowing stories to boast about, but just the smirk of a satiated young man who was living his best life. PK was an incomprehensibly talented climber, but more importantly, he humbly pursued his goals with limitless energy and grit. At an end of season staff meeting, one of his climbing ranger coworkers said the best thing about the summer was getting to work with PK - the start of what we had all hoped would be a lifelong friendship. His positive hardworking attitude was infectious, and he had a way of making everything fun around him. PK was an eager learner at work, but we all learned as much from the new guy as he did from us. We all joked that we got to work with someone famous, before he became famous - we knew he was going far in his climbing career. We will miss PK deeply. There are no words to describe the loss of such a young and talented friend. We will carry his spirit with us through the mountains he loved. Our sincerest condolences to PK's friends and family, from all the staff at the Methow Valley Ranger District.
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Although only some of us knew PK only briefly (he was Oona's "mentor" at desert school that then sealed a familial commitment to POST), we all feel how his spirit and kindness carried through our encounters with siblings Charlie and Oscar. Our hearts are broken for all of you; we can only imagine your shock, pain and grief. We hope the stories here provide some solace and affirm for you what a wonderful family you are for the rest of us, inspiring us to love generously and cherish what we have. Hold each other close!
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Ginger, Bob, Sophie, Oscar and Charlie,
My visits with you over the years have treated me to short glimpses of the incredible family you have built together. I looked forward each time to seeing how much everyone had grown and hearing about the new adventures and projects in the works.
Peter always had multiple interests and activities underway. He found the world fascinating and pursued his interests with gusto and tenacity. Ryan and I were extremely lucky to have had a little time with Peter's joy and energy. Here are a couple of our memories of his creative, thoughtful and adventurous soul:
- Holding a young Charlie in his arms to keep him from flying away with a beach kite.
- Artistic photography and marsh mud with himself as the canvas. The aftermath included a lot of itching.
- Long drizzly Seattle runs and impressive race times fueling enthusiasm for Ethiopian food.
- Outfitting his bedroom with a climbing wall and implementing his negotiating skills for escapes to Cascade wilderness.
- Doing the household laundry.
- Being his mom’s collaborator, bringing in a surprise 50th birthday cake for a visiting friend.
- Awe over his taking on the challenge and danger of an Alaskan fishing season(s).
- Respect for his maneuvering to/achieving a college location that facilitates engaging in activities that bring him joy.
- And that sometimes shy, sometimes mischievous but always beautiful smile.
Our love and endless hugs to all of you.
Lauren Elmore and Ryan Outcalt
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