In the early 1960’s my parents began one of the most influential times of their lives: moving to Deerfield, Massachusetts, to work for Historic Deerfield – where they met a remarkably gracious spirit who would become a life-long friend – Joseph Peter Spang III.
I recently attended Peter’s Celebration of Life at Deerfield Academy, and began a farewell to the man who profoundly touched so many lives, my parents and myself included. Peter nurtured their love of fine art, introduced them to the richness of English heritage, and would come to share his life-long love of the sea and ocean liners with their newborn son. I fondly remember Peter calling just a year ago, joining him in Boston, and visiting a new exhibit in Salem chronicling the history North Atlantic nautical travel. We spent a day touring the museum forward – and then “in reverse” (to gain a deeper perspective and notice things others might miss) – such was time spent with Peter.
Looking back, it is hard to imagine any single person (other than my parents) who had such an influence on my own formation. Peter was a “Curator of Life” – and he shared it with wisdom, wit, and unrivaled spirit. He will be profoundly missed.
“May God bless those we love, those on earth and those above…”
Richard Proulx
