He was the last of his siblings, the last of a great generation, and was a huge influence on my life. As a child he spent nearly a year in the hospital due to Polio. This left him with severe issues in both legs. He always had to use either leg braces or a cane (later in life both, eventually 2 canes). Despite this limitation, he and one of his cousins taught themselves how to fly. They purchased an airplane together, and spent years making money on the side running tourists from Cincinnati to Miami, and from Miami to Havana. This was before Castro took over. They would then load their plane up with Cuban cigars to bring back. They would sell some, but most they would keep and smoke themselves. He married his high school sweetheart, but they were unable to have children. She died maybe 6 or 7 years back. It broke his heart to see her go. He treated my father and uncles as kids, and treated my cousins, siblings, and me as grandkids- he was basically an extra grandfather. Uncle Pete taught me how to shoot with an old bolt action .22. They moved out to a farmhouse in Indiana. He was still actively farming as of two years ago, growing sweet corn, potatoes, squash, peppers, cabbages, and whatever else he felt like growing. He inspired my father and me to start farming. He also repaired antique radios. His barn is still full of radio parts. He bred and raised German Shepherds for many years, and since giving up breeding he has always had at least one. His most recent was a German Shepherd/Wolf mix. His name was Aslan, and he was an absolutely beautiful dog. He was also huge, and for many years he kept Uncle Pete safe. Not too long ago Uncle Pete started having some health issues where the blood vessels in his feet broke down. Since his long stint in the hospital he has always hated hospitals, and swore he would never go into a nursing home, and would die at home. He got a serious infection in his foot, which required him to spend a couple weeks in the hospital. A few days before he went home Aslan died. His neighbor who was taking care of him found Aslan sitting beside the driveway, looking towards the road. He died waiting for Uncle Pete to come home. That was about 3 weeks ago. He returned home, and has been up and down in that time, was on an upswing, but then today he started having severe issues. They called my uncle to let him know, so I went to his shop to hold things down while he drove out to Uncle Pete's house. Uncle Pete died about ten minutes before he could get there. He died how he lived, in his own home and on his own terms. I'm sorry if this has been a bit rambling and difficult to read. I don't know the command to put lines between paragraphs, and I've been weeping this whole time. Those who are willing, say a prayer, and raise a glass with me for this incredible man. Uncle Pete, a good Christian man, a loving husband, dog breeder, farmer, pilot, radio repairman, cigar connoisseur, and patriot. He lived a full life doing what he loved, and bowed to no man's terms but his own. God, welcome Uncle Pete into your arms, and help me to be worthy of the legacy he created.