Pete and I were friends from the first grade on. As children, we spent a lot of time playing and riding bikes together. When we were 12, and in the 7th grade, I fell through the ice and into Lake George, not far from the dam. Pete was nearby and tried to help me get out by laying on the ice, so I could grab his leg. That plan didn't work and Pete was also pulled into the lake. Pete, being lighter and having lighter clothes, managed to get out and once again wanted me to use his leg in an effort to get out. I knew that it was going to have the same result and told him to get away and get to shore. He resisted, but finally I convinced him to leave me and get to safety. What else can I say about a friend that would ignore his own safety for that of a friend. Of course, Pete was even more special to me after that. I miss you Pete!
Howard Oaf (1965)
Pete and I were friends from the first grade on. As children, we spent a lot of time playing and riding bikes together. When we were 12, and in the 7th grade, I fell through the ice and into Lake George, not far from the dam. Pete was nearby and tried to help me get out by laying on the ice, so I could grab his leg. That plan didn't work and Pete was also pulled into the lake. Pete, being lighter and having lighter clothes, managed to get out and once again wanted me to use his leg in an effort to get out. I knew that it was going to have the same result and told him to get away and get to shore. He resisted, but finally I convinced him to leave me and get to safety. What else can I say about a friend that would ignore his own safety for that of a friend. Of course, Pete was even more special to me after that. I miss you Pete!