We were all saddened by the loss of Peter Milward on December 21st 2003. Peter had long struggled with heart problems, yet anyone who spent more than a minute with him would have said he was stronger than an ox. He was certainly a force of nature with his booming voice, huge smile, warm handshakes and hugs, and an incredibly generous spirit.

The photo below is of Peter and his wife, Marion MacGillivray, from a vacation they took together in 2002.

Marion was Peter's partner in so many ways, especially in their efforts to promote good heart health through diet and exercise, not just for Peter's sake, but for the millions of people around the world who struggle with heart disease. Helping to make sure all people were fed was also one of Peter's passions. Peter was a key leader in 1st Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto's contributions to the Ecumenical Hunger Program food closet program, carrying food left in the sanctuary to the closet each week, and helping to make sure members and friends of the congregation brought food each week!

Peter was also quite a "Pied Piper" when it came to children in the congregation. Spotting Peter in the narthex brought instant smiles to so many of the kids in our midst, of course not to mention the adults too!

Marion, Peter's family, and all of his friends will certainly miss this force of nature, who truly lived life to the fullest for over 80 years. Each time you donate a can of food or bag of rice to a hunger program, take a moment to think of Peter's great spirit and whisper or shout out "Presente!"

A memorial for Peter will be held at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto at 2:00pm on Sunday January 18th in the sanctuary.

Special Thoughts About Peter from Carla Gwosden

We knew Peter for a short four-year span
But even then we knew he was a very special man
A special man you couldn't forget
One smile from him and you were caught in his net

Children loved Peter because of his laughing smile
He engaged them with his antics and playful style
Women love Peter because he gave from his heart
A little part of him lingered long after he'd depart

Men loved him for his healthy sense of humor
And his love of golf, well that was no rumor
That people loved him was no small wonder
He was kind he was generous and some say he could roar like thunder

He had a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye
And his heart was as big as the blue Montana sky
He lived life to the fullest, a true lover of life
Sharing many wonderful memories with you, Marion, his wife

That he truly loved you is very, very clear
I wish your time together had been a little longer my dear
Bur when the lord calls as she will call all of us one day
May our passing be as gentle as the Peter Milwaard way

Knowing Peter was love and cherished by all
I hope will provide some comfort to you as you recall
The wonderful life you shared together
The ups and downs through all kinds of weather

The times you traveled to worlds unknown
The times you laughed, the seeds of happiness you'd sown
Remember every time you're feeling low

Webmaster's Note: The following message is from Peter Milward of Japan. Little did anyone realize that there were two Peter Milwards, at least until our Peter passed away and this other Peter's friends began lamenting his passing. Here are the two messages we've received from this other Peter Milward.

From: Peter Milward SJ to Peter Milward (of Palo Alto),

In memory of the late deceased Peter Milward may I add a few words, not of condolence but of welcome to heaven. Such a kind, smiling, affectionate man as he is described is surely well on his way to heaven. I am happy to have heard about him, even though he is no longer with us on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. I may also add that there remains another Peter Milward here in Tokyo, aged 78, and I look forward to meeting my namesake in what Shakespeare calls "a better life past
fearing death",

With my best wishes,
Peter Milward SJ

Dear Mr.Wiesner

Many thanks for your prompt e-mail. In reply to your query, I first heard of my "death" from several friends, one in old England, one in New England and one in Barbados, inquiring if I was really dead. So I had to reassure them I was really alive. Anyhow, my curiosity was aroused, and on searching Google under my name, I found several items related to my books and a home-page of mine,before coming to the announcement that Peter Milward was dead, but that was followed by a description of your Peter Milward, with a charming eulogy in verse and an invitation for messages, and so I was prompted to send in my little message for the comfort of his family. Only, you must know that Peter Milward is a very uncommon name, even in England! So I wonder if your Peter Milward is any relative of mine? My family came from Notts and Derby in the Sherwood Forest.

With my prayers,
Peter Milward SJ