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Peter Nugent Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Nugent
Will O'Brien
June 15, 2007
I just learned of Dr. Nugent's passing in the Rockhurst alumni magazine as well.
Reading the obituary on-line, I don't think I've ever read a more accurate description. I was a student of his in several classes and describing him as a mentor with high standards is very accurate to me. I learned tons from him in the classroom, but I probably got a lot more out of the mentorship (which he sometimes necessarily applied by force!) that he willingly provided as I wandered and puzzled through a variety of issues in my college years. Probably my fondest memory of him involves a casual conversation we had where he told me something to the effect of "you've got no future in labor relations Will, but I sure like having you in class. Whenever the discussion is lacking, I just call on you to answer knowing that you'll say something inflammatory and controversial, and then we both sit back and watch the rest of them argue it out".
He touched a lot of lives and will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Jennifer Harper
June 7, 2007
I just learned of Dr. Nugent's passing in the Rockhurst Alumni newsletter. He was the best professor I had at Rockhurst; he was so passionate about what he did. After he retired, I would see him at the public library where I worked. I loved being able to catch up with him. I'm very sorry to hear the news. May God be with his family and friends.
Katie McFarlane (Nee Cross)
April 22, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Pete was a dear friend.
April 10, 2007
Dear Nugent Family:
I was very saddened to learn on-line of Dr. Nugent's death. I was a student at Rockhurst in the early 80s, and Doc Nugent was a big supporter. He wrote my entrance essay into law school in the late 90s. He was a friend and brilliant teacher. He loved his family, and I loved his stories about his rebel daughter.
He will be missed by all.
Bridget Hogan
William Hanne
March 11, 2007
It is with deep and lasting sadness that I read of Peter's demise. Pete and I grew up together--Pete's dad was not in the area and my father sort of latched on to Pete as a second son and being in the scouts together made for a great time. I think I can honestly say that both Pete and I learned to argue while engaging my father in arguments...Dad loved nothing more than to see young minds develop and Pete's was a special case. Those times were special. I finally latched up with Pete after some fifty years while prepping for our high school reunion...Pete tolerated some degree of physical handicap but never any form of injustice. By God, he was going to do what he could in his own sphere to correct that injustice. That Friday I spent two wonderful hours with Pete getting caught up on each other and on our perspectives of the world. But now the lyrics of a late '60's song come to mind--all of the lines, too, of "those were the days, my friend..."
Pete, be thou at peace, you've run the race, you've done what you thought was the proper thing to do and may you be at everlasting peace.
Gery
Carmen Williams
March 9, 2007
Our prayers are with you and your family. We were honored to come to know you threw our children at Rockhurst University. You came to take a great place in our hearts.
Alan Perry
March 9, 2007
It is hard to believe that Pete, with all his love for his family, wit, humor, and out-and-out smarts is gone. I mainly knew him through family and Bryant Elementary School connections. He was always active, always thoughtful, and always fun! Like so many others have, I recognized in him a master teacher, one of the very best.
One Pete Nugent story I recall goes back to the ‘80s when he was frequently flying to the University of Puerto Rico for some sort of academic gigs. This is the story as I recall it (I hope accurately).
Pete didn’t suffer fools gladly, but would just as readily tell stories on himself. In this one he was meeting with colleagues in Puerto Rico for some drinks. He had made what he felt was a telling point in whatever debate was going on around the table (and you can be sure it was telling!). He settled back with some satisfaction and picked up his drink. Unfortunately he miscalculated and the upward trajectory of the glass carried the drinking straw into one nostril. Of course he yelled and brought the glass back to the table—leaving the straw hanging out of his nose.
What a picture! And of course Pete told the story to perfection. Whether it was telling a story, composing a photograph, making a point, or guiding a student, he did it so well.
Erica Walton-Nunez and family
March 8, 2007
Dear Megan and family,
I am saddened by your loss I wish to express my deepest sympthies. I met your father a few times when I visited your home and he always welcomed me and made me feel at home. He will be sadly missed.
God bless you.
Karen Reed
March 7, 2007
Megan,
I only met your father briefly a few times. He was a most cheerful man, with a very warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Karen Reed and kids
Bob Winningham
March 7, 2007
Dear Ashley, Matthew and Megan:
I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss "Doc" so very much. I was lucky enough to have him as my advisor and friend while at Rockhurst. I was one of his students in the early 1980's and have only had contact with him a few times in the last 10-15 years. It is hard to believe how time flies! He was truly one of the most gifted teachers I have ever had, getting students to think for themselves about issues and problems, challenging the opinions of others. I learned Industrial Relations from him and will never forget the first time I met him - he quietly had me come into his office in old Dowling Hall and shut the door so we could talk without Dr. Moran hearing him trying to recruit away another Poly Sci major - Doc won and I changed my major to IR. After I graduated from Rockhurst I went on active duty in the Army. When my active duty time was almost over I made a trip to KC just to see him and talk about a career other than the military. As he put it, with a grin, we needed to talk about "what I wanted to be when I grew up!" He always gave sound advice and helped me think through whatever my issues were. He helped me get into graduate school at Illinois in 1988 and I have forever been grateful to him that I have a career in HR, doing Labor Relations, because of him. Doc had a profound impact on my life and the lives of the other students...he was one of the teachers who truly cared about each and every one of his students, and he always found time for us. I have always cherished the dinners at your house on McGee at the end of each semester and was disappointed the few semesters when I did not have an IR class. I and many others will never forget him, how much he cared about us and how much he did for us!
