Childhood Memories - Dave & Maureen Smith

I first met Pete in 1975, but Dave met him a few years earlier. Pete was about nine when I met him and I remember him being a placid and polite boy.
He loved the beach and often went body surfing after school. He would come up out of the water all pink from the cold but he always had a big smile on his face. He was a good swimmer and he and Denny had swimming lessons every Friday for quite a few years.

Pete was crafty [in the good sense]. I remember him making lovely cakes with American Frosting on top. He also made a teddy for Larissa his cousin when she was born. He won many prizes at the Amberley Show for things he had made.

Dennis and Sharon built a new kitchen in the home at Leithfield Beach and I remember Pete asking if he could sleep in the unfinished cupboard. He crawled in with his sleeping bag and pillow and slept there the night.

On the 22 November 1977 at a Barry Smith meeting in Rangiora Pete went forward to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. I remember the night well as Dave and I went forward at the same meeting. From that night on Pete had a heart for the lost.

It was a pleasure to have known Pete and we love his family as our own. Every time I read about heaven I think of him. It will be exciting to see him again.