Dat Peter Vu Guestbook

[rhonda]

This is how I remember him Lol, always EATING!!!

http://public.fotki.com/calgaryoutdoorc ... html#media

He was a good soul...

He had to eat all the time! He must have burned off, like, a million calories a day!

[barbara]

The amount of food and the voice you could hear from a mile away are what I remember the most about Peter. Less than a year ago I had posted a snowshoe event to the Inkpots. Announcing a quick snack break, most of us opted for a granola bar, but Peter pulled out a thermos with soup, a container full of fresh veggies and fruit, and dropped into the snow. And as always, he offered to share it all (though some of us never figured out how the sharing of the soup with one spoon would work). This was also the day he shared his moving life story with the rest of us while we sat at the Rose & Crown in Canmore (more food). I was amazed at how someone who's been through so much could still live his life to the fullest and be such a bundle of energy.

On another occassion - this time snowshoeing to Fox Lake & the backside of Blueberry Hill - one could hear his excitement echo through the mountains when he realized we were on probably five feet of snow and he was actually taller than the trail sign. This was occasion enough for Peter to pose and be out of his witness protection program: http://public.fotki.com/calgaryoutdoorc ... 05r-1.html

The last I talked to Peter, however briefly, was hiking Verdant Pass in Jasper last August. I wasn't with the COC that weekend, but knew Rhonda's group was out there. Lo and behold, I could hear Peter through the bushes before we ran into the group. And then he made a repeat appearance cutting me off on his bike downtown in the fall, most likely racing to his next event.

Rest in peace, Peter.

[sunseeker23]

I first met Peter skating at Olympic Plaza. When he found out I was an accountant, he offered me a job, saying his company was offering signing bonuses to employees who managed to head-hunt needed accountants! I had the pleasure of being on COC events with Peter on several other occasions and competing against him in the Calgary Corporate Challenge orienteering event last year. Like so many others, I was amazed at how much food Peter ate for such a small person - and how willing he was to get back on his mountain bike after crashes. I guess he learned perseverance at a young age, as he told me he was only 13 when he left Vietnam as a boat person - and came to Canada by himself after being separated from his aunt, who was sent to Australia to live. He was a delightful person who enjoyed life and outdoor activities immensely. I will really miss seeing his happy face at the COC.

[clm]

I was fortunate enough to have done a great variety of events with Peter. The very first event we attended together was a mountain bike ride up Redearth Creek. Peter showed up with a bike that did not fit him at all equipped with not 2 but just one pannier. He rode like a trooper up the hill off balance all over the trail smiling all the way up, only stopping to eat which anyone who new Peter knows is something he loved and did often.

There was something infectious about Peter, I don't think it can be pinpointed as I think for me it was a combination of his smile, his passion, his enthusiasm, his desire to learn and experience new things, and many more great traits. He was a very like-able person, one of most genuine and original people I have had the honor of calling a friend. I always new as soon as Peter arrived at an event because before his vehicle even came to a rest I would hear his distinctive voice, and will always remember him greeting me with a happy "hello buddy".

He would always kid, he would never admit at a poker game to knowing anything about poker but for some reason I would always end up on the sidelines watching Peter win or do very well, and more than once he took me out going against him head to head. I often wondered if he really did just have good luck or secretly watched a lot of poker, to this day I really think it was probably a little of both.

Probably my fondest memory of Peter was at a joint event with the EOC at the Shunda Creek hostle in Nordegg. We were all having a quiet evening (well as quiet as can be when you have Kevin Volkman and Peter on the same event ). Beth and I had a chance to get to talk with Peter at a table for what seemed like hours, we shared lots of stories and many laughs it was a wonderful time. During that conversation Peter told us of his desire to one day marry a blond haired blue eyed lady, and he also told us of his love of mermaids that has always stuck with me.

My message for you Peter is "where ever you are today buddy I hope you have miles of trails and beautiful single track, and when you return from you many journeys you come home to the most beautiful blond haired blue eyed mermaid one can imagine.

I will always miss you
Craig

[blaker]

I remember my first thoughts of Peter being, "Can someone get this guy some decaf?" Since then I have come to admire and appreciate his amazing energy and zest for life. His smile and willingness to put himself out there are just two of the many things I'll remember about Peter.

I'll always treasure the memories of all the events I did with Peter. He made each and every event special in his own unique way.

Until we meet again my friend.

Blake.

[rhonda]

This is my favorite picture of Peter:
http://calgaryoutdoorclub.fotki.com/200 ... ka027.html

It was taken on our Jasper camping/hiking trip (same one Barbara's talking about). I don't know what Peter was looking at when it was snapped, but you know whatever it was, he was awfully excited about it.

