Christmas Day 2002

I Tell You What
Hi-Ho Lounge 3-7-2002

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I Tell You What
Hi-Ho Lounge 4-6-2002

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• Peter Meehan - Saxophone
• Adam Crochet - Guitar and Vocals
• "Steamin'" Lehman Sammons - Drums
• Andrew Horan - Bass

Medeski, Martin & Wood
Howlin' Wolf 11/30/1996

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5-5-2001

Hi,
My name is Wendy Zehner Hebert. I went to school with Peter and we were in band together. I was never really close to Peter, but I did respect him very much as a person and a fellow musician.

Peter was a year younger that me in school, but we started in the Rummel Band at the same time - if I remember correctly this was about 14 years ago. I hate to admit it, but I kind of resented the attention he got. I was the hot shot flute player - that was my attention!! But I can remember something that put it all into perspective for me.

I'm pretty sure this happened my freshman year which would have put Peter in 8th grade. We were playing the Christmas concert in the Gym at Rummel. The concert band played to the snores of the rest of the students. Then the jazz band performed. I remember Peter standing up for a solo. And it was just wild. Most of us had never heard anything like it. After the song was over, the crowd - and I mean everyone -was on their feet - Seniors worshipping this 8th grader. I realized then that if I had gone to some other school I probably would have gotten more of the "attention", but this guy really deserved it. I knew that I may go on to do great things in my life, but he was doing great things now.

I'm now a Band Director and I play my flute for freelance engagements, but I'm not a performer by trade. I may live on in the memories of my students. But, Peter Meehan will live forever through his music and through the memories of those of us who experienced his music live...even if it was in a high school gym in 1989.

Sincerely,
Wendy Zehner Hebert ACHS '93
Director of Bands
Caddo Mills Independent School District
Caddo Mills TX

Jessica's Birthday Party 2001

12-21-2002

Eulogy, Peter P. Meehan III

During a recent discussion about funerals, Peter said that he would like his funeral to be "up-beat". He also said that he wasn't afraid of death. Well he died quickly, painlessly, and while enjoying some of his favorite pastimes. We should all be so lucky!

Most of you here knew Peter well. I hope that a few of my comments will let you see something about him that, perhaps, you did not realize. Did you know that Peter was shy? He had stage fright before every musical performance. He would become tense and somewhat nauseous until he found that the audience was "tuned-in" and enjoying his work. But then - what a great musical performance would follow! Did you know that?

Peter was nervous about meeting new people and would force himself to be forthcoming and friendly. But - as time would go on - and he would become more and more comfortable with a new acquaintance, then Peter would become engaging and witty and funny and most enjoyable to be with. It took time for this process to develop, but as many of you found out, it was well worth it because Peter was a very special person. Peter had no need of "things". He owned no objects of value beyond his instruments: he had no fine clothes, no car, no bank account. Yet now that he died, people have flown in from coast to coast to bid farewell to this beloved person.

Remember - He wants this up-beat!

Peter loved his friends. When some of you, whom Peter had not seen for a while, were scheduled to come to town for Christmas, Peter was on cloud 9 and filled with anticipation. His family members are so happy to see that his friends feel the same way about him!

I will end with a memory I find so endearing, even though I was not there at the time. Shortly after Peter moved back home from New Mexico, he and I were on the back yard patio enjoying the sunset and a glass of beer. He told me of a little adventure he had at a state park in New Mexico. He and some friends had driven to this remote area of the park and went for a hike. I'm not sure whom he was with, but maybe someone here was on that hike with him. They went into the wilderness a good distance, going along verdant hillsides, crossing a stream, winding their way and they eventually came upon a beautiful glen. Peter had brought along his soprano saxophone. They rested and Peter, being moved by the wonders about him, serenaded nature. The enchanting, melodic strains of Peter's improvisations filled the quiet, secluded valley with beautiful music. I can imagine that Peter may be re-enacting that scene even now because it sounds like heaven!

-Peter Paul Meehan, Jr.

"The Man"

Peter was a great person. I knew Peter better when he was younger than as an adult. He had many things that I wish I had. He had a presence that would capture a whole room. He had an adventurous spirit that allowed him to leave town on a whim in search of a good time. He was very intelligent and he was an extremely talented musician. His crowning achievement as a musician, in my opinion, was when he was praised for his saxophone playing by Tom Waits, a man who is a legend in the eyes of many. Peter was human like the rest of us and did not always make perfect decisions, but I do not know a soul who would say a bad word about him. It is very sad not to have him with us any more, but my life has been much more fulfilling having known him. The world will definitely be less exciting without Peter. He will always be in our hearts and minds.

Sincerely,
Matthew August Palumbo

Also see peter.deadghost.com.