Peter P. Bodi

As a former student of Mr. Bodi’s (home room and math, ‘70-‘71), I have many fond memories of him, although quite different from those of Brian. To a stranger, he had a rather severe countenance, with piercing eyes. I witnessed him scolding a student in the hallway when I was in sixth grade, and he scared me. When I found out the following summer that he would be my seventh grade teacher, I was afraid to go to school. Well, the first lesson I learned was never to trust a first impression! He was a great teacher, nice, sometimes funny, always fair, who occasionally shared a personal story with us to help make a point. Thinking about him today, I was dismayed to discover that he has been gone from us for six years now.
I’ll also say that his wife (who would sometimes substitute for him) was a nice teacher as well, with a very different demeanor than Peter’s. I hope that she is doing well.

My name is Brian Shaoul. Mr. Bodi was my 7th grade math teacher back in the 1980-81 school year. I am currently an 8th grade special education teacher at Old Orchard Jr. High School and I love being a teacher there as I did love being a student there many years ago.

I was thinking about Mr. Bodi today because yesterday was 8th grade graduation for OOJH. As my students were leaving, we said our goodbyes, I know I will miss many of them, they will miss me, they will go off and make their mark in the world. Years will go by, they will reminisce about the past, and someday they will be doing the exact same thing I am doing right now.

Mr. Bodi was a special teacher to me. He also was a bicycle enthusiast. I was a part of his bicycle club. I learned many things from Mr. Bodi about bicycle mechanics that I have used until this day.

I also remember his love for Mr. Goodbars (the candy). He had the wrappers stapled in back of him on his bulletin board. The wrappers filled the entire five by five foot square wall (wow, what a sweet tooth)! We would always buy him a candybar for Christmas, on his birthday, or any holiday.

I also remember arm wrestling Mr. Bodi, and he would never let any of us win (with my students, it's push-ups).

I remember his red button up sweater, his blondish hair parted on the side, his wire framed glasses, and he used to have a saying, "open up that door Ritchie." He would say this when he was showing us the answer to a math problem. Many years later, as an adult, I heard a song written in 1947, by Louis Jordan called, "Open Up That Door Ritchie" and I thought to myself...that's where he got that phrase...lol.

Mr. Bodi was a very kind and giving man who cared about all of us, you could feel it. He was personable, when being a teacher, and being personable wasn't in fashion. That's the type of teacher that I am. I guess that's part of where I get it from.

I had found out that Mr. Bodi passed away when I spoke to a substitute teacher last May. I didn't think I knew this teacher when he introduced himself as Mr. Olson at the beginning of the school year.It wasn't until the school year was almost over, in May, when I finally realized that this Mr. Olson that was the long term substitute for one our P.E. teacher at Old Orchard, was actually Timothy Olson, my former OOJH health, drama teacher, teacher from many years ago (small world).

I would like to close by saying to the family that Mr. Bodi will always hold a special place in my heart because this is what good mentors do, whether they were teachers, pastors, big brothers, or simply people we look up to. They have a special quality of service, a calling to help, a need to want to give to others, and the recipients of their giving- they are the lucky ones. To the Bodi family, I am one of the lucky ones! Thank you for allowing me to share in your beloved Peter Bodi.

Grandpa, I only heard about your fall last month, it is terrible that I couldn't be there - the message wasn't clear on my mothers phone and I didn't know. You and my father taught me everything about our Finnish roots.

My heart and thoughts are with you. Barry's good friend for so many years. Their many walks and talks. .and such kindness and thoughtfulness. In the winter looking out the window and seeing Peter plowing 9our snow. Barry missed him when we moved. Now they are both enjoying eternal happiness. Blessings and lov, Donna

Peter will be greatly missed. What a great man. Our prayers are with you.

Dear Sonia and Family, my heartfelt prayers of support and comfort are extended to you all. I especially remember chatting with Peter during Souper Saturdays at First Pres. Church. What touched me was the way in which he cheerfully welcomed all the guests - being fed through this wonderful meal program. On those Saturdays - they were fed the nourishment needed to sustain them; and added joy that came deep from within Peter's heart! May the memories of the love you all shared for your beloved Peter bring you comfort. Prayers that our dear Lord surround you with His loving presence. Blessings, Nancy Wicklund and family