Peter Nobles Frisbee

Peter Nobles Frisbee died peacefully from lung cancer, Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at Great Shepherds Adult Family Home in Shoreline, Washington. Providence Hospice provided wonderful care. His family and friends had visited him during his last days sharing memories and singing campfire songs. His devoted caregiver, Jerry Ballesteros, was at his side during his final moments.

He was born September 25, 1954, in Portland, Oregon, the third child of Don and Emilie Frisbee. He was named David but his boundless energy quickly earned him the nickname Peppy Pete. It stuck. To legally change his name, Don took his son in for a hearing. When the judge asked young David why his name should be changed, he replied "Because that's my name, Pete!" Everyone chuckled. The energetic boy was smart and vivacious with a mind for complexity.

He enjoyed an adventurous 1960s childhood and youth climbing trees in the front yard and making forts in the nearby woods. He had many friends, was a Boy Scout, hiked and camped in Central Oregon, skied on Mt Hood and vacationed at Rockaway Beach on the Oregon coast and Crystal Cove in Southern California. Most importantly, Pete loved to draw. With paper and pen in hand, he sketched figures, urban scenes and still lifes. He was an artist.

Pete attended Riverdale Elementary School and Lake Oswego High School. In his teens he immersed himself in rock music and poetry as well as his art. At 16, he was afflicted with schizophrenia. His parents followed the path of doing everything they could to give Pete a fulfilled life. He received treatment in Fresno, California, Logan, Utah then settled in Seattle which was his home for 40 years supported by the Psychiatric Branch of Community Support Services. He lived in various halfway houses and group homes, continually working on his art and warmly connecting with people.

His brother Robert was active in his care throughout Pete's adult life. In 2011, Robert and Don managed Pete's move to Autumn Ridge Apartments in Shoreline, a bold adventure for Pete in independent living. This was a success for six years. When he was taking the bus over to his new place, he shared the excitement of becoming part of the real world with the bus driver. The driver responded, "Be careful out there. It's a crazy world!" Pete thought that was very funny.

In Apartment B-301, he continued drawing, writing poetry and photographing people and places in his world. These were his happiest years. Pete had evolved to Peter, a name he signed with flourish. He had several patrons, family friend Sue Cooley, his dentist, Dr. Zimmer and his apartment manager, Geri Oostdyk. His big sister Ann was a compassionate touchstone and advocate in his world of art and life transitions. He traveled regularly to Portland to enjoy Frisbee family holiday celebrations.

Peter and Robert partnered to create a band called Fruit. Peter read his poetry with his raspy nuanced voice while Robert played various instruments as backup music. Robert produced the CD and they were working on a second joined by their nephew, Josh Naymie on guitar. Robert and Peter also worked together to publish a collection of Peter's drawings and poetry, entitled Life on the Edge. Peter got several record and book stores to carry his works. His response to all of these ventures was "Sweet!" or "Cool, man!".

Peter had a natural sweetness and was "cool". He loved the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger in particular. He was a sharp dresser, wearing a variety of hats in his later years. He enjoyed walking through Shoreline connecting with people at Shari's, McDonalds and Whistle Workwear. He was generous with his cigarettes and his lively conversation.

Peter is survived by his sister Ann Naymie and her partner, Jack Harper, and his brother Robert Frisbee and Robert's wife Denise. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Don and Emilie Frisbee and his brother Dean Frisbee.

A gathering to remember the interesting life of Peter is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2pm, Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Avenue, North Seattle, Washington Phone 206 362 5200