Robin and Pete Leahy at the Mt. Okemo Overlook
SME VT, June 8th and 9th, 2002
Photo by Sean Votier
Mike "Alf" Alofsin, Pete, and Wilbur Jones
Motorcycle Cruiser Reader's Ride, Skyline Drive, VA, May 26, 2002
Photo by Mark MacKinnon
The SabMag family, and indeed, the world in general, lost an extraordinary human being on June 24, 2002. I regret that I'd only known Pete a short time, having "met" him on-list around the middle of 2000. Pete soon became a frequent and welcome contributor to the list, his enthusiasm for his new sport evident to all. Pete was intelligent, funny, and especially generous in sharing his knowledge with the group. He never tired of explaining the "obvious" to newbies. And when, on (rare?) occasions, one took umbrage over a mild flaming and threatened to leave our merry band, it was Pete who took the time to email them off-list to convince them of the benefits of SabMagdom and gently adjust their attitudes.
I first met Pete and his lovely wife Robin in person at a PMS dinner early in the spring of 2001. The first thing everyone noticed about Pete was his smile: first, it was genuine; second it was permanent. If there's anyone out there that remembers a time when Pete wasn't smiling, I'd like to know! The next thing you noticed was his and Robin's devotion to each other. As passionate as Pete was about motorcycling, his family came first.
Pete was soon a regular attendee at all the local SMEs: The "Suzie-Q", SME-NOE 3, SME VT among others. He and Robin spent a late honeymoon at Americade 2001 in Lake George, NY. He also participated in many impromptu rides with the local 'Maggots, and was always willng to help with a maintenance project. Pete continued to post regularly to the list, and developed many close relationships off-list based on his hobbies of music and electronics.
No one was prouder than Pete when Robin passed her MSF and got her motorcycle license. Pete delighted in the task of finding her a suitable bike and, that accomplished, they rode together as often as possible. Teri and I often met them at the Biker Boutique and Café in Bridgewater, MA on a Sunday afternoon for a bite to eat and a ride. Robin joined the Women on Wheels chapter that meets there, and Pete became a supporting member.
In May 2002, I decided to travel to Virginia to ride a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway with the editors of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine and was thrilled when Pete said he'd join me (Teri was thrilled that I wouldn't be alone). Later, Alf joined us as well. We rode about 1600 miles together in 4 days and, as always, Pete was as good company as you could want. Watching the joy on his face as he experienced the BRP for the first time was the highlight of the trip. I wished I'd been able to attend SME VT, where Pete and Robin met some more 'Maggots for the first time; I'm sure they all came to appreciate Pete like the rest of us.
On Sunday, June 23, 2002, Frank Cantelmo, Teri, and I met Pete and Robin and their neighbors at the Boutique to see the vintage bike display and plan future rides together. Uppermost in their minds was the imminent birth of their first grandchild. Monday morning at work, I read Pete's last post, announcing the birth of his granddaughter with a link to pics of "Grandpappy Pete". That night, I learned he was gone.
Whenever 'Maggots gather around the fire at an SME, Pete will be remembered. After that trip to Virginia together, I'll always expect to see his headlight in my mirrors. When I'm tempted to flame or ignore a newbie, I'll think of Pete's welcoming spirit. Above all, I'll remember his smile and the joy he got from this sport we share. Ride in Peace, Pete!
Here's one of Pete's last posts, his SME VT Trip Report
Read list members Remebrances of Pete
Newspaper Articles:
