I made everyone in our book club actually read the books before we met, where we laughed for a solid hour and a half.  I presented A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way From Chicago.  Best book club ever!  I LOVE Richard Peck!

The first time I saw Richard Peck walking down the hallway in Hunter College High School, I hoped he would not be my teacher. He was tall, pale,expressionless and immaculately attired: so absolutely straight. But he was my teacher that year, for official class and English, and later in twelfth grade. He was animated, witty and brilliant. We were constantly laughing. A couple of decades ago, when I was preparing to move and going through old papers, I came across some pages torn from a yellow legal pad. As I read them, I asked myself why I had copied these pages from a book; they were in my handwriting but obviously not written by me. Later I remembered: we had been assigned to write a scene that was alluded to but not present in Sons and Lovers by D.H.Lawrence in the style of D.H. Lawrence. I also remember, in 12th grade, reading Chaucer and having to write about a modern-day character parodying Chaucer's introductions to his characters. We were  to hand in four drafts. After writing the third, I was sure I couldn't improve it further, but the next day I sat down and wrote a fourth draft. Mr. Peck showed us that we were capable of more than we ever imagined, as well as that there was more to rewriting than a copied-over scrap copy. We had many great teachers at Hunter, but being in Mr. Peck's classes are my fondest memories of high school.

I have a lovely visual memory of Mr. Peck, as I called him - when I was a student of his at Hunter College High School in NYC in the 1960's. While other classmates of mine have much more detailed memories of the creative assignments he gave (hints to his future as a writer), I remember his enthusiastic look and how he made me feel excited to be reading and discussing whatever he assigned.   It wasn't until years later that I found out he'd become a writer - it was only a surprise to me because he'd been such a a good teacher!   I'm glad he had such a long and successful career doing what he obviously loved.

I had the privilege of having Mr Peck as my 10th grade English teacher in the mid-1960's.  He was a dynamic teacher, always inspiring me to read more, write more and stretch myself beyond where I thought I could reach.  I had the pleasure of meeting up with him around 1989-90 when he was reading from one of his books at Seattle's Bumbershoot arts festival.  Always a gracious human being. He has left me with many warm memories.

A talented teacher who became a talented author. One of many who belie the adage "Those who can't, teach."  He could and he did - write (prolifically) AND teach (brilliantly,) with a lifelong window into the adolescent mind.  

Rest in peace, Mr. Peck!

I will always cherish my memories of Mr. Peck teaching at Hunter College High School during the 1960's when I was a student there. He was my favorite and I believe everyone there adored him.  His love of literature and his wit infused all that we read. I have recently learned of his great success as a writer. I'm looking forward to reading his books and passing them on to my family. Mona Sandler Sobel MD.

For decades, Richard Peck's storytelling genius entertained, enriched and inspired my fourth grade students.  Beginning every September, a class of ten-year-olds  laughed, cried, and learned through five or six Richard Peck novels throughout the school year.  Richard's stories were living American history lessons: rural life in Indiana, the St. Louis World's Fair, the Great Depression, World War II's impact on families back home, and more.  
Richard personally replied to my students' letters (in his beautiful script), giving them answers to their questions and sharing writing techniques.  He visited us at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois, speaking to his young - and older - fans, relating what inspired him to write, posing for pictures with them.  He even tried the gooseberry pies I made for him.  I'm so sad that the world will be without this wonderful man, and so glad that his mind and heart will continue to touch young people through his humane, insightful and generous writing.

Richard Peck's passing is a deep loss to the world of reading, learning and growing. His writing was heart-warming and genuine. I love reading his books and will go on reading them. Thank you for breathing life into your writing, Richard.

I am devastated to learn of Mr. Peck's passing. He is by far my favorite author for elementary students. I have read at least one, if not more, of his novels with my 5th grade classes for the past 15 years. Just this morning I bought my sister a copy of A Long Way From Chicago to help ease the stress of her job. No matter how many times I read his books, they never fail to make me laugh and teach me a new life lesson. Rest in peace Mr. Peck. The world will miss you greatly.

One if the sharpest, most creative writers and storytellers of the last several generations of readers. Will be missed, though his books live on. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard Wayne Peck

5 avril 1934 – 24 mai 2018

Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel

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