posted
I felt I had to do something, so this is a praise to my grandfather, Arne Peterson. (1914-2001)
The nicest man I've ever known passed away yesterday, after a brief period at the hospital. One of those rare, truly kind and humble people that you don't meet too often, he had a very interesting lifetime. A pastor, missionary, ambulance driver during WWII, and much more, he had a way with people. His kindness and unswerving faith in humanity unfortunately led him to be exploited, sometimes. During a short career in the 50's New York, he invented a parking-meter, but never claimed any patent on it. It was built in millions. But those things were a price he willingly paid.
Married to the daughter of Levi Pethrus, (founder of the swedish free church) he accomplished many things, being a missionary for a long time in Africa, helping in establishing a church and rehabilitation-center for drug addicts in an old dance-salon which is now renovated and a famous culture mark in Stockholm.
There is much to be said, but words can't describe the impact he had on our family, mostly without even trying. I've never been much of a believer, but if I'd ever wanted to discuss theology and existensial matters, I would've chosen him, twice on sundays. I regret not doing that...
Being married to a very dominant woman, he never became as free and living as we would've wanted him to be, but his generation never complained... Very swedish.
So stress, arteriosclerosis and a blood cancer cut quite a few years from his life, he was still brown-haired at 87. My dad, brother and I visited him three days before his death, finding a perfectly lucent and calm man. I am so grateful I got to be with him then. The next day the rest of the family visited him. One of his sons (one of my uncles) flew all the way from Pasadena to Stockholm to be there.
In the evening, when they had left, he said to the nurse "I'm going to sleep for a while now". And he did...
------------------ Here lies a toppled god, His fall was not a small one. We did but build his pedestal, A narrow and a turnip.
posted
Yes, they said his pulse just faded and stopped, he didn't feel anything. It's like he was swept away...He just waited for the last of his last sons to come, then he could let go.
He WAS starting on his memoirs, after some persuading from my father, who contributed with laptops and printers, but he only got two chapters.
[This message has been edited by Nimrod (edited February 25, 2001).]
Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
That's actually a damn fine tribute, Nimrod. That is, in all truthfulness, exactly the kind of reason why I watch John Edward, to hear things like that.
------------------ "Gee, the public whipping didn't quite convey their fascist culture, I need something more straightforward. Ah, leather hats!" --Nimrod, on National Socialism fashion design.
posted
Are you comparing me to a psychic? I don't get it...
Registered: Aug 1999
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
No, it's the whole "history of the person" thing. They're ordinary people, no one famous. I like hearing that.
Although last night when he found out that he was talking with Ricky Nelson...that was kinda fun.
------------------ "Gee, the public whipping didn't quite convey their fascist culture, I need something more straightforward. Ah, leather hats!" --Nimrod, on National Socialism fashion design.
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