Peter G. Wannarka

Think of you often, Pete, and wish you were still here.

I still think often of Pete after all these years, most especially when I hear an Enya song. He introduced me to her music with a surprise Christmas gift of one of her cassettes. (It was the early 90s.) He was such a kind and generous man. I can still see his smile and hear his laugh. Always and forever in our hearts.

Pete was my cousin, I will miss him dearly. We had many talks about everything and anything, many stories to tell. He introduced my to my wife at Skatin World back in l982. I will always think of him when I see or hear airplanes. If anybody has any stories to tell, please feel free to pass them along to me and If anyone would have any extra photos they would like to send me of Pete I would be forever greatfull. Joe, Kim Wannarka

To Pete's Family:

Pete was a very good friend! Just thinking of him makes me smile. And that is how he will always be remembered.



Everytime I see a Victorian house, I think of Pete. He was always going to build one some day soon. Whenever I go to the men's department in Nordstrom's I think of Pete. I had him buy some real clothes there one time. You know, instead of the jeans and untied high top tennis shoes. Funny thing, was he always wore them to a funeral.



Whenever I see a black Toyota MR2, I think of Pete. I was always sure to check the soles of my shoes before I got into that car. And lordy, the cat prints on the car would drive him wild. I would always tease him and ask him if he was taking good care of 'my' car.



We used to have talks about his grandfather and the two of them horseback riding.



He loved talking about his father. He called him the strong silent type. He was most proud to tell me that his Dad had put in a landing strip on his propery so Pete could land his plane.



He adored his mother because, well just because. She took an interest in his flying and he could not have been happier.



We talked about him taking an interest in Martial Arts. He claimed that his older brothers used to tie him up on the farm when they were growing up and he needed a way to defend himself....we laughed a lot about that.



He spoke of his sister and how much he admired her and her family. When she was sick and in the hospital a few years back, he was so worried about her. Even after she had recovered, he would always keep an eye on her from a distance.



Pete will be missed, but remembered because he had such a positive influence in every life he touched.



May the Lord continue to show you favor, always.



Jacqueline Hatten

Pete:



We haven't been in touch for several years but I never forgot you! In fact, last week I was thinking about you and wondering if you were still at NWA. Of course, now I wish I'd asked Jeff for your e-mail address and written to you. I was going to, I guess I just waited too long. I'll have to stop doing that.



I always enjoyed my visits to MSP (yes, even in January!) in the early 90's when we were working on NW's automated bag tag project because all of you were such a pleasure to be with. But you, you were really special.



I remember how you used to meet me for drinks at the hotel bar and we would talk about the women in your life. Mostly I remember that they took advantage of your kindness and generosity and that I told you to pursue a better class of women! It would seem that you did just that, and I am sure that all of your friends and family take great comfort that you had someone special in your life.



You introduced me to Enya with her cassette that you gave me for Christmas. I remember it so well - we were driving in your car from one NW building to another (and it was SO... COLD!) when you gave it to me. I was so touched especially since I was after all just a pesky vendor! I am listening to it now, though it's a bit worn from use.



But you know what I remember most of all? Being your second date at the IS Christmas party! Remember that? I was going to be in town at the time so you all invited me. You already had a date but I needed a ride so you volunteered. You thought it was hilarious that you had two dates that night! I was impressed by the kindness and tolerance of your other date, especially since, with only two seats in your car, it meant she had to drive herself. I think her name was Christy? Anyway, if you're out there, know that I appreciated you very much! I had great fun that night!



And, dang, I hope you didn't shoot that cat for leaving paw prints on the hood of your car!



When you get settled, look around for Pepper. He's been up there since 1995 and he'll be happy to introduce you to all his friends. He's the little black one with a cropped tail. Oh, and he'll be wanting a milk bone... Or two...



Or three...



I will always remember you!

- Suzanne



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To Pete's Family:



The entries in this guest book are the strongest testimonial to Pete's contribution to his world during his short life. He was all the best things: kind, generous to a fault, energetic, inquisitive, curious, selfless, spirited, caring, courageous...



