To the Peters family,
I redcently heard about Lance's passing and felt I needed to say a few words. I grew up with Lance in Penfield. For many years at Baytrail we shared the orchestra pit playing the drums and percussion and in high school we were team mates on the track team. I remember Lance as one of my extremely funny and talented friends. His presence escalated the atmosphere of every party we had in my parent's basement. When I moved away before my senior year at Penfield. Lance never forgot me. A year later as a freshman, Lance sought me out when Bucknell played Cornell, I still have that picture. He literally asked people around the Bucknell university campus until he found me. He taught me a few things about friendship and loyalty that day. I will miss him very much.

Lance was one year ahead of me at Cornell (undergrad) and was an inspiration to folks like myself in engineering and medicine. He was a great guy - very cool. He will be missed.

It has been almost 3 years since Lance's death, but to those who knew and loved him, it must seem like only yesterday that he left this world. I did not know him that well, but I do know that he was a wonderful person and surgeon. He has not been forgotten, and I keep him and his loved ones in my prayers.

To Lance's Family:

I was one of Lance's classmates in Medical School. We shared the responsibility of being Social Vice President of our class. Lance was smart, funny, and a pleasure to be around. I know it has been a while since his passing, but I still look back fondly on those days in med school, where we worked hard, played hard, and got to know one another almost like a small family. Lance was a great guy, one of the brightest in our class; a real star who will shine on in our memory.

I just found this news out and am very shocked. About 5 years ago, I shadowed Dr. Peters. I learned quite a bit about medicine from him in those few days. He was a very nice person. I still think of my brief time with him a lot.

I can not beleive it has been 3 years since Dr. Peters came into my life and my son's life. At this time 3 years ago Dr. Peters was beginning his surgery on my son's severly broken leg and thanks to his great talent he was able to fix and save my son's leg. I am so thankful he was on call this fateful night and I am so greatful for his great skills he gained. He is dearly missed and often thought of by us.

I will be visiting Lance's grave today July 1, 2009. There will be a rock placed on the grave as a rememberance and this note is to let his family know who was there visiting.

Dennis J. regan

I knew Lance as a master's student in BME and I was a patient. Lance would come and talk with our students each year; the students really enjoyed him and his insights. Lance did a great job on my bilateral knee replacement surgery. Lance was a caring and truly excellent physician. His passing is a big loss for the patients here in Ithaca and for those of us at Cornell. My deepest sympathay to friends and family.

Memorial Service Announcement:
Sunday June 14th, 2009
North Point Pavilion
Taughannock State Park
1pm on
Come share your stories, play on the lake, bask newr the glow of a fireplace, skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, boat rides
Dish to Pass

Dear family and friends of Lance,
I just learned of Lance's untimely passing and am shocked and saddened by the news. I first met Lance when I toured Cornell Med and we became close friends after that. Lance plays a very prominent role in my memories of my first year of medical school, when he was a third year. He helped me survive that year. He always wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon and had a drive and zest for life that was unparalleled. He clearly suceeded in his career, and more importantly than his surgical skill was his strength as a human being, he was a solid, caring individual who will be missed. I wish we had not lost touch. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To the family and friends of Lance Peters,

It is with shock and profound sadness that we heard of Lance’s untimely passing, a terrible loss for his family, his friends, his patients, and the medical community.

Reuven and I each had very memorable relationships with Lance, relationships that we have reminisced about over the years since medical school, remembering Lance with great fondness and respect.

Reuven was the second year psychiatry resident who supervised Lance for his third year medical school psychiatry rotation. Reuven recalls that although Lance was not planning a career in psychiatry, he completely engaged with psychiatry and gave it his all. Lance was a medical student who would go anywhere and do anything for the benefit of his patients, once even walking the dog of a patient who was hospitalized. Lance was incredibly passionate and compassionate in his caring for his patients; he stood out as a medical student who never stopped being a fellow human being to his patients, he treated all patients with sincere empathy and respect.

My relationship with Lance was as a friend and fellow Cornell medical student. I was close with him and with his roommates, and remember with great joy all the good times we all had together, enjoying ourselves, laughing, watching Star Trek, and supporting each other to make our way through medical school. Lance was always fun to be with, a gentle soul, a person of great kindness and strength of character. Lance was able to preserve these qualities while approaching the study of medicine with fierce determination and dedication.

Lance was a photographer, and we are fortunate that Lance gave Reuven one of his beautiful photographs as a gift, a work of art that we have enjoyed in our home. How lucky we are to have this physical tribute to Lance, this photograph that allows us to continue to see the beauty in the world through Lance’s eyes.

