User Tools

Site Tools


stories:farewell_friend

Farewell Friend

.

Farewell Paddle for Peter 6/11/2023

.


Farewell

Kimberly Reeves Jan 28 #33076

Today our paddling community lost a giant. We lost a friend, coach, mentor.. the glue that kept us together and reminded us to give back to the greater Bellingham community. Peter Marcus was so many things to all of us and our community will miss him dearly. Maybe we can use this venue to post our thoughts, memories, stories about Peter that enriched our lives.

See you in the stars dear friend ❤️

Brandon Nelson Jan 28 #33078

Peter Marcus has no equal, and I will forever remember him as one of the most giving and selfless people I have ever met. He was the ultimate force multiplier of our paddling community, and every one of us is better for having known him. His amazing daughters are a fitting legacy for a man that was bigger than life.

Rest in peace, Peter. You will always be loved.

Brandon Nelson (from my iPhone) 360-319-0696

allipp@…Jan 28 #33079

Agreeing with Brandon. Peter did more for paddling around here than anyone. Not even close. Aloha Peter, you will be missed.

Reivers Dustin Jan 28 #33080

Heard this morning that he was moved to hospice facility - given a short time left. I have not heard more. But for several weeks I've been looking at all that he was to what we are. It's hard to realize the whole thing. Part of the deal here is maybe people think I had an influence in making this group … I dunno, more of a group. That big, quiet man did more than me by far.

It feels too raw right now to put a lot of stuff on this group site. It feels like a pause would be more respectful of his team that has worked so hard to carry him through this time. I'm thinking of his daughters, his close people. I'm grieving, but nothing like his circle who knew before I did what was being lost.

rd

Jonas Ecker Jan 28 #33081

Peter will truly be missed.
He played such a big part in all of our paddling journeys and all of us are better for have knowing him. I am thankful for everything Peter has done and we will be feeling his impact forever.

Jonas Ecker

David Scherrer Jan 28 #33082

Rest in pease old friend. A generous and big hearted fellow. Sharing with us the love of the sea and sky. This clear beautiful day, an ode to your sprit.

Denise Weeks Jan 28 #33084

Peter welcomed me (and Paul) into this community and was always so encouraging and supportive. I am blown away thinking about all that he did for paddling and paddlers over the years—well before we came along. How will we stop looking for his truck in the parking lot? As Reivers said, it is hard to put it all into words right now. I look forward to hearing stories and laughing with all of you when we can gather to celebrate his life.

Here’s one fine memory out of a gazillion you all must have. Clean shaven!

peterpic.jpeg

Michael Lee Jan 28 #33085
Well said, Brandon. We are so fortunate that Peter lived his life among us. He made our community a better place.

Rest in peace.

ewermus@…Jan 28 #33086

I was and still am amazed by how many events and traditions Peter created throughout the year. Heavy heart.

Michael Gregory Jan 28 #33087

So many memories of Peter over the years. One in particular. I’d showed up for a Paddle For Food race, shortly after a big life stressor, feeling dazed. Peter, without hesitation, said “we’re partners today Mike”. That’s our true champion.

May the wind always be at your back my water brother. MG

beau whitehead Jan 29 #33090

Posting this for Pete Wells:

Whatcom Paddlers:
I just wrote my nieces Heidi & Kari informing them of Peter's passing. He coached them when they swam for the Bayside Swim Club while they were in middle school. They both loved sports, and competed in swimming and basketball at Sehome, and continued with basketball all the way through college. So I was impressed when Kari once mentioned that of those that coached her all through those seasons, it was Peter who really made her want to be at her best.
So while I was impressed with this compliment to Peter… after I thought about it, it really was no surprise. Isn't that what he instilled in us all…. to be our best! Peter may have passed away, but what he left us with will make us better for as long as we carry on. I will miss him dearly.
-Pete Wells


Tom Swetish Jan 29 #33091

A few years ago, Scoggins took me out on a flatwater slog on the bay. On the way back, I was suffering and questioning my life choices when a big aluminum boat pulled up and with perfect position and perfect speed, set up a wave train for us for us to ride. As we surfed back to the harbor, occasionally Peter would come out from the wheelhouse, look back at us, take a sip of coffee, and smile.

Pretty sure there’s a metaphor in there somewhere.

Paul Reavley Feb 1 #33092

Peter had more irons in our community fires than I can even count. Then he also had his work, liked to compete, and seemed to keep a watchful eye on the bay particularly when it was rough.

