Sad News - Sad Loss

Dylan and Kaitlyn:  It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we write this post.  On September 27, 2013, we lost Uncle Pete to an aneurism.  It has left a massive hole in our lives, one that I think most of us in the Woods family will never truly fill.  He was a GREAT man.  One of the best.  He was loving, kind and always welcomed us into his heart and home, as though we were family.  Daddy and his brothers were HIS boys.  Papa was his best friend. 

 An Ouzo shot with Uncle Pete for Drewsy's Engagement party.

Drewsy in a comfortable, well known, beloved spot - with Uncle Pete's big arm around him.

 Uncle Pete and HIS boy.

Love this picture of his familiar big smile and big bear hug arms.

 A traditional Ouzo shot with Uncle Pete at one of the many celebrations he helped make special.

He and Aunt Demi hosted Mommy and Daddy's engagement party, they celebrated with us and loved us from the very start.  He was a man of conviction, of uncompromising ethics, of hard work.  With a passion for his girls, HIS boys, his friends, his political views (Republican, of course!), his country (Greece, opa!), his schools (Fight on USC!) that he was never shy to express.   He loved to sing, dance, debate. He was full of life, larger than life, in fact.  

He had a special gift, an unbelievable quality, to make you feel like YOU were important, like you were worthy, like you were capable, like you could change the world.   No matter the time, distance, or circumstance - you knew that he believed in YOU.  And, not only did he make those of us close to him feel this way, he did this for literally hundreds of people that he came across in his distinguished career in coaching, education and politics.   He was a man to love, to admire, to emulate.

 He couldn't wait to meet us.

 Kaitlyn on her first road trip to Fresno in 2009.

A kiss and a Greek blessing from Uncle Pete.

We didn't know him as long as we should have - he was taken much too soon - but we love him and know that his legacy will be part of ours.    Mommy now reminds us every day, as he did for his girls,  "charge the day!  the whole world is waiting for you!"   Uncle Pete - WE charge for YOU. 

 Cheers and Opa - this one is for you, Uncle Pete.

We love you and miss you.