We send our deep condolences to those that loved him so, and we hope that you will find comfort in knowing the love and devotion that Lance inspired from others, that he indelibly affected his friends and the community around him. Though we had not seen Lance in years, our world is sadder knowing that he is no longer with us.

To the Family and Friends of Dr. Lance Peters:

I was a Physician Assistant student at the Ithaca Orthopaedic Group. In my three months spent with the group I had the opportunity to learn a great deal from Dr. Peters.

It was with great sadness that I learned of his passing and wish peace to all of those who knew Dr. Peters.

He most certainly will be missed.

To the Family of Dr. Peters,
I was so shocked and sadden to hear of your loss. Dr. Peters did my knee replacement almost two years ago in Ithaca, NY. During my post op. appointment we got talking about my job as a special education teacher. As I was leaving my appointment, Dr. Peters told me to wait right there because he had something special for me to take back to my students. He then left and came back with an artificial leg containing the parts to match my knee replacement. He thought my students would get a kick seeing a replica of their teacher's knee! That's the kind of caring doctor he was. He will truly be missed.

Lance was a genuinely nice guy. He had a great sense of humor. I was a fellow at HSS in 96-97 and very much enjoyed working with him. He will be missed.

David Tate

Dear family of Dr. Peters,

When my daugher told me of the tragic news, I began to cry. Dr. Peters replaced my knee 3 years ago, and was such a wonderful doctor. He had a bedside manor that other physicians could learn from. It will be very difficult to find another provider like him.

My prayers go out to his family and friends.

To the family of Dr. Peters,

My family was shocked when we heard the news of Dr. Peters passing. He was very dear to our hearts. He treated not only myself, but my mother and daughter as well.

He was known in our family as "Lance Romance". It was a title given by my daughter, from a card game she loved to play, Odd Bods. She always thought she was odd, as her knees are shaped differently then other children she knew. This is due to her genetic disorder. Dr. Peters was so caring and took extra time to find her undeveloped knee caps, giving her self confidence and reassuring her she was not "odd" at all. After that he was her hero and was somewhat her crush.

We are sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person and doctor. Our prayers go out to his family.

Dear Family of Lance,

I'm very sorry and sad for the loss of Lance. We spent a really nice time together when I was at Cornell University for my Master in 99/00. Later on I also visited Lance in NYC and at his house at Cayuga Lake, where he took me out for a really nice dinner with his boat (a storm came up, but "Captain Lance" brought us home safely ...).

He was a very fine and upright man and we experienced together hard work as well as funny and most enjoyable moments. Even though we didn't spend too much time together due to both of us being involved in our education / careers and in addition living on two different continents of this world I regarded him as a true friend of mine whom I can totally trust and rely on.

Sometimes I can't understand why such good men have to leave us way too early.

Lance, rest in peace and to the family of Lance I would like to ensure that my thoughts, energy and prayers will make it over all the peaks of the mountains in Switzerland, over the ocean between the continents and across every border which is in between directly to you!

My condolences to those left behind. I heard of Lance's passing this morning and I was sad to hear that. I only knew him in high school. What I remember most is laughter and fun. It looks like he was a blessing to many.

Dear Eric and the Peters Family,
Lance was so awesome as a surgeon, and someone to chat with. He did bilacteral knee replacement on me ,it will be 3yrs ago July 17th in Ithaca. He was the only Dr. that would do both of my knees at the same time. I will miss him dearly, he was wonderful, and he will be missed by the people who know him. Very professional Dr. and had so much to live for.
My condolences to all theFamily.
Sincerely,
Sandy Bush

Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Peters,
Dr. Peters performed bilateral hip replacements for me in October of 2007. I thank him every day for the pain free days and greater mobility that he has given to me. I also thank him for having the skills to do both hips at once so I would not have to repeat the experience. He was a very skilled and caring Doctor. I am very sorry for your loss.

Dear Mr. and Ms. Peters:

Please accept my deepest sympathy to the lost of your son, Lance. Lance and I met in Ithaca when both of us were pursuing our graduate degrees. His unmatched quality as a person and as a friend will also be in my fondest memory at Cornell even though we only knew other for a short period of time.

Dear Eric and the Peters Family,
I just wanted to express my great sadness in hearing of Lance's recent passing. As one of Lance's classmates at Cornell, I remember him as someone who was very open and down-to-earth. He always seemed to figure out when I was overly stressed and have a kind word or joke to lighten my spirits. It's been years since those med school days - but I still smile thinking back to Lance's genuine kindness and good humor.
With sincere sympathy,

To Eric, Lance's Parents and Family,
I think of Lance almost every day now after learning of his passing just last week. Truly, Lance was and still is one of the most kind, giving and loving man I have had the honor to have known. I am so saddened and filled with grief, yet, I can still see him and hear his voice and I smile and cry at the same time. I, too, was a neighbor and friend from Lances' time on the lake. I would be the "spotter" on the boat during some crazy rides, who knew that you could surf on Cayuga Lake! I had the oppotunity to meet some of Lances' closest friends and my heart goes out to all of you. Lance will always have a place in my heart of hearts, for he touched me deeply with his honesty, compassion, friendship and love. I have a pocketful of memories.