Here are a few memorable examples that were reported on Whatcom Paddlers:

Peter rescuing kayakers on the bay: https://surfski.wiki/stories/yeah_ve_been_kayak_before

Peter and his company's contribution to the Deepwater Horizon cleanup: https://surfski.wiki/stories/deephorizon_2010

Peter's excellent account of racing across the Pailolo channel : https://surfski.wiki/races/pailolo_challenge_2018

Kevin Olney Feb 1 #33093

We have all been saddened by the loss of one of our dearest members. Peter was at the heart of this community. His kindness and encouragement welcomed so many new paddlers. His determination and fortitude inspired his peers and rivals.

Beyond being a fierce competitor, he was an organizer, a teacher and a leader. Peter was a big influence on me as a paddler and as a person. I’m grateful to have spent time with him on the water and in life.

I hope everyone will continue to share their thoughts and stories about Peter here on the message board. I know everyone processes things in their own way. For me it was a lot of reflection and remembrance in solitude at first. Once I was ready, I was able to open up and feel the emotions everyone else was going through. Being able to connect with and support each other is a blessing we have in our paddling community.

One more note, I think it’s ok to talk about other topics too. Discussing VHFs, or new GPS watches, or stroke technique videos won’t trivialize Peter’s memory. His legacy will remain firmly embedded in Whatcompaddlers tradition for years to come.

Cheers Peter Marcus, you will never be forgotten

Peter Marcus

Larry Bussinger Feb 2 #33099

I want to add to Peter's tributes of a life well-lived but am paled by the accuracy and eloquence of those who wrote before me. I'm going to write anyway…for my own healing. I thought of myself as pretty stoic and knew his passing was coming, but I find myself gut-punched anyway. The comments honoring Peter and his caregivers are humbling and give one pause about how we live our own lives. What are my ethics, and my awareness and treatment of those I love and those around me? It seems even in death that Peter is still inspiring.

Larry B

Peter Memories

Tom Halsted Feb 3 #33129

I think that Larry B's thoughts on Peter catalyzed me to talk about him. For awhile, I shut down my desire to express grief or much heartfelt empathy and condolences, when people I cared about began dying - many of them from cancer.

The hell with that - the cat's out of the bag, so here goes -

I first met Peter at a Wednesday Night Race, where I mainly learned how to fall out of surfskis [a lot], while many of you - and Peter - offered occasionally sincere suggestions.

Over the years, Peter gave me help on staying upright, proper gear-use, effective paddling techniques, where to find boats to try out, and most importantly, how to loosen up and have fun!

Once able to stay upright more often, I really enjoyed participating in the races and fund-raising events that he organized or ran - all while still managing to race and talk smack with the rest of us.

He mentored many of us or our kids, was generous with his time, humor, and compassion, and truly cared about all of his friends, family, and our community. The world is a better place because of him, and those who knew him miss him terribly.

Thank you, Riley, Alex, Julie, and everyone in our paddling community for sharing him.

Rest in peace, my friend. I only met you 10 years ago but you made a difference in my life.

Tom Halsted

Derek Buse Feb 3 #33130

Peter was a great ambassador for our sport and community. My earliest memory of Peter was my first Wednesday night race on Whatcom. I had no clue what was going on or even which side the ama was supposed to be attached to. I was fumbling around with my borrowed gear over in the grass putting on a show like I knew what I was doing. The usual groups were socializing and BSing pre race as it normally happens. Peter spotted me from a mile away. He saw a new face in the Bham paddling world and walked over to greet me. He gracefully navigated the potentially awkward conversation regarding boat safety, and my ability to self rescue in the event of a huli (my recollection was that this encounter was early March and water temps were still down), but once he was satisfied with my self described abilities, he began welcoming me to the community as only he was able to do. He invited me to Monday intervals, which were scheduled to start up in a few weeks. He also asked if I was on a ski to sea team yet.

I'm pretty sure that he hung way back in the race that night, making sure that I rounded all the corners, and safely made it to the finish line.

