Peter Chapman Steady

With his witty sense of humor, Peter Chapman Steady “Coma” used to say “I’ve got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel”, and on March 3rd 2022, that peel gave way after a short battle with lung disease.

Peter was born Aug 20th, 1950 in Laconia, NH to the late Pearl Evelyn Chapman and Edward “Big Ed” Steady. Being the authentic, free spirit he was, he used to feel fortunate to have been born in the 50’s when “the government had less control”, a hand shake was a contract, a yes meant yes, and a no meant no. This authenticity was a constant throughout his life, he was direct, genuine and you always knew where you stood with Pete.

Pete graduated from Manchester Memorial High School class of 1968, and went on to attend New Hampshire Technical Institute where he studied Electric, Electronic, and Mechanical Engineering graduating in 1970 with an Associate’s Degree. His impressive problem solving and mathematical abilities led Pete to have some interesting jobs over the years. Notable to NH’s history, in the 1990s he led a team building passenger coaches for the Mt Washington Cog Railway. Another job took him to Arizona where he “saw his first roadrunner”, and he often remarked on the beauty of the desert in bloom. Other employers included Standard Metals, Isaacson Steel, Wildcat Mountain, Helfrich Brothers and Matrix Power. He also enjoyed time self employed as a handyman –using his array of skills from cutting trees, to plumbing, building wooden structures, creating old fashioned toys, and finish carpentry. Family jokingly called him MacGyver as he always had a creative way of fixing a problem - this is probably why his favorite attraction was the Tuttle House at NH’s Clark’s Trading Post.

Out of all of his roles in life Pete’s favorite was being a dad. Whether it was a hike, setting off bottle rockets, or sliding off the roof into a fresh pile of snow, Pete loved outdoor adventures with his two daughters. He used to say “The only thing you can't make more of is your time.” This mindset prompted him to spend winters in the later part of his life travelling to visit “His Girls” in Las Vegas and London, as well as travelling in his self-converted van, camping along the US east coast to visit friends in Florida (coincidentally, the timing of his “migration” was closely aligned with the hummingbirds he so loved). His sense of adventure even took him to Thailand where in his late 60s he solo travelled the remote Elephant Trail by motorcycle, no doubt entertaining the locals with his amazing beard and old fashion demeanor. He often shared that he got a kick out of the gas to refuel being stored in old liquor bottles.

Pete woke up with the sun “nature’s alarm clock”, treating each day as a gift mixed with a sense of spontaneity. You never knew when something you said might spark a random Pete jingle. This relaxed approach made him the life of the party. He loved classic rock & roll (the louder the better), made people laugh, told great jokes, was last man standing and somehow never had a hangover. He shared clear-cut, no nonsense advice and would always lend a hand. His observations on life were forthright... but often very true!

In addition to his parents, Pete was predeceased by his step mother Betsey (Hertzberg) Steady, of Leesburg, FL. Family who lovingly remember Pete include his youngest daughter Patricia Asencio, her husband Aaron and grandson Preston, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his eldest daughter Pearl Steady, of London, England and granddaughter Paige of Mosel, Germany; their mother Pat Steady, of Lancaster NH; his brother Paul Steady and wife Debbie, of Thornton, NH; his oldest living uncle Bernard Chapman of Tilton, NH, relatives throughout New England, and last but not least his beloved chainsaws!

His path of friends is long starting at Cedar Pond, West Milan NH, and throughout New England, including Long Meadow, MA, to childhood friends in Titusville & Melbourne Florida and out to Las Vegas. Making friends wherever he went his friendships extended to Europe and Asia, so it's fair to say Pete will be missed internationally (and intergalactically if alien visits to camp are included).

“Pete’s Girls” invite family and friends to join them on Saturday July 9th at Jericho State Park (at the pavillion) in Berlin, NH for a celebration of his life at 1pm. This will be an outdoor commemoration with BBQ, many have offered to bring side dishes or desserts, these are welcome but optional, most important is your presence and your memories of their Dad. You are invited to wear tie-dye, or a funny t-shirt that Pete would have appreciated. Seating is limited so it’s recommended to bring a folding chair.

In lieu of flowers please enjoy a cold beer and an overdue visit with a loved one.

Pete’s website http://www.petersteady.com will remain active for the time being.