Dr. Peters was my surgeon, and I carry his artistry with me. He was a consummate professional and caring individual. He influenced so many in a positive way and will be greatly missed. With sadness I offer my sympathy to Dr. Peters family and friends.

My sincerest sympathies are with you all in this tragic time. Dr. Peters was so kind and thoughtful and such an excellent surgeon. He will be missed by so many, in many walks of life.

To the family and friends of Dr. Peters,
I had a great time and learned alot working with Dr. Peters in CMC operating room. He had a quick wit that kept us all on our toes. "Hail to the ortho king". He would get a kick out of that comment.

Dear Peters Family,
I was a medical student at Cornell and a resident at HSS with Lance. He was a caring doctor, a skilled surgeon, and most importantly, an outstanding person. He will be missed by all who have been touched by him.

All,
When the news of Lance's passing reached me it was too late to come home to Rochester. Lance was always someone I had the deepest respect and admiration for and I can see but the other entry notes he will be missed.
I will always remember you and our friendship.

To the Dr. Peters' family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with you. Dr. Peters "gave me my life back" with a new hip a few months before my 50th birthday in 2005. I am grateful to have told him this in person the last time I saw him. Since I had never been hospitalized or had any kind of surgery, considering a total hip replacement was a huge issue for me. Dr. Peters gave a PowerPoint presentation at Ithaca Orthopaedic one evening and passed around the room the steel and ceramic pieces that would form the replacement so we could "bond" with them psychologically! You can imagine how this helped alleviate my anxiety and assure me I was in excellent hands! Let us all honor his memory by going forward to give his love to others. There is a new star in the sky over Cayuga Lake.

Dear Eric and the Peters family:

Lance was one of the closest friends of my late brother Samuel Mintz-Straus. I came to know Lance during my brother's last illlness. He was a source of great comfort to all of us in the family during this difficult time. He was a truly fine person and a great doctor. He will be sorely missed.

Please accept my deepest sympathy on your great loss.

Lance will be missed by all of his colleagues at HSS. My condolences to his friends and family.

Hollis Potter MD
Chief, MRI HSS

Dear Eric and the Dr. Peters Family,
I was so very sad to hear of Lance's passing. While Lance lived in New York he and my late Uncle, Sam Mintz Straus, we're the dearest of friends. He adopted my uncle as his honorary Godfather, and Lance soon became very close with my entire family. I had him to my home several times, and laughed with him at many family events. We spent a great deal of time in each others company while my uncle was ill with cancer, whom we all cared for together. Lance was such a unique and wonderful man. I have many wonderful memories of him. And I will remember him always.

Anyone who knew Lance was better because of it. As others have said, we shared a bond as residents for four years at HSS. Although time and distance have separated us, the bond will live forever. Tracie and I are deeply saddened by the passing of such a wonderful soul. He is already missed.

Dear Jeffrey, Mary Ann, Brendan and Eric,

It is with the greatest of sadness that I learned of Lance's recent death. My deepest sympathies to you and the rest of the family. Lance and I were classmates and close friends at Cornell University Medical College. We shared an apartment for four years in Lasden Hall, and I fondly remember meeting you (Lance's parents and brother). Lance was a member of my wedding party when I married my wife, JoAnn Sekiguchi, on June 14th, 1997 in Reno Nevada.

During our years in medical school Lance was the social glue that bound most members of our class together. He was our official "social officer" who organized weekly happy hours on Fridays in Olin Hall and elsewhere. His fantastic humor and good nature helped everyone survive very difficult and stressful times. While Lance could always be counted on to help find fun and diversion, he was also a model student who displayed dedication, and absolute determination to achieve his goals. His personality and motivation obviously combined to make him a fantastic physician. Reading the comments from patients in this guestbook is all one needs to do to realize the truth in this statement.

Lance touched the lives of the many who knew him, and in this sense he will live on in each of us. I deeply regret not staying in close contact with him these past few years. Time and distance all too often have this effect. As with most, I currently live far from New York City, but it is my sincere hope that Lance's closest friends from medical school can gather for a small reunion in our old stomping grounds. Although he is no longer with us, Lance would be happy knowing he got us together once again.............

