Peter Chase Barends

Peter came into the world in Columbus, Ohio, on July 3rd, 1999, with a shock of firecracker-red hair on the eve of Red White & Boom! He was a beloved son, adored brother, cherished grandson, treasured nephew and loyal friend.

Peter was raised in Bexley, Ohio, where, from an early age, he captured the hearts of everyone he met. From the moment Peter bounced into preschool, his contagious energy and mischievous smile captured the attention of peers and professionals. His vibrant personality landed him a spot in the hearts of the members of the Capital University track team who were coached by his father. As he traveled through the Bexley School System, he found an immense amount of joy in playing basketball. A natural athlete and fierce competitor, Peter had an excellent 3-point shot. Lacrosse, tennis, golf, and snow skiing provided additional athletic outlets. He was devoted to lifting weights and it showed! Peter also enjoyed playing video games and proved to be a talented ceramicist, mastering the potter’s wheel.

It was always evident that, for Peter, people and the pursuit of new adventures would guide his passionate dedication to whatever he did. From catching his limit at the Trout Club in Michigan with his grandfather (and namesake), to mission trips with the St Alban’s Youth Group, to an Italian adventure with his grandmother Ann - complete with a Vespa ride through the streets of Rome with Aunt Sarah - Peter was all in.

Peter was enrolled in classes at Columbus State and held jobs in hospitality and assisted living, both well-suited to his charismatic personality. He had a promising future ahead of him, filled with potential and aspirations that now remain a bittersweet reminder of the life that was tragically cut short.

Peter is preceded in death by his grandparents Frederik and Jeanne Barends, grandfather and namesake, James T. “Pete” Lowder, and aunt Meg Kauffman.

He is survived by his mother Lisa (John) Darke, father Fred (Rachel) Barends, siblings Hannah (Conor) Loy, Parker Barends, Tessa Darke, and Ella Mae Darke, grandmother Ann Lowder, aunts Sarah Lowder and Amy (Donna) Barends and uncle Andrew Kauffman. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in a celebration of Peter's life at 11am on Saturday, February 3rd, at St Alban’s Episcopal Church, 333 S. Drexel Avenue, Bexley, Ohio. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Peter’s memory to the Teen Youth Program at St. Alban’s (https://onrealm.org/StAlbansEpiscop373/give/memory) or to BirdieLight in support of their efforts to educate young people about the dangers of drug overdose https://donorbox.org/birdielight or a charity of your choice.

As a child, Peter’s favorite movie was Toy Story, so in the words of Buzz Lightyear, to Peter, we cheer "To Infinity and Beyond!" May you rest in peace and visit us in our dreams.