Our brother approached life like an artist.
He observed, listened, told stories, and the picture he painted in people’s lives was this: “I see you”. The homeless person on the streets of Seattle “I see you” and I’m going to learn your name and your story. Conversations, texts with friends, family, the random barista in the coffee shop “I see you” and how can I paint some encouragement in your life today.
When you lose someone to suicide, one question echoes louder than all the rest: Why?
For everyone who loved our brother Pete, the grief was overwhelming — layered with shock, anger, regret, and a heartbreak that changed us forever
The morning we found out, we were supposed to be on a Zoom call together. Pete didn’t show up. It wasn’t unusual — until the phone rang.
Our dad’s voice delivered the words: “Pete did it – he hung himself.”
In the blur that followed, my brother and I tried to protect our daughters from the immediate weight of the news — allowing one last moment of normalcy before everything changed. It was a normal Saturday morning, until it wasn’t.
Not knowing what else to do, I stepped outside and began walking.
That was my first Pete Walk.
Since that day, my brother Matt and I have been struck by how many others carry this same loss. The conversations are painful — but they are also healing.
That’s where My Pete Walks begins.
Pete with his beloved nieces
Join us for a day to walk together in remembrance, support those grieving suicide loss, and turn love into action.
Our family created the pjo Lead With Love Fund, a Donor Advised Fund dedicated to honoring and supporting those impacted by suicide loss. Its mission is simple and powerful:
to lead with love — through compassion, connection, and care — creating space for healing and meaningful impact in our communities.
Pete built deep friendships in the Seattle area, including with Barbara Burnett — the woman he proudly called his “Northwest Mom.” The love and support of the Burnett family, along with a generous kick-start gift from the The Burnett Family Foundation, helped launch the pjo Lead With Love Fund.
Support Our Healing Mission
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