Dear Peters Family and Friends:

My deep condolences to all, Lance was an outstanding person who gave back to all of us in so many ways. He made time to come to Cornell each spring to speak in my freshman Biological & Environmental engineering orientation class, he was a Bachelor's graduate of our department before he pursued Medical School. He inspored the students with examples from his training and his work and play. He invited students to shadow him at work and I know he was the inspiration that caused a number of our graduates to pursue careers in medicine. His last visit was a couple of years ago and his talk was titled "My 18 years as a Cornell Student". He presented several case studies from his work, he talked about his undergrad program and integrating engineering and medicine. He always mentioned depression and told students how it could be treated. He gave so much to all of us, I'm so sorry he is no longer here, but my life is definitely richer for having known him. God bless you all.

my deepest sympathy to the Peters family.i work with lance at h.s.s in the early nineties, he was such a great guy to work with ,Lance you surely will be missby the whole O.R. staff.

I was terribly heartsickened to hear on lance's passing over the holidays.I worked closely with him at HSS while he was a resident . I feel your lose even more because my mother -in-law passed shortly before christmas,so I feel the pain in your hearts. Please accept my condolences.God bless you all! Michael T Guglielmo senior surgical technician

I have already signed the guest book once but felt compelled to add something after reading all the entries. It is once in a lifetime that you know a doctor such as Dr. Peters, he was not only a talented, compassionate surgeon but also one of honor and honesty. While working with him he inherited a patient that another doctor had let linger with a very bad fracture. by the time the family insisted on Dr. Peters taking over the case her leg was in terrible shape with tissue necrosis. Dr. Peters jumped right in and fixed this poor woman's leg. He then made a heroic stand as her advocate. He went to the head of the hospital and presented the case as malpractice on the part of the other doctor, he was told that by the head of the hospital that it was indeed malpractice but that he would not put it in writing. Dr. Peter's walked up to the patients floor got her chart, he proceeded to give a written account of the woman's condition and what had transpired since her injury and then he signed his name. I was so immensely proud of him that day and so honored to know and work with him. I have worked with many doctors but never have I seen one be such an outstanding advocate for his patients. They say that a person is never truly gone as long as someone keeps their memory alive, I will indeed continue to tell this story of such a wonderful man and doctor. I am sure his family is very proud of him as they should be. I will always smile when I think of him.

The Peters Family,
Lance will be remembered with fondness for his character, reverence for his compassion, and respect for his talents as a wonderful physician. He will be missed by the Hospital for Special Surgery family. We have lost one of the best of the best. Accept my sincerest sympathies on your loss.

"Fair winds and following seas" Lance, my friend!

To the Peters family and close friends, I did not know Lance but do know some of you and I am very saddened by your loss. As I read some of these very touching stories, tears flow. Be very proud, treasure your friendship and memories.

May Lance rest in peace,
Nancy McGowan RN

I was fortunate enough to spend four years with Lance as a fellow resident at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He was a good friend, and a great doctor, with that wonderful combination of knowledge, talent, and caring that touched so many people. I also remember the joy he took in life, and thinking of him always reminded me of happy times. He will be missed by us all.

To the Peter's Family & Loved Ones:

I just got the news on my way home from the OR tonight. I was shocked and saddened. Lance was a brother in Ortho training at HSS for 4 long years. I was so looking forward to catching up at our upcoming 10th anniversary next fall. Athough I didn't know current details, I knew for certain that he was doing great work up North as he was as talented in the OR, as he was intelligent and compassionate with patients. His passing is a tremendous loss for family, friends and the medical community.

My sincerest condolences to family & loved ones.

Rest in peace old buddy. Rest in peace.

To the Peters family--
I just received word tonight of Lance's passing. We knew each other as both medical school (Cornell) and residency (Hospital for Special Surgery) classmates. I am so saddened to hear of this tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

To Eric and Dr. Peters Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Peters performed surgery on my knee three years ago and I was very impressed with his skill and dedication. I remember him calling me late one evening after reviewing my x-ray. I had a special fondness for him since he graduated from Cornell the same yr. as my son. Please accept my sincere condolences. Barbara Stasavage

I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Lance Peters, MD. who was my Orthopedic doctor in Ithaca for two years. The cruel hand of death has deprived New York of a professional, charming and well experienced doctor that keenly listened to his patients with patience before deciding on the next course of action.

Dr. Peters had planned to review a consistent pain on my hip during this year (2009) following an expert surgery he did in 2007.
We shall greatly miss Lance. May his rest in eternal peace.

Ambassador Bob F.Jalang'o

Dear Mary Ann and Jeff
We were greatly saddened to hear about your great loss. I know there is no greater pain than for a parent to lose a child. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I will always remember Lance's smile and our times on the lake and at the ski house. My heart goes out to Eric and the rest of Lance's family.

