I called my mom today and asked to talk to my dad on the phone. I’ve never talked to him on the phone a lot, the only time he’d ever call me was when my mom was out of town and he was lonely. He doesn’t like the phone very much. I told him all about what’s happening tomorrow and asked my mom to show him the website. His voice sounded happy and that made me happy.
I don’t know why I’m nervous. I know I shouldn’t be. I know in my heart that this is what I’m supposed to be spending my time on. I’ve gotten so much joy from sitting at the computer building this website and meeting with Kim to file non-profit status and setting up a real, live professional bank account (we’re legit, folks). It has done my heart so much good to reflect on him and on his life and to go back in time to a life that was a lot simpler. I’ve absolutely LOVED hearing the stories from so many people about how their lives were impacted by him. I cannot put into words how that’s affected me. So, thank-you from the bottom of my heart.
If you’re interested in helping out by volunteering some time to help us get this thing off the ground, please, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
So, with a happy heart and more pride than I know what to do with, here we go.
This one’s for you, Daddy. I love you with all my heart. I’m so incredibly proud to be your daughter.
Mr. Pete Foundation 
Your father was an amazing teacher. Willing to reach outside the box with each new group of students he had. My first year teaching in International Falls he and I had a 4th -6th grade math collaboration. Grouups of my kids studied and taught his kids a math lesson. Both my children benefitted from his teaching… and they are prospering very well! He also taught the kids to be independent… he is a good man!
Thank-you, Kim. I LOVE hearing these stories!!!!
He was so fun to watch in the classroom. And he was that way every single day at home with me. They don’t make them much better than that guy, I’m sure of that! Thanks much for the message š
Gina, thank you so much for doing this website. There are so many past students that ask about your wondeful dad. I loved those MAC years of teaching with him. We had so much fun and I learned so much from him. He was a teacher that would have remembered every little thing about his students–he was an amazing teacher. I’m not a technology person–just do it because I have to. I will help you in whatever way I can–I have so many times thought about calling your mom and asking her how I can help. Your dad was such a great teacher and this website will really assist his students in how they can support or help in any way. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Shelby dowty
Shelby – those MAC years were his favorite. He was so proud of that. Stop out and say hey to him someday, I bet he’s love that! š
I love Mike and Renee…Nellie comes to the vet clinic, which is where I got to know them. He is so funny and sweet. She is such a beautiful, strong woman. I will do anything you need to help this foundation..
Mr. Pete was my daughter’s 4th grade teacher. She and her group of friends just graduated from high school yesterday. When reminiscing about school memories, Mr. Pete was at the top of the “favorite” list. We will never forget when he showed up at the girls’ hockey game in Ft. Frances to watch this group of kids play. They almost stopped the game…they were so thrilled he was there! But that was the kind of teacher he was…he cared about his kids and took an interest in their lives. His teaching style allowed his students to soar…and they felt cared about , yet pushed to go as far as they could go. I am a teacher and still aspire to teach with the finesse, creativity, and passion that he had. He will always be ” the bar” for those of us that taught along side him. What an amazing thing you are doing in his honor. I would love to help in any way !
Teaching was never a job to him. If I had a nickel for every night and weekend I spent at that school, I’d be rich. But hearing all of these stories makes me so proud to have been there smearing Tri-tex all over stuff for most of my childhood š
Your Dad is awesome Man ,1 of thee best Teachers there at Alexander baker school in the late 1970s Tell Mike I think of him everyday
I will tell him! Thank-you so much!!!
I met your mom and dad at the vet, when they got Nellie. Ohhh…that silly dog! What a great addition to your family!!!!! Your dad loves coming to see us, he is so sweet and makes me smile every time he walks through the door! And your mom…my goodness, what a beautiful, strong woman. She always smiles that lovely smile, and looks at your father like they are falling in love for the first time. That is what I see, Anything I can do..any way I can help…I am in.
Nellie has changed both of their lives. She’s an amazing little thing… an old soul. She cracks me right up. He was at my house for the weekend a month or so ago and he asked where that dog was about THREE THOUSAND times! And THANK-YOU for the kind words about my mom as well. That woman is the toughest person I’ve ever known.
You should be very proud of your Dad, he is a good man and was an incredible teacher.,
He was kind and cared about his students.. I was in his class in 7th grade, (many years ago)
and I was being bullied by some girls in the class, he took the time to notice, kept me after class
to make sure I was ok and made sure that I knew that if I needed him to help in anyway, that he would.
I will NEVER forget his kindness… A little late heartfelt thank you to you Mr. Peterson:)
Yeah, Mr. Pete didn’t take well to bullying! Thanks for the message š
I grew up with your Father hunting at Manitou.We had some good memories.Derr stories,watching him play hockey for his beloved Broncos in the Fort Frances arena before we had one Those memories are etched in my soul forever
Ahh, makes me smile! Thanks much!
Hey Gina. What a wonderful tribute to your Dad,I know he is very proud of you. I remember all the fun times you and Amy had growing up together! Your Dad had such an impact in Stephanie’s life and I feel that his teaching style and the MAC class really made a difference in her academic skills. She really blossomed with him as her teacher. Olivia loved the fact that her teacher was also her neighbor!! Please let us know how we could be of assistance to you. Terry King
Ahh, Terry, I have so many wonderful memories of Amy … and your cabin. So much fun!!! We miss having you as neighbors! We will keep you posted as things progress. So much love and support the last few days, does my heart so much good!
Your dad was an AWESOME teacher! He was my teacher way back in the 70’s- I have had many many teachers since him, but none that impacted me the way he did. I didn’t like school very much, but now I realize he took the time to figure out what I would be good at and “bribed” me with a lead role in the Christmas Play to get me to come to school. I have accomplished much since then, but give all the accolades to your dad for teaching me that I could do it!! One of my skills today is organizing and planning events- so if you have the need for any assistance in the area please let me know!
I enjoyed working in your dad’s room. He was an AWESOME teacher. He even taught me some math tricks that made math fun. The kids absolutely loved him for a teacher. He was kind, caring and honest.
Gina, Love the website! What a wonderful tribute to your dad. I have so many memories…love your mom, dad and you girls. You all were all a big part
of my families life. Bill and I would like to donate to the silent auction and volunteer if you need help. Please email me with details.