Peter Begin

Begin
Peter Begin , Born in Montreal, Canada, raised in Brooklyn and Brentwood Long Island, Peter succumbed to cancer on November 11, 2010 one month before his 68th birthday at the V A Hospital on Long Island where his family resides. After graduating from Brentwood High School he joined the U. S. Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio as a medic. His interest in medicine was tweaked and his lifetime habit of caretaking was born. Moving to Houston in the early 70's, he was employed by Baylor College of Medicine for 18 years and operated the bookstore supplying books to students and medical and office supplies to doctors.
Diagnosed with ADD at an early age and basically self educated, Peter had an innate intelligence and constant quest for knowledge. His mountains of books can testify to his interests: philosophy, history, (ancient and modern) biographies of historic figures, and all of the classics. He could expound on any subject but you wouldn't want to hear his takes on today's politics.
Peter was beyond generous when it came to helping others. The needs of others always came before his. To Peter lending a helping hand meant lending his heart and soul in all of his endeavors and he never expected reciprocation, it was loyalty that mattered to him.
Endearingly eccentric with a zany demeanor, Peter never really left the 60's and 70's. His creed of "Love and Peace" and "Live and Let Live" endeared him to all and lasted a lifetime. His love of classical music and composers did not deter him from having his favorite artists from the 60's and 70's - Dylan, Neil Diamond (Solitary Man), Linda Ronstadt, (Heart Like a Wheel), the Eagles (Desperado) and all the works of Anne Murray and Emmy Lou Harris. Peter was the life of any party ? a dancing machine with a kinder, gentler, George Carlin-esque wit and he was always chasing rainbows.
Peter and his life-mate of 32 years, Raymond, moved to the Cherryhurst Park Community in Montrose in 1982. There it became Peter's mission to clean out and groom the park that had been in neglect for many years. He began planting flower beds and confiscating uprooted crepe myrtles from demolition sites. Peter planted most of the crepes that now thrive there. Grass was laid and diligent watering was done by extending hoses from bordering houses. The Parks department took notice and came aboard to complete the project. This resulted in a newer safer playground and refurbishment of the civic clubhouse. An irrigation system and lighting throughout the park were installed. The park in now a public, peaceful green space for everyone to enjoy.
As Peter arrived home in the afternoons, the animals in the hood-dogs on leashes-cats-not would rush his van to grovel his attention. It would take him 15 minutes to get into the house as each awaited its special pat and words of encouragement. There was even a one-legged grackle, shunned by its flock, which would come down from its perch to Peter's "Grackle call" to be hand fed. Trust the animals, they know more than we give them credit for. For all of the household pets in Peter's life (and there were many) there were none that did not feel Peter's warmth as he cradled them to their last breath.
So many people sought Peter's council and those undergoing emotional stress could count on his words of wisdom and understanding to guide them through it. His goodbyes were always followed by the words "Be good to yourself" - words that he didn't always heed himself. There was a need in him to care for the elderly and he was there at the end for many of them. Holding, comforting them and channeling his spirit to them. This was something Raymond was not able to provide to Peter since all communications were cut off by Peter's family for unexplained reasons.

Follow the song of the summer sun
Wander with me where you go
Ten thousand dreams-I know everyone
A million more is what I'm hoping form
For isn't love what we live to know?

Where were you when you were young?
Did you hide behind whoever tried to please you?
Where were you when you were young?
Did you have eyes just to ignore me?
Or, were you looking for me?

And tell me how long before you believe me
The summer sun still loves the rain.
Ten thousand times you may leave me
A million more is what I'm hoping for
For doesn't love bring you home again?
Anne Murray, 1979
Peter will be missed by numerous friends, both human and four legged. Please raise a glass to Peter or take a comforting stroll in Cherryhurst Park as no formal memorial is planned.