Dennis Regan

To Lance's family and friends,
Imagine my surprise and delight to see the announcement that Dr. Lance Peter's would be coming to Ithaca to join Ithaca Orthopaedics having studied at the Hospital of Special Surgery in NYC; coincidentally with their head surgeon who had replaced my hip some 10 years ago.
Dr. Peter's had co-authored a book with Dr. Sculco. I felt I was in good hands right here in Ithaca.
I was in no way disappointed. He was the epitome of efficiency and gentleness. His true character was displayed one snowy winter evening when he appeared at my doorstep holding X-rays which he determined I should carry with me to HSS in NYC the following day; stating that he was simply on his way to Cayuga Medical Center and that it was no trouble for him.
Never do I expect such amazing thoughtfulness from a busy doctor. Again, it was a treacherous , wind-blown, cold and snowy night that he made this trip --- he merely shrugged it off.
I never thought I could cry for a doctor.
Rest in peace good friend.

Dera Jeff and Mary Ann, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I can't imagine the pain and sadness. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

I am an internist practicing in Binghamton. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Peters during his time here. I have many memories of Lance but I shall never forget the night I called him because I was concerned about a patient whom had already been seen by the Orthopedic Team that day. The hour was late and the weather inclement. Lance's unhesitating response was that he would come and help. His concern for the patient was obvious but his response also reflected his understanding of the anxiety that I was feeling. He was determined to help the patient but it was also clear that he intended to support me. This event was characteristic of the compassion that Lance brought to his relationship with his patients as well as the people with whom he worked.
Dr. Peters is gone but he has left a standard to which the rest of us can aspire.

To Lance's family and friends,

While I knew Lance for less than two years at Cornell and saw him only at reunions (which I now regret missing this past year), he indeed made an impact on me. I remember a time when I was Eminent Deputy Archon at SAE when Lance was Eminent Archon. We had an issue at the house one evening and I was asked to deal with it because Lance was away. I thought "What would Lance do?" He always knew the right thing to do. He was caring and thoughtful, someone you could rely on and have fun with. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Phi Alpha,
Jay

Dear Mary Ann, Jeff and Brendan -

On behalf of all of Lance and Eric's friends, who were able to be at the funeral parlor and St Martins on 12/30 and 31 - we want you to know we're still VERY much with you in spirit.

Please let me know if we can do anything at all, 212-727-9857.

In the meantime our thoughts and condolences remain with each of you.

Love -

January 4, 2009
Our condolences to the family and friends of Dr.Peters. Dr. Peters was a very kind man.

We would just like to add to the many thought of others what a caring Doctor he was . I saw him back in 2005 and always tell friends how great he was. Blessigs to his family Helen and Albert Smith.

I am so sorry to hear about Dr.Peter's passing, He was a great man, I was a patience of his and due to his knowledge I am walking today, When all other Dr's gave up on me, He fixed me, I am forever grateful and he will always be held dear to me, God Bless Him

My condolences to Dr. Peters family and friends. I came to know Dr. Peters as the result of an emergency trauma to my leg. He was patient, caring, kind and skillful as a surgeon. I was fortunate and thankful he was there for me on that fateful day.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Peters, Eric and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Lance at Surgicare in Ithaca. He was a very nice person to work with.
He will be greatly missed.

Jeff and MaryAnn:

I wanted to express my sincere sympathies on your loss. I will keep you both and your families in my prayers.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peters and Eric, I am writing on behalf of my husband, Ben Richardson who is en route to the US from serving in Afghanistan. As you may recall, Ben and Lance had been SAE pals since pledging during their freshman year at Cornell. I have contacted Ben and he is devastated about Lance's passing. He loved Lance like a real brother and he regrets not being able to attend the funeral. I was fortunate to meet Lance myself on one occasion. Please know that he was truly respected and loved by many, many individuals. We will keep all of his loved ones in our prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Ben and Nancy Richardson

To the Peters Family:
I know you realize the magnitude of your loss that Lance's passing leaves in your lives. Know that Lance touched many peoples lives in tangible and lasting ways, including my own. I haven't seen Lance in over 20 years yet still remember his loyalty, integrity and humanity. I had hoped at some point to run into him at one of our Fraternity events but will have to sustain myself in the knowledge that we'll meet again someday in the great Chapter House.

Joe Gray, M.D.

Eric, my deepest sympathies. I wish there was something I could do or say... I am truly fortunate to have known Lance, he will forever be in my thoughts. I saw first hand how much his patients adored him. We are blessed to have had the time with him that we did.

