Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Growing up in Madison in the fifties and sixties was the best. I first saw Peter as a star in the local Little League. Even though I was not an athlete, I have vivid memories of watching him with my parents play baseball. My mom and dad, Lowell and Marie Tyler, as well as my sister Betty Flaherty were all big Jilleba fans. Entering high school in 1963, my classmates and I became part of the Jilleba dynasty. We would go to all the football games and wrestling matches to watch this amazing athlete. However, where I really got to know Peter was in two classes that I shared with him. In an Algebra class taught by the amazing Louis Blanchet, Peter was having some difficulty. I was doing well and Mr. Blanchet asked me to help Peter after school. It was then that we bonded. Peter was appreciative of the time and effort that I, the music and drama geek, was giving him. I was in awe thinking that someone like me had his respect. I was also in an art class with Peter. That was a different story. It was there that I got to see his personality and sense of humor. Peter was just a naturally funny guy. He truly set the pace for the amazing school spirit that infused the high school over the sixties. We were all proud to be part to be part of this. In later years, Peter would run into my mom and always ask how I was doing. I'm proud to have known Peter and send my condolences to his family. I don't think he realized how much life and pleasure he gave to an entire town. His memory will live forever.
Tom Tyler
