People started arriving at 2:00 pm to help prepare for the Chez Hallock party which was slated for 4:00-7:00 pm in Peter’s home in Fall City, WA. As the invitation stated:

In true Hallock style, we’re having a party at the house to celebrate Peter’s life, share stories, eat, drink, and be merry. Come for part or all; help as able. What to bring: Yourself, your spouse/partner, and a beverage of choice. We will be attempting to empty the Hallock liquor cabinet!

What about food? Pupus galore! Peter had used the Hawaiian term for hors d’œuvres (pupus) for decades, I’m assuming, because of his friendship with us. Carl had already stuffed the lychees the night before. Others were assembling dips and wraps, washing fruit, etc.

In addition to getting rid of the gin (those having a Hallock memorial martini!) the idea for getting together all the choristers who had sung with Peter Hallock was for them to help themselves to his collection of books and CDs. In addition, Peter’s many art objects, and household items (remember his collection of cuckoo clocks!) were made available to those who might have a special recollection or memory in exchange for a monetary donation to Peter’s estate.

I would guess that altogether forty people stopped by to “talk story” about Peter Hallock, and at times, the decibel level of the talking and laughing was almost deafening! What was so amazing that people had come from opposite ends of the country to be here for the weekend, from us in Hawaii to folks from the East Coast and Midwest. That shows you how much Peter Hallock meant to all of us, and how much he was loved.

We especially want to thank Mel Butler (Canon Musician of St. Mark’s Cathedral), his wife, Mary Coon, and Jason Anderson (second Director of the Compline Choir) for letting me go to bed early while they did ALL the dishes and glassware!