I was greatly saddened to hear of Lance's untimely death. The world was a much better place for his presence here and I was fortunate to have known him at Cornell.

My deepest sympathies to Lance's family.

Phi Alpha,
Daryl

Dear Mary Ann and Jeff,
It saddens me on hearing from Linda Goldthrite of the loss of your son so suddenly. This is the hardest thing for a parent to go through, but you both have to hang on to the wonderful memories you shared with him. I know you both were always so proud of your boys right from when they were little. Lance will be in your hearts forever and watching over his family from above knowing how much you all meant to each other.
Love, Joyanne and William Burrell

To dearest Eric and loved ones

Lance recently came to see me and as usual he talked about his beloved Eric and how happy he was.
God bless you Eric
Love Stella
Renaissance Hairstyles, Ithaca NY

Dear Mr.& Mrs. Peters, and Friends,
When Dr. Carpenter recruited Dr. Peters for UHS, we immediately realized that were extremely fortunate.He was a most skilled, caring and enjoyable physician, whom we still talk about to this day with the greatest respect, and will continue to do so. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all.

Mr. & Mrs. Peters, Eric and the Peters
family,
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Peters' passing. I had the pleasure of working with him in the OR at Surgicare in Ithaca. We also had great times kidding him about "playing with fire!!!" He certainly enjoyed living at the lake! He would have us in hysterics!
My heartfelt sympathy to you all.

To the family/friends of Dr. Peters,

I will always remember Dr. Peters as a very compassionate person who cared for his patient's deeply. I had the honor of working with him on the surgical floor at CMC, and watched him as he worked on some very difficulty pt's. His face would light up with a beautiful smile when he succeeded with his difficult tasks and duties. We will miss him.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peters, family and friends,

I have known Lance since our days at Cornell, when he joined my fraternity. We developed a strong bond very early on. He became one of my best friends at Cornell and remained so ever after. When he came to New York City to study, he was one of my most reliable and trustworthy friends, and that friendship endured throughout. I remember good times that we could laugh at and harder times where we helped each other.

I have many memories of Lance, but the most important and intimate one is from when my mother was dying. Lance was the shoulder I leaned on during my mother's final hours to provide the solace and perspective I needed.

I will never forget Lance, for what he gave me and everyone else in this register. He is a True Gentleman, and the world is richer for his presence.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peters, family and friends,

I have known Lance since our days at Cornell, when he joined my fraternity. We developed a strong bond very early on. He became one of my best friends at Cornell and remained so ever after. When he came to New York City to study, he was one of my most reliable and trustworthy friends, and that friendship endured throughout. I remember good times that we could laugh at and harder times where we helped each other.

I have many memories of Lance, but the most important and intimate one is from when my mother was dying. Lance was the shoulder I leaned on during my mother's final hours to provide the solace and perspective I needed.

I will never forget Lance, for what he gave me and everyone else in this register. He is a True Gentleman, and the world is richer for his presence.

To the Peters family,
All of us at Hospital for Special Surgery are greatly saddened by the loss of one of our finest residents and fellows. Lance was a truly great doctor with a gift for medicine and surgery. His contributions to orthopedic surgery were numerous and his patients always loved him. We miss him very much and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Thomas P. Sculco, M.D.
Surgeon-in-Chief
Hospital for Special Surgery

When crisis struck Lance was the man you wanted by your side. He was wise enough to know what course of action to set and dynamic enough to implement it. He was brilliant, hardworking and had an exuberance for life that he shared with everyone lucky enough to know him. He was a leader in every facet of his being. A man who drew admiration even from those who might have disagreed with him on occasion. I believe this was because we all knew that he genuinely had the best interests of all of us in mind and his goal was to achieve the best possible outcome for all.

I do not know the meaning of Lance's passing. He was a man of great promise with so much knowledge, skill and desire to heal the world through his expertise at work and his laughter at play. So I have chosen to give it meaning for me. I imagine Lance in my mind's eye. I am in his President's room and he is holding court. He knows what troubles me, for when he spoke with someone he gave them his full attention and he had an astute ability to discern the character of their concerns. I think this was part of what made him an inspirational leader. I imagine him speaking with that unique northern drawl, with a smile on his face and a glint in his eye. I see him pointing for emphasis. In my thoughts, he says to me, don't be afraid, be alive.

Though I hadn't seen Lance in many years, I recall him vividly in my heart for all the great qualities he possessed. I will miss knowing I will never get a chance to see him again here on earth. When my Father died I wished for years that my dreams were true and that he would come back and tell me that he had only gone so that I would know how much I loved him. Knowing Lance's penchant for the practical joke, it is appealing to wish that he was playing a joke on us now and that he will soon come back. But alas, I fear it is not so. I miss you, Lance. I miss knowing you are alive and doing well and making the world a better place through your life and works.

