[Fwd: Pete Moore: Friend and Fighter for Justice]

[Mark Lause <lause@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Memorialforpete@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Whether friends, political and/or professional colleagues, many will mourn
> the recent loss of Peter Moore.  Pete was killed in an car accident Sept. 16
> in Wyoming while driving home from the West Coast.  Fortunately, the
> attendant who was accompanying him, Cheryl, was not hurt.
>
> Many knew Pete through his contributions as a micro biologist, and I've heard
> from several of them that his work in the field was highly valued. However,
> being a layman, I can't say I'm equipped to appreciate that part of his life.
>  Pete also had wide circles of friends amongst Iran-Americans, in the
> disabled rights movement, and in the world of music.  People from those
> spheres of his life can speak far better to what Pete meant to them than I
> can, and I hope they aren't bashful about letting the rest of us know that.
>
> What I can speak to is some of his political contributions. Pete joined the
> socialist movement in Britain during the heat of the anti-war protests of the
> late 60's, moving to the US in the late 1970s, joining the International
> Socialist Organization (ISO) shortly after its formation.  Those lucky enough
> to have heard his tales of those early years will never forget the glint in
> his eye and the mischievous grin spreading across his face while describing
> some of the more audacious actions, where the police or other authorities
> were caught flat-footed by the inspired actions of protesters.
>
> Despite increasingly bad health during the 1980s, Pete maintained his
> political involvement at a time when being a leftist, let alone a socialist,
> was not easy. A botched operation confined him to a wheelchair, and later
> medical complications nearly killed him.  Much of the 80s and 90s were taken
> up fighting frustratingly complex illnesses and a maddening legal battle to
> get restitution for the malpractice that forced him into semi-retirement.  It
> was clear to me that Pete's opponents in the legal battle hoped he would pass
> on before he could win. With typical stubbornness, Pete didn't let them off
> the hook, and survived.
>
> After years of increasingly desperate financial problems, a couple of years
> ago Pete finally won what was due him, and could begin to pay for the social
> services which reopened his life. After a decade and a half of increasingly
> becoming a virtual prisoner of his apartment building, he finally had the
> resources which allowed him get out in the world again.
>
> While never losing his wickedly wry sense of humor during the dark years, the
> Pete I knew in the last few years was a new man, engaged in much more
> political activity, enthusiastic about rolling up his sleeves and getting
> involved. After being expelled from the ISO, Pete helped form a new socialist
> organization, Left Turn, and played a pivotal role in helping spur a rebirth
> of the disability rights movement here in Chicago.  While isolated by his
> illnesses during much of the previous decade and a half, Pete rapidly
> reformed a new network of political friends at the University of Illinois at
> Chicago.  Several of these new political allies told me how much they valued
> his contributions to their struggles.
>
> It sickens me that after having made so many sacrifices during the 1980s and
> 1990s, the period of Pete's respite from that was so brief.  Nonetheless, I
> value not only the good years at the end, but the friendship and twisted
> sense of humor he maintained during even the roughest years.
>
> Memorial services for Pete have been arranged for both Britain and Chicago on
> Sunday, October 28.  In Chicago, the service will be at 4 p.m. at Ann
> Sather's Restaurant, 929 W. Belmont, 2nd floor (wheelchair accessible).  For
> information on the service in Britain, please e-mail Penny Jeggo at
> P.A.Jeggo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> In spite of a fondness for playing the horses, Pete was a resolutely
> unmystical man, and hence rational to a fault. Thus, in lieu of sending
> flowers, the executors and I agreed that individuals can pay no better
> tribute to the man Pete was than by contributing to the cause which drew him
> into political activity in the late 60's. During his entire adult life a firm
> opponent of all US wars, including the present one, we urge individuals to
> honor Pete's memory by giving to their local anti-war organizations.
>
> Besides his brother in Britain and many dear friends and comrades here and
> abroad, Pete is survived by three furry urchins.  We are currently looking
> for good homes for Pete's cats, whether together or separately.  If you can
> take one or more of them into your home, or know of someone who can, please
> call me at 773.209.1187.  Also, please feel free to forward this announcement
> as widely as you think is appropriate, as we want to make sure all of Pete's
> friends are aware of his memorial services.  If you are traveling to the
> Chicago service from out of town and want advice on inexpensive places to
> stay or how to get around the city, please do not hesitate to call me.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Andy Thayer
> Chicago

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