Geir Rorstad
March 7, 2007
I was fortunate to know Pete for almost ten years.
Pete, Ashley, Lori and I traveled together on a few of Pete's adventures to far away places.
He was always prepared for his journeys through months of reading books and doing research of what he was about to experience. We had well schooled and experienced guides in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, but Pete made them stop and engage in much deeper conversations.
Lori and I met with Pete and Ashley at our favorite BBQ place in KC, The Bryant's only a few weeks ago. Pete was full of energy and spark, and we had our laughs as usual.
I will miss Pete as a friend, as an outspoken person concerning most issues, as the guy that saw the humor in most situations and as a person to look up to when walking through the rest of my life.
What a guy!!
Judy Althoff
March 7, 2007
I will always remember Pete, with that wonderful sense of humor and the smile that could light up a room. I truly feel blessed to have know him!
Mim Simpson
March 7, 2007
I think God was just 'showing off' when He made Pete, what a blessing to have known him in this lifetime!
Your Friend in Christ,
Mim Simpson
Charles Williams
March 6, 2007
My fondest regards, prayers and godspeed. Pete, you were special in my two daughters lives while at Rockhurst and I felt confident knowing that they had another mentoring, caring ear to listen when needed. Your memory will remain in our lives.
Tim and Cathleen Nemeth
March 6, 2007
We are sorry to hear about your loss. We really enjoyed meeting Pete during Matt and Rachel's wedding weekend. We were glad to see that Matt came from such a great family.
Sandie Rosenblatt
March 6, 2007
Pete started here at H&R Block this season and was at our new office here downtown. It was a new office and a new team of preparers. My first day working with him was the day I found out I was going to DC for the March on Washington. That solidified our bond. In the few days I shared with him at work, we were never NOT discussing politics or his many adventures. I was so excited to have a new friend and mentor - and looked forward to building on our similar interests and shared excitement for life. One Tuesday coming into work I called to let them know I was on my way and Pete answered. He said to hurry in before he left. As I pulled in the garage, he was already leaving - we rolled down our windows and he told me to make sure to bring in pictures the next time we worked together. He waved and smiled - that was the last time I saw him. I didn't know how sick he was and I am saddened and shocked today to learn that my new friend is gone forever. I hope that his friends and family get through this time and know what a special man they had in their lives. Though it was short for me, I know I have been blessed.
Suzie Barlett
March 5, 2007
I was extremely saddened to hear of Pete’s passing and my dearest sympathy goes out to his family. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Pete on many cases at Clay County. His passion for the welfare of the children we served was inspiring. Pete made a difficult job much more palatable with his support. The moment Pete walked though my office door my day was brighter. I enjoyed our many conversations while waiting for court or driving to visit the children on our caseload. In those chance moments Pete continued to be a teacher and may not have even known it. On not one but two occasions I mistakenly introduced Pete as Ted in a court proceeding. From there on out he would refer to himself as Ted on all his voice mails to me. The joke, like Pete’s spirit, never got old. Pete’s enthusiasm for life was infectious. I am a better person for having known Pete and I will miss him dearly.
Ed "Tim" Gripkey
March 5, 2007
Barb mentions political email chat with Pete and too often I felt as an unarmed sword fighter due to his passion and intelligence. Pete and I started gade school together in 1944 (St Peters), and we graduated in 1956 from Ward High School. Pete
had a sense of humor such that it was difficult to know when he was serious, but his ability to cut into a subject proved his intellectal ability. Pete will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Tom Reese
March 5, 2007
Dear Nugent family,
My deepest sympathy to all.
I did not know Pete very long but I did get to know his sense of humor here at H&R Block. He did brighten up the room with his jokes. I spoke with him about pets which we shared stories about. He was a kind man and he will be greatly missed.
Rev. Luke Byrne S.J.
March 5, 2007
I was saddened to hear of Pete's death and know he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. I especially enjoyed conversations with him in the student cafeteria of Rockhurst University in his teaching years. Be assured that my prayers are offered for him and for all his loved ones as you close a long and storied chapter of family history. I will be out of KC on Thursday and unable to pray with you at the funeral.
Audrey Porterfield
March 5, 2007
Dear Ashley and family,
What a shock to hear from Janice that Pete was gone I have so many wonderful memories of working with both of you at Bryant, Pete was always so up and so supportive of the schools, the kids and all who came in contact with him.
Cathy Nemeth
March 5, 2007
I'm sorry that we didn't get to spend enough time with Pete at Matt & Rachel's wedding. We enjoyed his sense of humor and were very happy that Rachel (my niece) was marrying into such a nice family. Definitely Matt is testimony to a great man...and his legacy lives on!