I refuse, however, to think the world is worse off for your not being here. I instead, think that the world is better off for your having been here at all, even if only for a short time. I do this because I think you would want the world always to be a better place and that while we acknowledge that mourning and sadness are natural, we must go forward with the thought of what you stood for, what you lived for and what you practiced. To make the world a better place. I will try to honor your memory by doing so in my life with you in my heart forever. I consider myself fortunate to have been at the right spot at the right time on this planet to have met you. You are a part of me and I will carry your memory forward with me. You made me a better person, you made my life richer for your having been here and you did the same for everyone you knew. Thank you for sharing some of that precious time with me, with us.

Phi Alpha my Friend and Brother,

Mr. and Mrs. Peters, family and friends of Lance: my deepest sympathies are with you at this time of loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. and Mrs.Peters and Eric,I am so sorry for your loss.Dr.Peteres was a true gift as a doctor and a gentleman.I had the great pleasure to work with him at Ithaca Orthopedics as a nurse.He will be truly missed.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peters and all of the Peters family.

Our greatest sympathies to all of you. Lance was a great friend of ours. Not only did he work along side Stephanie as an amazing doctor, but he was a compassionate friend that was always willing to take us out on the boat and spend time with us. He taught Ben how to water ski and taught stephanie how to slalom ski. It was always so much fun to be around such a great man. He will be greatly missed in our family and in this community.

Dear Jeff and Mary Ann,
We are so very sorry for your loss of your son. There are no words to tell you how our hearts are breaking for you and your family. Know that we are praying for you and will continue to do so.
With love,
Matt, Claire, Matthew and Nicholas

I am another of Lance's fraternity brothers. I was rush chairman when he joined and saw him go from pledge to Eminent Archon to Doctor. I have the utmost respect for Lance, he consistently went above and beyond the call of duty as a brother and a friend.

He had a unique ability to remain calm, cool, and collected and a knack for getting out of situations (many of which were not of his own making, some of which were). He was a leader and a role model.

I am deeply saddened by Lance's passing. Lance inspired me. I am a better person for having known him. The world was a better place because of him. He was a True Gentleman.

Sincerely,

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Dear Eric and the Peters family,

Our condolences to you at the loss of a young man who was loved by and touched the lives of so many. Lance's reputation as a remarkable doctor and compassionate friend will always be remembered by the people who knew him.

Reading through this guest book should clear up any question about the impact Lance had in the world -- It's shocking to think that he's gone.

I think of the influence he had on me in three short years in the Fraternity and am saddened to think of what was lost in his passing. The house was full of hardworking, smart, creative, dynamic, caring, or responsible men ('responsible' was often in particularly short supply), but Lance was one of very few were were all of those things. Lance was a good man in the ways that really matter.

Our condolences to all those who loved him.

To the Dear Family of Dr. Peters,
Many hearts are broken with the tragic death of Dr. Peters.
My experience with Lance was to have him repeatedly involved in my mother's orthopedic care. He presented a paper on Mary in Ihaca on her case. She had Alzheimer's as well. Due to various difficulties, my family left me alone to plan and cope with her complications of old age.
Dr. Peters totally supported me with kindness, warmth, skill, and compassion. He was always there for us. I will never forget him as being one of the kindest, most caring persons I have ever known.I thanked God that he was in my life.
Sincerely,
Sally Caverly

To Eric, Mary Ann & Jeff and all who love Lance,

Lance was our friend, our next door neighbor at the lake, and our god-send so many times over. He embodied the dearest qualities of all those labels and so much more. He personified the truest meaning of giving. He gave even when it was a sacrifice. The lake will never be the same without Lance living beside us. He cut a gate between our fenced yards so we wouldn't have to walk around to get to each other. Never the need for a wall between friends. His character defined integrity, generosity and compassion. Lance was the best friend, the best neighbor, the best god-send. We will miss him deeply.
"How will we ever attend another Indigo Girls concert without you?"

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peters and Eric,
Dr. Peters repaired my first fractured femur and followed me through my second fracture. Then I followed him to Auburn. I've seen entirely too many doctors in my life, but Dr. Peters was absolutely the best. He treated me with such kindness and as a true partner in my healing. I can't imagine how devastated you all must be over his passing. There are very few people who have walked this earth who have shown such compassion and caring. He was obviously a doctor dedicated to the total wellbeing of his patients. His passing leaves an empty place in so many people's lives.

