This fall, we lost our dear friend Peter Lai. Known as the “Everything Guy,” Peter saw his job at camp as doing whatever needed to be done, whenever it needed to be done! Peter was a shining example of the Angel Code values, and we saw him model Loyalty, Beauty, Merit and Comradeship every day, in everything he did. If you ever had a problem, if you ever wore a frown or looked like you needed help, it was practically a guarantee that Peter would stop whatever he was doing and listen to your problem, help you find a solution, or cheer you up.
Camp won’t feel quite the same without Peter’s warm smile. But there’s one thing we know for sure: If Peter saw us feeling sad, he would want to find a way to make us feel better. The best way we can honor his memory is to keep spreading the joy that he brought to everyone who crossed his path at camp, finding little ways to live the Angel Code — just like Peter did every single day.
Here are some of our ideas for ways to honor Peter’s memory. What else would you add to the list?
Reach out to someone who is lonely or feeling down.
Peter had a way of spotting anyone who was in need of a little extra TLC and doing whatever he could to put a smile on their face. This week, if you see a friend, neighbor or classmate who looks like they might be having a hard day, take a moment to ask them if there’s something you can do to help.
Volunteer to do a chore (especially one no one else wants to do!).
Whether it was bringing trunks down from the attic, running water to Wembley, or tracking down a missing item, Peter was always ready to do whatever needed doing. The next time there’s a task that needs doing, like emptying the dishwasher, helping a neighbor or cleaning up after a class activity, take the opportunity to honor Peter by saying the same words he always said at camp: “I’ll do it!”
Be a friend to someone who needs it.
Think back to your first week of camp… We bet you have at least one memory of something Peter did to make you feel welcome! Now think about the other kids at your school and activities. Is there someone who’s new, or who seems alone or left out? When you see them, do what Peter would do: Go over to them, smile, and invite them to join your table, activity or conversation. You can share that same warm, welcoming feeling that Peter created for you when you were brand new at camp!
Share your stories with Peter’s family.If you have favorite memories or stories about Peter, or photos you would like to share, the Lai family would love to hear from you! You can send your remembrances to beloved.peterlai@gmail.com.
Learn about the Peter Lai Scholarship Fund at Project Morry.