| CONDOLENCES (GuestBook) |
3/29/2015 Peggy Fafara
Hooksett, New Hampshire, USA
It is with a very heavy heart that I offer my most sincere condolences to Peters' Family. It was an honor and privilege to call Peter "FRIEND". I am a better person today, having had the pleasure of knowing Peter Barnes. Peter will be missed.
3/31/2015 Judith Barnes
Lytle Creek, Ca.,
Peter was a dear sweet man God Bless him and family Judi
3/31/2015 Beth Allee (Gaffey)
Waltham, MA,
Peter will always be remembered for his walks to and at the beach in Oak Bluffs. I'm sure he is seeing Charlie in Heaven. So sorry for your loss.
4/1/2015 Margot Goodwin
Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
Thank you all so much for your support, for your loving and kind words and thoughts about Peter and about us, his family. Your love of and kindnesses to him, though so obvious during his lifetime, mean a great deal to us to see in your written word and telephone calls. Let us keep the joy in our memories of the healthy, happy, youthful Peter rocking happily on his "out-front-porch" in our minds and hearts. Please join us on "that" Waban Park, Oak Bluffs porch whenever you pass by. Compilation of Email Messages sent to Margot Goodwin in the days following Peter Barnes’s death on March 27, 2015: ***** I know that Peter's death has been a long time coming, but it is still very hard to believe. I have been thinking about him all afternoon with great sadness. I have so many memories from when we were all children - of Mansfield and the Vineyard and of Peter's unending warmth both towards us Ellis kids and towards my mother. She loved him very much and so did we. My most vivid image of him however, is more recent. And that is from the vacation Greg and I spent on the Vineyard a couple of years ago. Not knowing that anyone was there, we walked around Waban park so that I could take a look at the old house and we were surprised to find him and Sam sitting there on the porch. I will never forget the smile of pleasure that came over his face when he recognized me. And once he saw who we were, he welcomed us as if he had been waiting for us all afternoon. He was a rare and gentle person and I know he will be missed. My heart goes out to all of you. Much love, Sarah (Ellis Meredith), New York City *********** We are so sorry to hear the news of Sweetie Petey. He was and gave all that you say and more. No matter what, Petey had a dear heart and a great sense of humor. We think of you all and how you made every effort to always keep his well being part of your daily lives. Petey and I had a little thing we always said to each other when we met about rubbing our feet in a bucket of Vineyard sand all winter and placing a pretzel on the edge of our beer glass. He would laugh with his handsome squishy face. References from our old days at the Boston House. He will forever be in our hearts. Sally and Danny (Tanner) Vineyard Haven, MA ********** Oh Mum, what a dear man, who we all loved so very much. You are right, he did know that he was loved and cherished. I can't wait to see you and hold you tight and celebrate Peter all together over and over again. He gave each of us a gift to take along with us throughout life. Eyes too blurry, we'll talk later. You took such great care of our wonderful friend and uncle, made his days full of comfort, simple joys and ease. A true friend and sister to the end! All our love, Dana and family (Dana and Marin Street, Rowan and Mira) Vineyard Haven, MA ******** I hope an email is not too deplacé but you must be very busy right now. I just wanted to say that I was very sorry to hear about our dear uncle Petey's passing. He was like an uncle to everyone. The big house won't be the same without him. I know how important your presence and devotion had been to him until the very end. Thoughts, prayers and love to you and your family, Lots of love, Elina (Street), New York, NY & Vineyard Haven, MA ******************** I'm very sorry about Peter. He will be deeply missed by myself and everyone in the office. I know that each person that worked with Peter was very protective, supportive and regarded him like a family member. As did I. He was a wonderful man with a wonderful spirit. Bruce (McElvenny), Norwell, MA ******** How sad but how appropriate to have Peter's service on Good Friday and burial on Holy Saturday. To think he will celebrate Easter in heaven!! I know you will miss him but you will see him again and now you have a powerful intercessor working for you from Heaven. In union of prayer & hearts, Margaret (Mayhew Penicaud), Vineyard Haven, MA ***************** You gave Petey a wonderful life - letting him stay where he was happy. His life was good and brought goodness to all of us who knew him. There are few people who are so blest. We are still in Florida so we will not be able to attend Petey's service, but we will be thinking about him and you. Talk to you soon, Love from, Eva (Benedikt) and Walid (El Bermani) ******** I am so sorry. It must be very very sad days for you all. We are sending hugs and love. I am glad that the end was peaceful for