I can't imagine how his lost must have hit you but please know that he had a meaningful impact on all who knew him.



Pete's passing is compelling evidence that the good all too often die much too young.



Please take comfort knowing that he was loved and will be missed by many.



With heartfelt regards,

Suzanne Shaps



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To Carly:



We never met but you must be very special to have captured the heart of such a wonderful man. His life was richer for your having been in it and he will always be with you.



Though it will take time for the pain of his loss to ease, I hope that pain will soon be overshadowed by the comfort for his having been in your life.



Warmest regards,

Suzanne Shaps

My deepest sympathy goes out to you in this time of loss.



I knew and worked with Pete for twelve years and NWA and knew him to be one of the most caring and giving of individuals. His passing came as a tremendous shock.



His love of life and adventure were always a wonder and I will recall fondly many talks about those adventures.



May he rest and peace and may you know that Pete was loved and will be missed.



Sincerely

Dale

My sincere sympathy goes to you, Pete's family and friends. It was a shock to learn of his sudden passing, particularly at such a young age. Pete will certainly be missed here at Northwest Airlines. I had the good fortune to talk with him about work issues from time to time. It was always a pleasure. Best wishes during this difficult time.

In Tribute To Pete:



High Flight



Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;



Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence.



Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.



Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace



Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod



The high untrespassed sanctity of space Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.



Poem by:

To The Family & Friends of Pete Wannarka



Pete was a special person; a friend to those that he came in contact with, always willing to help those in need. A true patriot, who had a love and passion for adventure. He is now engaged in his greatest mission.

I had only known Pete for a short time as a new addition to NWA Radio Communications. A good man! A sad loss.



Jeff Pritchard

Please know that Pete was loved and respected by many people. I have known Pete since 1996. We traveled together, worked together and sat on the IATA Luggage Committee together. We even managed to cause a little ruckus every now and then. I cannot express how deeply my family and I regret the loss of your son. We would like you to know that our prayers are with you. Pete touched my heart and life, as I know he touched many others. I am happy that he found someone to share the last part of his life with. AND you should know that your son loved both his mom and dad and spoke of his love for you on many occasions. May God Bless and Keep you forever in his hands and heart.

Sincerely,

Vivian Tanniehill and Family

Larry Latimer

Sydney Latimer

Sonja Latimer and the Grandsons

Xavier, Manny and Ameer.

Having known Pete only a short time, I can truely say he was a genuinely caring person and a pleasure to work with at his job.



God Bless!

So many of us have lost a true friend. While we struggle to make sense of it, we will always have our memories and stories to share to keep Pete's memory alive. His Wings of the North friends will remember him this summer with a special missing man formation during the show. It's our way of saying thanks for being our friend. We will never forget you. May your last flight be blessed with tailwinds.

God bless you.

Dear Pete,

You will always be remembered as a really sweet person. Thanks for all the talks we used to have. Hope the flying in Heaven is as exciting as it was here on earth.



To Pete's family,

Please know that Pete was a wonderful, caring person. He was always dedicated to his work and play. Our prayers are with you in this sad time.



Teresa Blossom

My husband Howard and I want to express our deepest sympathy to Pete’s family. Pete was a wonderful, caring and generous person and he will be deeply missed. I worked with Pete at NWA and truly enjoyed his great sense of humor. Pete left us with great deeds that we will always treasure. It was an honor and a pleasure to have Pete Wannarka as our friend. We pray that God will give you the strength to endure this terrible loss.



Arlene and Howard Kurs

To Pete's family & friends:

He will be missed by alot of people. I meet Pete in Memphis and will not forget his friendliness and how he helped me so many times with problems. I also will miss the talks we had about his flying and the plane. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort in this time of loss.

