Peter Cruz Remembered
The following is from LATA member Mike Kalvoda, a friend of LATA member Peter Cruz, who sadly passed away last weekend. Viewing and funeral information is here.
From an email sent by Peter Cruz III, January 21, 2010:
“Hello,
I was hit by a car yesterday in front of the Starbuck(s) on Santa Monica, and won’t be able to play for the next two Mondays. Can anyone sub for me either days?
Thanks.”
As “whoa” messages go, that’s one serious “whoa”. But there’s something so perfectly genuine about it, too, and dual doses of occasional uncertainty and constant vibrance. Grounded by a deep-rooted love of family (including two beloved dogs) and tapping into a wealth of friends as a social media butterfly, Peter’s approach to life was such a happy one that the tragic events that hold the rest of us back he seemed to merely dismiss as momentary setbacks.
Following his traffic accident, Peter re-emerged on the courts with a flashy silver jacket and orange shoes (or was it the other way around?) — to be more visible. Having proudly posted a picture on Facebook of his own shoe wall, he certainly had a lot of choices and no doubt bragged about what a terrific sale he came across — when he wasn’t posting about his tennis results or seeking tips on his game. It was also about this time that I’d attempted to play Cupid for him. He sought someone “not too loud” as he “was too loud already”. Peter also told me, “Remember to say… ‘This guy is so tough he played tennis three weeks after he got hit by a car while crossing the street! LOL.”
Ultimately, Peter would make serious strides in finding his own way. I’d never heard one ill word spoken about him — ever. We all strive to become our own person. Peter was his own spirit, his own force — the kind of human being you wish you had gotten to know better, yet the kind of friend whose sweet, familiar presence you find yourself wanting to protect.
We’ll miss you, bud.
Tags: Mike Kalvoda, Peter Cruz