1951

It is always a pleasure to report on a classmate or a child of a classmate who has gone out into the world and who has unselfishly given himself to a cause. Such is the case of young Peter Wolfe, son of Joan and Will Wolfe. Joan sent me a letter announcing that they had just received a diploma from the Guatemala Natural History Association in recognition of their son, Peter, "for his valuable contribution to the development of conservation programs in Guatemala, promoting the coordination of efforts between governmental entities and private associations with international organizations." Joan also sent along many tributes to son Peter for his work in the Peace Corps in Guatemala; Peter was killed there in 1984 in a robbery attempt while on his way home one evening from a party with friends. I quote from two of the following citations of the many that were given young Peter. First, the commemoration given by Ron Arms, country director of the Peace Corps in Guatemala, at the memorial service for Peter in Grand Rapids, Mich.: "I come to remember Peter Harper Wolfe. The wirerimmed glasses, the tuft of black hair, and the sparkle in his eyes encased a sharp mind. His energy and enthusiasm gave witness to a large capacity for work. The quick sense of humor earned him friends in many places. . . .

"More than many, Peter gave his life to the work of peace. In one of God's beautiful places he worked to preserve its flora and fauna. When local bureaucracies quarreled over jurisdictional issues, he used his negotiating skills to help people explore avenues of cooperation. He urged his fellow workers and himself to greater efforts when frustration blocked progress. When resources were scarce he wrote letters, knocked on doors, and did all he could to gather what help was possible. He invested time and energy in organizing an international conference aimed at improved coordination of conservation efforts. [Another] of his cherished projects was the creation of a reference library for environmental research. In more ways than I have time to mention, Peter spent his life to help others.

"Peter gave his best for peace. I can pay him no higher tribute than to encourage us all to continue to work for peace wherever we are. Peace Corps Guatemala is proud of Peter ... I thank you for allowing us to participate in the celebration of his memory."

Second, a translation of a citation published in the Guatemalan Prensa Libre newspaper in December 1984. "Who was Peter Harper Wolfe? He was a young Peace Corps volunteer killed in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 28, here in the capital.

"It was a tragedy. And the reason remains a mystery. But one thing is clear- Peter's objectives for Guatemala, a country he loved.

"Except for his friends and associates, who knows why he was here and what he was trying to do?

"He came here in 1983 with a desire and a commitment to establish a program to protect and preserve this country's wildlife and wildlands. He worked at INGUAT, El Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (the Guatemalan Tourism Institute), on a national parks program.

"He proposed a wildlands conservation seminar be conducted with representation from international organizations to help unite the efforts and interests of such governmental and nongovernmental agencies as INGUAT, INAFOR (InstituteNaciotial Forestal), and the Asociacion Guatemalteca de Historia Natural, and others.

"In the seminar proposal which he wrote in December 1983, he said that 'in order to preserve Guatemala's unique and varied splendor, the integrity of the country's national resources must be maintained.' He believed that in Guatemala, 'there is hope, and there is a point from which to begin. The facilities, organizations, and the potential exist here to make Guatemala one of the most successful and environmentally-aware countries in Latin America.'

"This could be accomplished, he thought, if the various Guatemalan conservation organizations cooperate with each other and demonstrate a sincere desire to promote the conservation of Guatemala's natural resources.

"Peter's efforts to help establish a permanent environmental protection and preservation program were cut. short by his unfortunate and untimely death. But he and his contributions shouldn't be forgotten.

"Guatemala will surely keep his efforts alive by continuing the work that he started on behalf of this country and the people who showed him hospitality, kindness, and love."

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