[jmar]

I am so lucky to have all these wonderful memories of Peter. I first met him skating but have since shared many awesome times from tennis to hiking and most recently mountain biking. Peter was just so easy to like, his warm smile and infectious laugh….(that I can hear in my head as I write down these thoughts….). Whether on an event or in the plus 15 walkway downtown, it was always so great to see you Peter. I remember the Tupperware boxes filled with veggies that he would share with people along the trails, I remember one mountain bike weekend camping at the group campsite near Bolton Creek and joking about Peter being in the witness protection program and laughing till my sides hurt.

Some of my greatest memories of Peter were in Moab last year…he was so happy to be there and he made the trip so much fun. Although small in stature he had the personality and heart of a giant. I’ll always remember one day in particular – after falling of my bike …like a hundred times…and feeling all battered, bruised with the confidence of a mouse Peter came up to me and said that he would stay close by me and make sure that I was ok until the end of the ride…and he did just that, as I gingerly walked down rock ledges, he would launch off them wipe out and come back and check up on me!

Peter, you were a one in a million kinda guy,
Love ya Buddy,

Jenn
(one of your MANY blonde haired blue eyed girlfriends).

[Rene]

Every man dies, not every man really lives. Peter was a man with a noble heart and an infinite passion for life.

I hope you are riding due west to the Rocky Mountains following the sunset with your eyes along the skyline, and enjoying the most AMAZING views. Views that will rise you into and above the clouds.

Rene

[Evon2010]

I met him a couple times...He was always friendly and happy.....He always made you feel welcome. People like that are rare....He will be missed....

[SarahF]

I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to share many amazing times with Peter. He was one of the kindest, caring and generous people I've ever known.

Peter loved to laugh and could make anything fun. He usually brought 'smarties' to hand out during events. Just when you were feeling tired Peter could perk you up with his treats and bright smile. Peter would look after me when I was at the back of the group after my many tumbles while mountain biking in Moab. Peter, you're definitely going to make an excellent guardian angel!

Peter, your love of life and caring heart will always be in my thoughts!

Sarah

[ericpanorel]

Adversity doesn't build character - it reveals it.
So long ma' man. SYOTOS...

-Eric

[rhonda]

Posted on behalf of Vonda:

For Peter

You are a very dear friend to me.
I will always admire your positive approach to life
Your laughter still rings in my ears
Your sincerity and kindness will always be an inspiration to me

I admire you for being one of the few people who could "out talk" me
I will always consider your thoughtful and wise words of advice

I can LAUGH as I think of you ....with your tall blue-eyed blonde in your Heaven
LIVE on ''Mr.Thompson"
LOVE Vonda

[julietirwin]

There are some people you remember very clearly after a short time of knowing them. Peter was one of those people.

His voice and endless conversation stood out by far! His energy was endless and so was his eating. I remember doing many events with Peter. One in particular I'm thankful for was a bike ride last summer where he fixed my mountain bike's front wheel. He was always a generous guy who enjoyed helping others. On other events he was gracious enough to drive us out to the ski hill in his awesome SUV. I remember asking him why he didn't become a co-ordinator. He said that he didn't have a computer at home and it seemed like too much work. Apparently he preferred to just e-mail me and tell me when I should organize a ski day I guess he just simply wanted to have all the fun and no organizing responsibilities. Somehow I don't think I'll ever achieve the number of events that he has attended. I will miss his friendly smile, enthusiasm, positive energy, and zest for life. I will learn from his example to live life Carpe Diem.

Juliet

[ksibilo]

Your friends will gather in the next couple of hours to say good-bye and share fond memories of their time with you. I wish I could be part of that special time and to be there to meet the amazing people that I only heard about, emailed or spoke with on the phone. You attracted an extraordinary circle of people, and I'm honoured to be a part of that.

I know you will hear my best wishes for you, being where I am, and where you are. I miss your energy, and your stories, and your kindness.

Rest peacefully Peter.

[rtolonen]

This is how I will remember him too Rhonda.

I did not do a lot of events with Peter but the few I did he made a big impression. Amazing character and spirit that touched everyone who met him... Even if only for a few short hours.

In this photo. Peter and I were discussing how to run up the nearest Ridge. (I'm sure to Rhonda's dismay).

You will be missed Peter.

This is my favorite picture of Peter:
<Link removed. You must have 5 posts before you can post URL's/Links.>

It was taken on our Jasper camping/hiking trip (same one Barbara's talking about). I don't know what Peter was looking at when it was snapped, but you know whatever it was, he was awfully excited about it.