To the editor:

I first met Joe Pete Wilson at a gathering of cross country ski area operators in the fall of 1976. We soon be became fast friends. Fast-forward four years to my wedding reception. When the music started playing for the bride and groom’s first dance, I was busy chattering away with who knows who. When I tuned back I saw a ruffle of white wedding dress disappearing onto the dance floor with none other than Joe Pete Wilson. As I dissolved into laughter I heard Joe Pete say something to the effect, “If you want to keep this woman, you have to be fast on your feet.”

Years of visits to the Bark Eater and here in Florida led to more adventures and tall tales than this paper has space for. I last saw Joe Pete when we had lunch at the Village Restaurant in Indian Lake in June. Same mischievous grin as always and a last tall-tale-filled lunch.

Joe Pete, may you wake up every morning with fresh powder under your skis and an evening filed with good wine and pretty women.

I don’t know if you made my life better, but you sure made it more interesting.

Rest in peace, my friend. Love you.

Rick Mansfield

Ponte Vedra, Florida