Petey and that you were all there for him. He was a lucky man in many many ways. We hope to be there at the service on Friday. We both however have the flu. Johnnie just succumbed today and is now home. I assume we will both be better by Friday. Both of us being laid up was reminding of us the fierce flu we all had in Ireland! All of us but Neil I think? No need to revisit that.... But we had a few chuckles thinking back on our sick days in that little inn next to the sheep field in Dingle. Big hugs to you all. We are thinking about you. Love, Robbain (Robbin Bell and Johnnie Garrison), Sherborn, MA ******** Oh dear Margot! What a lovely description of Peter's 'departing in Peace'. You and your family provided the most loving presence for him that anyone could hope for, and he surely knew and appreciated it always, and to the end. We have marveled at your steadfast care for him. He was very lucky to have you for a sister. From all I heard, it sounds like he was lovingly prepared and ready to depart. I'm sure you'll miss him terribly. We will make every effort to join you Friday in Mansfield. Much love to you , Sweetie! Gwen (Noyes), Cambridge, MA ********** So for you a chapter ends and ends well. I read your wonderful description of the end, reflecting your deep love and connection. Much credit to you I'm sure for his many years of happiness. I'm sure he will be missed by many. Best, Art (Klipfel) ********* My dear Margot, Learning of Peter's passing, my thoughts are with you. Let me know arrangements. Much love, Hari (Kalsa), Newton, MA ******* Just a quick note Margot to tell you how much you are in my thoughts and prayers. Peter was such a sweet, kind and honest soul and I am sure very grateful for all the love and care you have given him all the way to the end both from a sibling’s point of view and a human being. Paix à son âme. May he rest in peace. Please extend my deepest sympathy to Rosalee and Sam. Je t’embrasse et te félicite encore pour t’être tant investie auprès des tiens. Marie Cecile (Antonelli-Street), Bourron Marlotte, France ********* We were so so sad to hear of Peter – please know that you (and the whole family) are in our thoughts. I thought the world of your brother – a good man and a good friend. He was such a big part of our lives here and such a key figure in the boys’ childhood that he will be sorely missed, but certainly never forgotten. Xo Love, Heather (and Jack and Willson Slayton) * * * **** I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much Peter meant to you and your family. I'm sure your heart is heavy this morning or whenever you open this. From my outside view, it seemed as if he lived a blessed life, even with his struggles, he had/has such a loving and devoted family around him, he was loved deeply:) Love you Margot, Robert (Sidoti) **************** I was sorry to hear from carol that your brother Peter passed away. I know it had been a long haul for all of you but still sad news. Will be thinking of you. Hoping spring may finally be around the corner and brighten up all of our spirits. Best, Kate Tabner, Greenwich CT (Carol Craven’s daughter-in-law, West Tisbury) ************* I wanted to call to tell you how sorry I am and send all my love and prayers to you and family...but knew you were probably inundated with phone calls... Peter was truly one of a kind...the most kind, loving, gentle human being there ever was and I was so happy to have worked with him and to have called him my friend. Rest in Peace Petey...as I wrote on Facebook..."Peter is now sitting on heavens porch looking out at the ocean, with a coors in hand, waiting for the sun to set on another "fantastic" day! We will miss you Peter" Let me know of anything I can do to make the planning of things go smoother. Hugs, Linda (McKenzie), Sheldonville, MA *********** the loss of a genuine, sweet and kind soul My heart is broken. Doreen (McCabe), Concord, MA ************** It certainly can be said that Peter lived a beautiful life; knowing him was a joyful experience-one that brought a smile with each encounter. We will always keep the image of him rocking on the porch with a Coor's Light in his hand close in our minds. We send our condolences to your entire family as you say goodbye to this dear soul. Love, Marsha (Slayton) and Jim (Clark), Cape Cod ********** To All of Peter's Family May God Have Mercy on His Soul and May He Rest in Peace. Amen We all know the person Peter was . He will be missed by all. Margot , I will see you Friday and Saturday. Michael (Dellorusso), Oak Bluffs, MA and Andover, MA **************** I am so sad to hear the news, as it will be hard for all those he left behind. But, I am rejoicing for Peter, who's been resurrected from his sickly body, and is now his old self - probably walking over to Jimmy's with Penny, for beer and pizza! Or, maybe on the beach at Oak Bluffs, chasing Penny! I am grateful and blessed to have had such a great friend and neighbor for all these years. Please call on me if there is any way I can help you. Sincerely, Margaret O'Connell ******************** Sitting on the porch with Peter