Remembering Peter Carter: How Do We Keep The Music Playing?

the irony that he died a few days before the time change was not lost on those of us who knew him and loved him.

His death marks a change in our times, our town and in our lives.

Peter didn’t just live life … he devoured it. He approached it as though it were an all-you-could-eat Vegas buffet.

To watch him work a room was nothing short marvelous.

His impeccable dress, his elegant stride, his uncanny ability to make everyone feel important hearkens back to descriptions of FDR and Jack Kennedy.

So it was for the past 10 years at me on stage, desperately trying to be glib while Peter held court in the VIP area.

The truth is, I would sneak a glance his way to see if he was paying attention. I knew he wasn’t listening, he could hardly hear. Yet, the fact that he’d often look over and give me a, “thumps up” meant to world to me.

I knew Peter for 35 years. I was a young radio rep and he was a big time player in the advertising business.

He was conservative and always been a liberal. The fact of which limited our conversations to religion and jazz. And will miss those chats.

I will miss the sight of a bright yellow sweater making its way down Santa Cruz Avenue, knowing that I was about to enjoy an audience (albeit briefly) with the great one.

I will miss how his face would light up when he spoke of Dennise of his children and of his friends.

Most of all, I guess, I’ll miss the fact that for all these years, for me, love has always been just around.

Sleep well my friend.