REMEMBERING PETE DUEL
Thank you to everyone who leaves such poignant and heartfelt expressions in The Memorial Book—and for all your kind words about this site. Your kinship is extremely appreciated. —Laura
Please post your thoughts below. The previous Memorial Book was receiving too much spam, so I had to close it and start this page instead. The previous memorial page also had hundreds of remembrances. I hope to someday transfer them here.
There may be a delay between when you leave your thoughts below and when your post appears, but rest assured, the post will eventually be published. Please keep in mind that many questions still remain about Peter’s state of mind in those final days of his life. One recent question is how much of a role the anti-seizure drug, Dilantin, played on his thoughts. Perhaps Pete was a victim of a pharmaceutical drug and not so much of self-inflicted depression. Also note that Geoffrey Deuel sometimes visited this page. Thank you.
Oh, how I loved Peter. I loved watching his show and looked forward to it! I remember hearing on the news late that night he had died. I was a devistated 11 year old. Home alone on New Year’s Eve, crying uncontrollably. I cannot imagine what Dianne went through, but I hope her life has been beautifully wonderful. 💞 I’m definitely going to look for the DVDs!
A Horse’s Thoughts
Where is my rider, with the dimpled cheeks, who knew each horse by name
And, when we’d falter in a scene, he’d shoulder all our blame
Where is that hand – that gentle hand – that lavished golden strokes
I heard it said – within his head – he bore too many yokes
What of that voice – with velvet poise – that I shall hear no more
Or, cowboy boots, vintage suits, his knock upon the door
I may have played his horse on set, but Pete was my best friend
I prayed to talk like Mr. Ed, and help his heart to mend
But, God enabled us to speak a language all our own
My eyes, my stance, just how I’d prance – the way my ears would hone
My heart just broke the day I learned – depression won its hand
But, I believe that his dear soul awaits in that Fair Land
Some day I’ll wake, and God I’ll thank, for I will feel Pete’s touch
And, gallop on God’s mountainside – with one I love so much!
Helen C. Spillane
September 19th, 2016
Please forgive the small amount of poetic license within my sonnet, but God’s creatures, such as horses, are very astute in relation to ascertaining what truly lies within a human’s heart. I do picture Pete, and all of his beloved pets happily reunited in that Promised Land that holds no single tear……. Amen.
It has been a privilege, Carol. Thank you for keeping him alive with us. -Laura
To Geoff and Laura, many thanks for this beautiful memorial site for Pete. Hard to believe it’s been so many years since he rode off into the sunset. Forever Hannibal Heyes, forever young, forever remembered. Much love from Carol xxx
Beautiful! Thank-you for sharing this Helen.