My sincerest condolences to Pete's family. Pete helped me over a very rough time when I lost my best friend to cancer. Pete was rough and tumble on the outside, but oh how caring and sweet on the inside. Always willing to go the extra mile for a friend and yes, even for those he never even knew. He made a difference in my life and I will always be greatful.

To Pete's Family,



He never was too busy to help someone in need of a favor. He shared his talents with everyone. I enjoyed his stories about the old planes they moved out of state to his horse stories.



Pete was one of the most enjoyable persons I've had the privilege to know. He took me flying as a Birthday Present and what a great experience. I'll always remember his kindness and thoughtfulness for others. He made sure that I never had to get into a car that was too hot or too cold once he found out I was sick he would go out and start my car for me. You will be missed on this earth.



Pete I send my prayers to God for you and your family today.



I'd like to thank you for such great memories while we worked togehter at NWA.

To Pete’s Family and Many Friends: I’m thinking of you with sympathy and hoping the future will heal the shock and pain we are feeling. I also was touched by Pete’s gifts of generosity, kindness, work ethic, and especially that great booming laughter. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Pete's family and friends. I worked with him for many years at NWA. You could almost always count on his cheerful demeanor to brighten your day. He worked hard but always had time for a smile and a laugh. God bless.

I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Pete Wannarka. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the honor and privilege of working with Pete these past few years here at NWA. I very much enjoyed working with Pete for his enthusiasm for the job was contagious. Pete had an adventurous soul and was a great colleague and friend. He will be sorely missed.



Pete, I guess you now know where to find that missing propeller. God Bless You My Friend!

Pete, I will really miss our talks about Warbirds and flying. Thanks for taking me up in the BT, it meant a lot to me and I'll never forget it. I'm glad you were my friend, I'm a better person for having known you.

I'll think of Pete every day as I drive into the NWA parking lot. His Bronco stood out and was noticed because it was parked as far as possible from the door (symbolic in retrospect of Pete's spirit and individuality ... he wore his pony tail proudly). I am going to miss that character.

Was always a pleasure to work with Pete. Many of us in IS will remember him in our own special ways. Mine will be the cheerful way he approached every question I asked. His humor was above all was the best, as was his attitude towards people he worked with. Pete, you will be missed.



Mic

He took work seriously, but Pete was one of those rare individuals who could make you laugh. I don't know if he ever realized what a unique gift that was. I'll miss his raiding the gumball machine, telling him to tie his shoes, his tales of flying and sailing, and his ability to enjoy the moment. Pete was one of the most generous people I've ever known, and when thinking of him there's always been a word that comes to mind that you don't often apply to many people..he was chivalrous. Pete, you'll be missed.

To Pete's family,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I only met Pete once, through Chad, and what a kind man he was. Although he had a tough time remembering my name, I know that he always asked how I was doing. :)



From the notes posted and by the kind words Chad has spoken of Pete, it is evident that this man had such an impact on so many. Let this help to comfort you during this sad time.



It's time to fly with God now Pete, have fun!



Ketti Nolte

Pete was a great friend with a big heart. Never one to go 'halfway', he threw himself into everything he did, and took great pride in 'doing it right'. This was true in his many personal pursuits, as well on the job.

Pete was someone I could trust with my life (and did, more than once). I will miss him greatly, and am proud to have known him.

Highlander,

From the first day you walked into POF we knew you were something special. Little did we know that it was your big heart that would win us over. May God bless you and your family.

Anchors Aweigh my friend.

"Slick"

I will always remember Pete as a man who cared, and lived his life to the fullest. He was straightforward, quick to smile and laugh - a goodhearted soul. He will be missed. My prayers are for comfort to those closest to him.

Pete we will miss you and never forget the great times we had flown together and when you got me this job at Northwest Airlines, we had great talks and was always fun to be with, God be with you and the family and friends of pete.



Always your friend Pete,



Adam Vycital

Pete had such a thirst for life and all it had to offer. He was a very generous soul. Pete knew more than anyone I knew about flying, martial arts and was a real patriot. Pete and I worked together at NWA on a couple of projects in the mid 90's when NWA was getting ready to do ticketless travel.