Oh my dear Lance. How I wish I had known of your challenges. I will always remember all those summer days on the lake watching you make a patio, or rip out a wall....it was amazing to watch how you would do that after a long day of surgery. I'll never forget the evening ski sessions with Eric on the lake.... fond, fond memories of you my dear. May you now rest in peace. To your family, my deepest sympathies. To Eric, I'm here if you need me.

Mr. & Mrs. Peters and Family,
On behalf of Internal Medicine Associates of Auburn, we wish to express our sincere sympathy to you all. May the memories you hold and the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Sincerely,
The Staff of Internal Medicine Associates of Auburn

Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Peters,
Lance was a medical school classmate and friend at Cornell Medical College. His kindness and sense of humour got many of us through the tough spots! Judging from the many entries here, he has continued to touch the lives of many in a profound way. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bonnie Pease Keeler, MD

To the loved ones of Dr. Peter’s:

Our prayers and thoughts are very much with you in this time of loss. Although words will never fulfill the difficult challenge the healing process entails, no one to this day can take the memories of his humor and caring nature away. Dr. Peter’s was special with his, “Patient First”, mentality, which in the eyes of his colleagues and those who worked around him would say, is his legacy. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

The extended family at Ithaca Orthopaedic Group

To Dr Peters Family
I was so sad to heard this great man passed away he was my hero.I had my knee done by another dr he messed it up .I went to Dr Peters in binghamton. He looked at it and said I can fix it and he did I could walk again.Because of my illness i have trouble with my bones and joints he was always there for me . He also gave me his cell number so if I needed him I could get a hold of him .Even though I lived in Vestal no mater where he went I followed.His passing has left a big void in my life I now have no Dr that i trust to take care of me.I just thank him for the time I had to once again trust a dr.

Dear Jeff & MaryAnn,

I was shocked to read about Lance.
My Deepest Sympathy to all.
I am sure he is playing Ball already with Bear.

Susie

Dear Maryann and Jeff'
Our hearts are aching for you both. We wish we could reach out to hug you and cry with you, as we also feel your pain. Life is not fair that he should taken from you so soon. We so wanted to be there for you this week, but we also are grieving with the death Earll's mother, Alice, who died Sunday, Dec. 29 at age of 96 in Honeoye Falls. Her funeral will be Saturday 1/3. We do know your sorrow. May God bless and comfort you in this most difficult time.
Karen & Earll Fontaine

Dear Mr. and Mrs, Peters and family,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Lance. He has had storage with us since moving to Ithaca and we became friends. He frequently would stop in to chat, telling us about his wonderful family and especially talking about his grandfather, his farm and his tractors with us. This is a great loss to everyone.

To Lance's Loved Ones,

I am so saddened by the loss of Lance, and hope that the many kind words written by all here are some faint comfort to you. Without Lance, I think it is no exaggeration to say that SAE Cornell would likely not exist today. His tireless efforts on behalf of the fraternity were an inspiration to all. He was a great friend and mentor, and I had looked forward to seeing him in Ithaca reunion after reunion. I am so sorry that was not meant to be.

Yours,

Our deepest sympathy to family and friends of Dr. Peters. He will be greatly missed.

I have been at a loss for words for days now. I was a little sister at SAE, which became my home away from home at Cornell. Lance was my big brother and, for a while, my boyfriend. I was always amazed by his ability to infect people with laughter, no matter what else was happening. I have so many memories of him playing practical jokes on the other brothers--he gave and got equally well. He always treated everyone with respect and kindness. He knew how to bring people together who otherwise may never have been friends or met at all. I know he was a caring and talented doctor as well. I always felt priveleged to be a part of his life. The world is truly worse off for his loss.

Our deepest sympathies. May God watch over you during this time.

Dear Maryann and Jeff,

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Carol, Michael and Nicholas

Lance was a gifted surgeon. We
missed him very much. His untimely passing is a shock to all of us. His move from binghamton was felt by many. He has left us now with a bigger void.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peters and Eric,
We were devastated to hear the news of Lance's untimely passing. We knew him through SAE as well. We have so many great memories of Lance from Cornell. His leadership helped bring so many people together in college and his professional skills then helped so many people during his career. He will be sorely missed by the many people who knew him. You have our deepest condolences.
Cornell '89 and Cornell '92

To Lance's Friends and Family,

Please accept my most sincere condolences. Lance was a mentor and good friend to me at Cornell. He was equally adept giving advice on Chemistry homework as he was on how to navigate a fraternity party. I am pleased to see that Lance touched so many people beyond when I knew him. But I am not surprised.

Our families thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Peters' family in this time of sorrow. Dr. Peters operated on my 19 year old son Jeffrey after a terrible fall in which he broke every bone in his wrist. Dr. Peters was a gifted and talented doctor. He will be greatly missed.