Unshakeable – Peter Verin

The following was read by Rev. Al Tysick at Peter Verin's Celebration of Life: 

Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me.

I am a man before you, one of your many children - I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made, my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise, so that I may know the things you have taught my people - the lesson you have hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Make me ever ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades as a fading sunset my spirit may come to you without shame.

- Native American Prayer

Translated by Chief Yellow Lark in 1887

Native American Missionary and Medicine Man

Lakota Tribe

As the ocean’s salt softens the pebbles along the coastline, it takes a keen eye, fortitude and willingness to discover just the right one… to take home with you. 

Today, I learned of a rare gem in our city who was a king of philosophy, a unyielding man who once was heard saying that he was not homeless…he was a person of this land. He was a mentor to eager individuals keen to know his fearless spirit, who had acquired a greater knowledge, far beyond any library contained. 

Cart full of items remembering Peter

 The reason I became aware of this man, was because last week, at the age of 71-one day before his 72nd birthday- Peter died and left behind a legacy that remains unshakeable.

I joined masses of people who had gathered to pay respects to a Celebration of his Life. My trek to the site was enriched by a lovely woman named Rosemarie who knew Peter for years. She shared with me an insight of a remarkable man; a profound adviser who helped counsel others to steer clear of addictions or coached those in support of their sobriety. His tender heart and listening skills resonated with those in the area-who spoke at the remembrance gathering- of the impact Peter had on their lives. 

A fixture of the University of Victoria, he spent many years ingraining his philosopher king care free spirit into the books, halls and walkways…pushing boundaries in ways that taught others life lessons.  

For me, a novice to the world of homelessness I have alot to gain even a fraction of the knowledge Peter had.

When the remembrance of this extraordinary man concluded, with Rev. Al Tysick from the Dandelion Society at the helm, it ended with a fitting tribute.

In a heart shaped box were glass hearts made from pieces of stained glass window at Our Place - Our Place is an inner-city community centre serving Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable: working poor, impoverished elderly, mentally and physically challenged, addicted and the homeless.

Rev, Al had poured his time, love and efforts into creating these precious hearts- a fond reminder of a gentle soul. I chose this swirl of orange which represents adventure and risk taking that was in essence, Peter.

By TL Alton