last summer while he sometime dozed off,people would drive/bike by and wave.So I’d wave back if his eyes were closed . You took loving care of your brother for his whole life. Thanks for keeping me up . Please extend my condolences to your family. Love, Rich (Myers), Pasadena, California *************** We are so sorry. Memories of Peter are warm and loving and still very strong. Our love to you and the family. We’ll see you on Friday; let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Margie and Mark Hopkins ******* I'm very sad, as is Zoe and Cornelius. Petey was a very special human being and I love the fact that you reference his "rare and uncommon wisdom," because that is so true of him. I just called Zoe and she is changing her bus schedule to be able to be at the Memorial service with us in Mansfield. We are all planning to be there. I'm glad you decided to have him buried on MV, where his heart always was. I think we will visit his graveside when we're next there rather than go down to MV on Saturday, unless you need support. Let me know what I can do. Now is the time to lean if you need help! Thank you for your updates and the knowledge that he was in loving hands. Love, Rita and Zoe (Guastella and Cornelius Forsythe), Cambridge, MA P.S. Your mom and dad would be so proud of how you took care of him! It was spectacular! ************ I just saw your email with the sad news about Peter. Of course I knew him very little, but know how much he meant to you all, what a dear person he was and how lovingly he will be cherished. Good that he will be returning to rest to M.V. I will be thinking of you all on Saturday. Best love to Rosalee, Sam and yourself, Jim (Anderson), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil *************** I am so sorry to hear about Petey-the Vineyard will never be the same. He was a fixture on that porch and walking down the middle of the park back and forth to the beach. Some of my happiest childhood memories are hanging out with Pete and Tommy! My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family! Barry (N. Regan), Natick, MA *************** Dear Margot and Marin: I wanted to express my condolences to you both on the passing of Peter. This news was so impactful! I would see Peter only a handful of times each year and yet, I really felt a profound sadness and loss as though he was a member of the direct family. As you wrote in your email Margot, Peter was a great human being and MV will not be the same without him. He will be missed by so many folks. What a great legacy. How many of us can say the same about ourselves. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Peter, and the entire family. My immediate family is traveling to DC to visit our daughter this Friday so we will miss the memorial services. However, I am sure we will catch up and reminisce. Best to you both, John (Regan Jr. ) These Emails were Compiled on March 31, 2015 They were sent in response to my email below, to as many as I had addresses for, who knew Peter well. March 27, 2015 Hello dear ones, Our dear brother Peter died today at 2. He had two seizures on Monday, and then progressed rapidly downward from then till today's end in this world when he took his last breath. A kinder, more loving and innocent soul, with an incredibly rare and uncommon wisdom, would be difficult to find. I can honestly say he gave me more than I gave him throughout our lives as siblings and best friends. Peter was loved and cherished and hand held right through his final moments, and just three days ago when I said I loved him he said he knew that he was very much loved. He died in peace and comfort with many family loved ones at his side. One couldn't ask for anything more. We will have a service in Mansfield on Good Friday at 2 at the Congregational Church, with graveside service in Vineyard Haven on Saturday at 2. That's all we know for now. We thank you for being his dear friends...you were of those he knew loved him. With love, Margot, Rosalee, Sam *******************
4/2/2015 Margot
Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
Dear Margot: Karen passed along your email about Pete. I am so sorry. He was a beautiful person and I am lucky to have known him and to have him as my friend. He had a special way of savoring the best things in life. He was always cheerful and always honest. You said it perfectly, he had a "rare and uncommon wisdom". He brought out the best in everyone. I have great memories of Pete from my time on the Vineyard. I'll never forget him. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Joe Morris
4/2/2015 margot
Cambridge, Ma 02140, usa
Oh, Margot - Such a lovely note - so full of a sister's love. Truly - one could not ask for more in their departing from this world... He was lucky to have you - we are all lucky to have you and dear Peter in our hearts, in our memories. As long as all is well with my Dad (I head down on Thursday morning) I will see you Friday afternoon. love to you and yours, and the Angel Petey, Karen (Swanson)
4/2/2015 Claire Annese Watts
WELLFLEET, MA - Massachusetts, United States
