Peter Camejo

I extend my condolences to Mr. Camejo's circle of family and close friends.

While I was not privileged to meet Mr. Camejo, I have enormous respect for what I learned about him when he ran for Governor of California. As a Californian, a progressive, and a person who regards myself as a critical thinker, I feel that I owe Mr. Camejo a debt for his vision, courage, and commitment.

I was glad to hear that Mr. Camejo completed the writing of his autobiography before he died. I look forward to reading it.

Pete was a very dear friend. Throughout high school we were practically inseparable. Together we formed the One World Society and became politically activve. We also formed a dance band. Pete was a pretty good coronet player.

I was at Pete's house when his grandfather came for a visit and asked Pete his name. He said, "Peter Camejo." "No," his grandfather said, "your proper name." "Oh, Pedro Miguel Camejo." "No, your full name." "You mean with all the grandmothers?" "Yes. I will write it out for you and you will learn it and recite it to me after lunch."

Pete and I took the paper and he two of us worked over it for about an hour. After lunch, his grandfather said, "What is your name?" Pete said it correctly, "Pedro Miguel Camejo Guancho Octovio Augusta Revilla Anzola Espinosa." [phonetic].

We lost touch with each other after high school. I tried to contact him when I learned about his candidacy but no one in new york or san francisco would help me. Finally I sent a letter to the SWP with his full name. I got a call from Pete.. "Dave??" How in the world did you remember my name? You butchered the spelling but got it right phonetically. You must not have written it down!"

We got together during his cointelpro activities at the home of a movie star and had a great reunion. I regret that I had not pursued our friendship. I often thought fondly of him. He was a beautiful human being. He will be missed.

David Leonard [email protected]

Peter, you will be sadly missed, a spoke in the wheel to fairness and justice has gone missing. We will struggle on, but you will always be in our thoughts.

You dared to think, to be other than the ordinary. God bless you.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.