A few years later I found myself in La Conner getting my boat rigged and set up for the Sound Rowers race. It was one of the years where the course was reversed due to stormy conditions (maybe this year too?), so we were heading North from the bridge at the start and coming back South to finish. I was again in my OC and doing my best to keep pace with the fellow OCs and some of the slower skis. After the halfway turn, the wind and the current hit me head on and I realized that my fitness level was not what I had hoped it was. On the way back to the bridge, shortly after the turn, Peter started to pass me up. I let him go by and did my best to stay on his tail. The suffering was in full effect. To make matters worse, I was overdressed and began to overheat. But, I was determined to stick with Peter. As we made our way towards the bridge on the west side of the slough, we began to approach the log booms that are often prevalent on that section. I was sweating litres every minute trying to keep Peter in my sights. And then he did something very peculiar. Ahead of us, there was a small gap in the log boom, between logs. Peter veered his OC into the small open section, it was only a few feet wide initially just wide enough to fit his boat and ama. I thought that move was risky, too risky. I stayed wide and kept my craft in the main channel. There were other boats around me at this point so I sort of forgot about Peter and concentrated on keeping pace with those around me. My thought was that Peter would snag his boat on a cable or get to a point where the booms pinched too much (and would have to give up on the short cut). After a 1/4 mile or so, the end of the booms were in sight. I looked around for Peter but couldn't see him anywhere near me. I was a bit confused but thought that he was probably forced to turn back. A few more strokes got me around a group of commercial crab boats tied up to dock. Once I rounded those boats, I could see rainbow bridge. It was a welcome sight and I was excited to push on to the finish. I had roughly 1/4 mile more left before the bridge, as I studied the boats ahead of me I realized that one OC which had just finished the race was Peter. His brilliant gamble on the log boom paid off in dividends. It was impressive to see that first hand. Who knows, maybe Peter's log boom chute will be wide open tomorrow…

Derek Buse

Az Feb 3 #33131

Thanks for sharing, Derek, great to hear from you! Peter did share with us after that race that he went over a chain. He spotted it too late to stop, and thought he was about to break his rudder. He said he got lucky, but would not try that move again. Wishing everyone serendipitous paths tomorrow 💨

Peter's Obituary

beau whitehead Feb 8 #33154

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bellinghamherald/name/peter-marcus-obituary

(From Legacy.com Obituary)

peterpic2.jpeg

Peter Marcus
February 18, 1960 - January 28, 2023

Bellingham, Washington - Peter Ericson Marcus passed away on January 28, 2023 after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born in New York, NY on February 18, 1960 to Stanley and Marianne Marcus, Peter and his family moved to Bellingham, Washington in 1966. He attended Happy Valley Elementary, Fairhaven Middle School, and graduated with the class of 1978 from Sehome High School. He went on to study at Western Washington University where he earned a BA in Education. In 1991, Peter had identical twin daughters, Alex and Riley, with his then wife Cindy Thorneycroft. Peter spent the majority of his life in Bellingham, where he established himself as a cornerstone of the community.

Peter loved the water. He grew up sailing around the Pacific Northwest and spent many summers commercial fishing in Alaska. As he transitioned away from commercial fishing, he found paddling and quickly fell in love. No matter the day, rain or shine, you could find him paddling his surfski or outrigger canoe with a huge smile on his face. He carried his passion for the water over to his career, working over 20 years for MSRC, “playing boat” and helping to protect the environment he loved from oil spills.

Peter was a superior athlete, coach, and competitor. He loved swimming and in high school, he competed at State and YMCA Nationals. Two years after graduating from Sehome, he took over as the head coach of the swim team (1980-87), leading them to state championship titles in '86 and '87. Many years later, Peter started paddling and competed in countless races across Washington, British Columbia, the Columbia Gorge, and Hawaii. As a Bellingham local, Peter naturally found his way to the Ski to Sea, where he dominated the Kayak leg for many years. During his last few Ski to Seas, he was the Kayak Leg Chair, cementing his legacy within the paddling community. His love for paddling led to the creation of the Bellingham Rough Water race, Paddle 4 Food Relay, and annual Paddler's Film Festival.

When he wasn't playing on the water or telling cheesy dad jokes, Peter loved to work in his garden, cook meals for his family and friends, and eat delicious food. He kept a beautiful yard and spent countless hours tending to his raspberries and flower beds. You could often find him sitting on his front porch in the sunshine, watching over his flowers, keeping his eyes peeled for local wildlife and birds. His appetite for life was fueled by his love of food. There were few things Peter wouldn't try, but he was especially particular about his seafood, pastries and desserts.

Peter's biggest love was his family. He is survived and extremely loved by his twin daughters, Alex and Riley, son-in-law Clinton Overman, grandson Miller Overman, loving partner Julie Van Dooren, her children Tyler, Dayna, and Eli, his sisters Wendy and Lisa, Denali, and his amazing community of friends. We are forever grateful for all the love and support. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal on Sunday, February 26th from 2-4pm. Hawaiian attire is encouraged.