Peter, a wonderful, very special young man who always made us smile growing up. He is my age and I, being a best friend of Dottie DeLutis, knew him well. Thank you for writing a wonderful story of his life. Love to you all. Claire Annese Watts
4/2/2015 Mark Hallett
Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
Dear Margot, Rosalee, and Sam - Our condolences on the passing of your beloved brother Peter. There are few words that can express to you and your family our sympathy, or that can be of any comfort to you at a time such as this. I am glad you and your family could be with Peter during the past few weeks. I'm sure he took great comfort in that. Our thoughts are with you and your family. The Hallett Family - Marta, Mark and Leslie, David, Karen
4/2/2015 Linda McKenzie
Wrentham, MA,
I considered it a privledge spending every Sunday and Monday for the past 6 years with Peter Barnes! Truly there was not anyone I knew who was blessed with the grace and manners that a wonderful upbringing provided this gentle man. I learned a lot from Peter the most of which was to appreciate every day and to live in the moment. I also got to know Martha's Vineyard intimately from going there in the summers and fell in love with this beautiful place he called home for many years and for that I am thankful. I am also thankful that thru him I was introduced to the most caring, thoughtful and wonderful extended family a person could have and want... and that I am now proud to call my friends. Peter was always up for anything be it a ride around "the chop" or being inindated with swarms of last minute company. Oh yes Peter loved people as much as he loved dogs of any kind. He adapted easily to the comings and goings of his girls that took the best care of him. He was easy to fall in love with and we did shower him with lots and lots of love. He was kind, thankful and appreciative in return...thanking us endlessly for even the smallest of deeds.. Every time I view a Sox, Patriots, Celtics or Bruins game I will think of him looking down from heaven and cheering them on! The heavens opened up the day Peter left this earth and Mr. Peter Barnes aka The Mayor has stepped on stage! One final remembrance is to share our going to bed routine: As he lay his head on the pillow Peter would say...this was a fantastic day! Me: yes Peter it was..now nighty night.. don't let the bed bugs bite...Him: Ok you too..I love you! Me: I love you more! RIP my dear dear friend!
4/2/2015 Caryl Desring(VanRanst)
oak Bluffs, MA, USA
Dear Margot, Sam, Trip, Beth & other family members: I have fond memories of Peter and Tommy walking, bicycling around OB & East Chop, laughing and having a good time...so kind and gentle to all. They were also good swimmers. Peter will be missed along with those who preceded him from the Barnes families. Take care and Peace, Csryl Dearing
4/3/2015 Renee Desper
Mansfield , MA, USA
Dear Sam, Margot,and Roselee, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Peter. The nine years I worked with him were among his healthiest and there was always something g un going on and a laugh to be had. On another sad note, my little dog Marley died on the same day, Friday March 27th and I like to think they met up with one another on the road to Heaven. Pals well met. Take care and please say hello to the ed ntire family.
4/4/2015 Michael DelloRusso
Oak Bluffs, Ma,
Peter was good pal. Many good times,swimming,chatting on the porch,rides to Menamsha,sitting on squid row bench,snacks at Lookout,many many memories.May God have mercy on his soul and may he rest in peace .
4/16/2015 Lorrie Cotterill Renker
Williamson, NY, United States
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Peter Barnes. I grew up in Mansfield in the 50's and 60's and lived on Martha's Vineyard in the 70's. I have fond memories of seeing Peter about town in both places. He always had a smile and took the time to chat. He touched the lives of many. RIP Peter.
4/19/2015 Ali Sullo
Cambridge, MA, USA
Peter Barnes, what a joy it was to see your beautiful, smiling face within the pages of the Vineyard Gazette. But what an awful sadness it was to learn of your passing. Our encounters in our OB neighborhood were many, initially at the Inkwell Beach, then on the Island Queen-you with Penny- and only last summer at Built on Stilts where we were happy to present to you our prize front row seats. One of the greatest pleasures we shared over the years was our mutual affection for one of our dearest Island friends, Connie Noyes. How thrilled we were that both you and Sam were able to attend the reception that we hosted in our home before Connie moved off Island. And more recently, how honored we were to participate in your birthday celebration on that lovely porch, where in the past we had enjoyed many pleasant conversations, and that afternoon came to know how well loved and cared for you were by your entire, incredible family and your expansive and varied set of friends. Peter, each time we pass by your porch, we will miss you terribly and we will remember you- with love--Ali and Rick Sullo, 45 Canonicus.