Chapter Eternal - Peter J. Stephens, Washington University, Tau Tau 1971
Post date: Aug 18, 2020 8:50:35 PM
ALL HONOR TO HIS NAME
In Loving Memory Peter J. Stephens
A Tribute to my Brother Peter
The last thing I ever imagined doing on my brother Peter’s birthday was writing his eulogy. We’d typically get on the phone and chat. I’d say happy birthday; he’d thank me for the books; ask me about the family; we’d share a few jokes and inevitably he would have a story or two (or 3 or 4). Not this time.
So, what to say? How best to craft a eulogy that would truly capture Peter (PJ), the person that he was and the person that we will always remember. I started to put down a few thoughts before I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of kind comments on social media. And I suddenly realized, more eloquently or accurately than I could ever say, that these were the words that best describe Peter. The words of his many other brothers from Sigma Chi and friends whose lives he touched.
Here are just a few, but say it all:
o “a smile, a warm embrace, a kind word and a chuckle” -Ryan
o “an exemplary brother, mentor and friend to so many” -Arthur
o “made the world a better place” -Joey
o “just a great human being” -Noel
o “one of a kind” -Frank
o “led by pure motives and a true heart” -Michael
o “a truly incredible man” -Ashley
o “a legendary life in service” -Brian
o “passionate, giving and thoughtful” -Randy
o “gave selflessly and unconditionally of himself to others” -Phil
o “his leadership, dedication and love for his EX brothers was extraordinary” -Joe
o “one of the most welcoming and kind people I knew” -Josh
o “a tireless advocate” -David
o “oversized sense of humor, positivity and big-hearted kindness” - Madelyn
o “we all benefited from his generosity of spirit, knowledge and kindness” -Joey
o “the long PJ chats - always great, no matter how much time you didn’t have” -Andrew
o “always remember your laugh” -Arthur
o “a true gentleman” -James
Couldn’t even begin to have said it any better myself. So, I won’t. I will just sincerely thank you all for helping me write this tribute. For helping me find the words - your words – to remember a great guy, a truly kind human being and a wonderful brother. Peter, you will always be in our hearts!
Love you,
Bro Bill