Bonita "Bo" Copridge
March 5, 2007
My deepest sympathies. I will miss Peter here at the Juvenile Office. He was an amazing person in his role as a CASA. He was devoted to the children and represented them with kindness and understanding. The staff as well as the children he advocated for will miss him dearly. Whenever Peter was called upon to volunteer for a new case, he willingly accepted, he never turned away the opportunity to work with children. I often told the CASA Director not to "burn out" our friend Peter, because he was a good CASA and I never wanted him to leave the program. The next time I saw Peter I told him what I told the CASA Director and he stated, "you'll never get rid of me! You're stuck with me, so get over it!" Peter was a gifted photographer. About one month ago, I was blessed to receive numerous pictures of his incredible works of art. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.
Kitt Woods
March 5, 2007
I never had the opportunity to work directly with Pete for which I am truly sorry. I did however have the opportunity to enjoy his laughter, his wit and his all around good spirit as he passed by my office on his way to CASA. Thank you Pete for letting me get to know you a little bit. It sure meant a whole lot to me.
Marie Pickard
March 4, 2007
Dear Nugent family,
My deepest sympathies on this sad occasion. I'm in shock, heart broken. I can't believe that he won't be dropping by my office at Rockhurst University anymore. Usually with an iced coffee or a fresca in hand. Pete's my favorite curmudgeon. His sense of humor, his teasing, and his heart are what drew me to him. As so many others have been drawn to him. You were all so kind to share him with us. Know that we loved Pete, and we grieve with you.
Rita Klepac
March 4, 2007
The news of Pete’s death came to me from the other side of the world and arrived today in my email today. Please know that my thoughts are with you, Ashley, Matt and Megan, and with everyone else who knew and loved Pete.
I haven’t had much contact with the family over the last 10-15 years (has it really been that long?), but I’ve never passed McGee without thinking of the Nugent family, and other events over the years reminded me of them also. I thoroughly enjoyed the years we spent together as friends and always marveled at Pete’s latest hobby – i.e., day lilies, photography, stained glass, and model trains! Whatever it was, he whole-heartedly put his energy and skills there.
I mostly knew Pete as Matt’s dad while Matt and my son Tom were friends in grade school. The Bryant Bunch afforded all of its families time together. On many of those occasions, Pete regaled us with his humor. I especially remember when he spent the most of one evening interjecting a wide assortment of puns on the word corn into the conversation!
I didn’t know/remember until I read the obituary, that Pete was Kansas City born and raised. I remember now that he and George attended rival high schools at the same time, but I didn’t know that his mother still lived in Independence. I worked at the Truman Library for eight years (1992-2000) and met hundreds of people from Independence, especially people who were living there in the Truman years. Now I live in Fort Collins, CO, the home of Colorado State University, rival of University of Colorado, Pete’s undergraduate school. So even though we haven’t had much contact for the last several years, our feet have been on similar soil.
I’m still on the mailing list for the Bryant activities that take place even though the “kids” are adults, and some of them have kids of their own. Kids grow up, parents grow old, family structures change in all kinds of ways for all kinds of reasons. I hope that I’m in town for one of those events sometime soon and will have the opportunity to rekindle old friendships.
Pete’s life is certainly one to be celebrated. He accomplished much and will be missed, but he and his contributions will live on, especially through his teaching and mentoring, in the minds and work of his students.
Let yourself be sad, allow yourself to rely on others, it’s in that give and take that everyone gains.
Barbara Haffey-Pidgeon
March 4, 2007
I was very sad to hear that Pete had passed away. I'll miss our e-mails debating politics, but still have fond memories of him at Bishop Ward with the class of '56.
Terry Gratz
March 4, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
pat callaghan
March 4, 2007
With sadness I read of Pete's death. How I wish I'd seen him at last fall's reunion. My favorite memories of Pete were in Journalism class at Ward High School. He much preferred to entertain us than write his sports' stories. So it was a constant battle cajoling him into meeting deadlines for the Outburst. What fun we had in that class! Our moderator, Sister Mary Adelaide (aka Alice Grellner) is still alive and lives in RI. I e-mailed her of Pete's passing. I'm sure Pete's keeping everyone amused in the "upper regions."
May good memories be your consolation. Pat Treff Callaghan, 1956 classmate.
Dave and Susan Smith-Vandergriff
March 4, 2007
Dear Nugent Family,
Dr. Nugent taught not only my Dad, myself and my two sons at Rockhurst College. I have one of his beautiful photographs hanging in my living room. Surely by now he has the Angels organized and in the process of forming a Union. He will hold class even in Heaven. He truly lived his life as 'A Man for Others'. Few, if any will ever be able to fill his shoes. He left an impression on his students and made it possible for us to go out in the world and share his teachings, even if they were different than those who ran the college. He showed us, his students, how to think as individuals, to always question authority and to ignore those who disagreed. There will never be another Dr. Pete Nugent at Rockhurst College. Dr. Nugent saw more beauty in the plain back porches of houses in Atchison, KS, than in a pile of things made from rocks. Be at peace with St. Benedict my friend.
Mike Spiegelhalter
March 4, 2007
pete was a joy to build a house for never a dull moment
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