You have my sympathy. Pete will be missed. We will be poorer for his absence.

To a dear friend who will truly be missed...along with his adventurous stories, his smile, and his great sense of humor. Condolences to the family and God Bless!!

Pete, I'm sad for all of us that you are gone from earth, but glad for you that you are now happily doing the ultimate form of flying. You touched and mended the hearts of many during your short time here. Now rest well.

Hey Pete, Hope your flight plan is clear, blue skies. Thanks for the lunch time conversations.

Pete you were the truest friend one could have. You were always there making sure I was being taken care of and also there many times when I needed you.

I will miss running into you on the nature paths, and around the lakes... who will pick me up when I fall?! But, I do know you will always be there watching over all of us.

Thank you for the laughs, talks and pictures you shared, plus your hopes and dreams. I hope I was as good a friend to you as you me. I will miss you dearly, I guess the Angels needed you more and I'm sure you are flying with them now. God Bless to your family and special friend!

I started work at Northwest on the same day as Pete. We went through NWA orientation together, and I've worked with him on and off over the years. What an adventurer and individual! Precise, opinionated, knowledgeable, and outlandish! His flying stories were a combination of his passion for living and an insight into his carefulness and planning. He put flashers on his Bronco so he could LEGALLY stop on a roadside to help a stranded stranger! A man of big heart and living noble examples. He is missed!

Condolences for the family.



God bless Pete's soul!

Pete and I worked together for 7 or 8 years at NWA. We worked together on a project where it required that we go up on the cat-walks above the hangars at NWA. I wasn't fond of the task at hand but it never bothered Pete! Pete had a zest for life that few others possess. He always had adventures whether it was at work, with his flying, or sailing. Pete had a very kind heart and always tried to help people. There are few others like him. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

To a friend and co-worker who will be sadly missed, you loved to fly those big ol' airplanes and now will be able to soar above the clouds and live your dreams to the fullest.

Pete, I will never forget every time I seen you in the cafeteria how you would always had to have a dessert with your lunch. You picked the best ones. I will remember all of your adventurous stories. You will be missed!

My condolences to Pete’s family. Pete was of sound character and had the good work ethics of a boy raised on the farm. I’ll always remember the times we spent at work, on the splat ball field, in the sky and shooting clay pigeons on the farm. Pete made a difference.

I worked with Pete on the initial beta testing of the RF Scanning application in Memphis, in the mid 90's. It was always a pleasure to work with Pete. Because of Pete's encouragement, I took a position at the NWA Helpdesk. Thanks Pete! Soar with eagles.

I worked with Pete quite regularly at NWA with the wireless infrastructure, collaborating on various plans to implement procedures.



What I miss most about Pete is the hairs being raised on my neck as he stood fast to stop me from getting crazy with his wireless setups. His abilities to stay focused and endure hardships were some things I respected and admired.



I'm going to miss his talks about planes, martial arts, and other facts in a way that only he could present. He is still a coworker I admire and always will.



"Safetrac" will miss you Pete, no matter how hard of a time we gave you. :) We'll go now, and think of you whenever I hear a propeller roar up towards the wild blue yonder. God bless you, man.

Pete you will be missed my friend. You always went out of your way to say hi to me and my family. I'm glad to have known you for the 6 short years since POF. Skys the limit, Take it to the max as you always did. Take care Highlander, See you in the wide blue younder.

Pete, you have been a dear friend and colleague.May blue skies always grace your course and God bless, you will be missed by all of us who had the privilage to know you. Kathleen.

My condolences to the Family. God Bless.

I have a lot of great memories with you, Pete and I am fortunate to have shared a common passion of flying with you. I thank you for those memories and will think of you often. I look forward to the day we can fly together again, in heaven.

I'll always remember your enthusiam and your ability to live life to the fullest. You will be missed. I know that even in death, you'll still find a way to live your dreams.

God’s speed and blue skies Pete