Peter Nota

Everyone in Peter’s life was captivated by his dynamic personality. He was known for his energy and wit, two characteristics that got him into trouble on more than one occasion. But despite his challenges, or perhaps because of them, Peter had an abundance of enthusiasm and love for life that he shared openly with the world.

In 1982, ET: The Extra Terrestrial would make it big at the box office and Michael Jackson’s Thriller would become the biggest selling album of all time. But just before these events made their way into pop culture history, the Nota family of Grand Rapids, Michigan welcomed their first son, Peter, into their lives.

Peter Joseph Nota was born on January 22, 1982. His parents, Bruce and Diane (Cook) Nota, would soon add two more children to the family. Their daughter Rachel was born three years after Peter, and Kyle three years after Rachel.

The entire Nota family especially enjoyed Peter, who was always full of energy. As a young boy, he developed a rather extensive vocabulary and was known for being very articulate. And although he was rambunctious, Peter was usually agreeable. In fact, he was known as the “For Sure” kid because whenever anyone asked him to do something, he always said, “Sure.”

Like any little boy, Peter liked to play with toys. He liked big trucks, dozers, backhoes, and semis, but his favorites were his He-Man and Army men, which he and his sister would smash and bury in the sandbox.

Peter and Rachel were not without their moments of sibling rivalry, but usually, they got along well. Sometimes, their parents would even say they got along too well. They would embark on all kinds of mischievous adventures together, including their most memorable one, which involved their baby brother. For whatever reason, Peter wanted to send 11 month old Kyle down the two story laundry chute. He planned out his mission carefully, even taking time to fluff the clothes in the basement, where Kyle would end his journey. Peter never got a chance to succeed with his plan, however, because his mother caught him just in time.

As a student, Peter was very bright. He excelled in many subjects, though he liked science and reading most of all. After attending Harrison Park Elementary School, Peter moved on to Math and Science School at Harrison.

By the time he entered West Catholic High School, Peter knew that his real love was science. He tried to emulate his TV hero, MacGyver, by doing all sorts of welding projects and experimenting with the Bunsen burner. He also played with homemade rocket kits and made his own rockets using plastic bottles, a bike pump, and water.

Peter began attending Kent City High School in his senior year, as he continued taking courses at Kent Skills in the Diesel Program. As part of this unique program, he learned a trade and apprenticed at Michigan Caterpillar. Peter, unlike the majority of his peers, thoroughly enjoyed his classes because he was able to learn about the things that really interested him.

Although Peter loved science, he had many other passions as well. He loved music, especially rock. Among his favorite bands were Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, and Pearl Jam, but he never limited himself to one kind of music. He listened to country and punk from time to time, and could sing along to his mother’s Neil Diamond album as well.

Music was a mainstay in Peter’s life, but he had other hobbies that he enjoyed for more brief periods of time. He enjoyed tee-ball and baseball as a child and later ran cross country for a couple of years during high school. Other hobbies included bow and gun hunting for deer. Later, he learned to fly fish as well. Peter spent many hours at Richmond Pond, perfecting his cast and tying his own flies. He also entered skeet shooting contests with his grandfather and they ended up traveling to New Mexico for the national tournament. While there, they enjoyed the sights and sounds of the west, and even snuck into a Brooks and Dunn concert.

During high school, Peter also discovered another of his true passions: two tracking. More than one car would meet its demise from Peter’s wild adventures, including the “Rat,” a Chevy Nova with a long CB antenna. True to his mischievous character, Peter ended up getting himself in trouble around graduation time. Luckily, despite his wild ways, he was able to graduate with the Kent City class of 2000.

After high school, Peter was eager to be independent. Soon, however, he found that life on his own was not as easy as he had thought. To gain discipline and earn money for college, Peter decided to join the Army.

Peter went to boot camp at Fort Benning, then transferred to Fort Hood in Texas. While there, he found a side job working at a ranch. Peter, who had always loved the outdoors, became a regular cowboy. After a long day at the ranch, he would wind down for the evening by reading, usually selecting something by Steven King, who was his favorite author.

By March of 2003, Peter was headed off to Iraq. He was proud to serve his country and his family was very proud of him as well. They sent him care packages, complete with peanut butter (with no jelly because of the heat), a Gameboy, an MP3 player, and batteries. Peter returned the favor, sending his family a box with a fake Rolex, jewelry, Iraqi money, and a clock featuring the likeness of Saddam Hussein.

Peter saw a lot of action during his time in Iraq and he was glad to return home in April 2004 as a Specialist 4 in the 4th Infantry. Although he was back in Texas, Peter did not forget his fellow soldiers in Iraq.

Peter was known as the instigator of all kinds of wild and crazy things, but most of all, he was known for being a good friend. He would do anything and everything for the people in his life, no matter what the cost. His lively and generous presence will be remembered forever by all who knew him.

Peter J. Nota died September 6, 2004. Peter was preceded in death by his grandfather Peter J. Nota and by his Great Grandmothers Ella Einig and Jane Radeck. A life far to short, he will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his parents Bruce and Diane Nota of Kent City; his siblings Rachel and Kyle; grandparents Donna Nota, Catherine and Fred Leonard and Gordon F. Cook (Judi); extended family Jerry, Kristy, Nicholas (Sam), Jeremy and Greg Rogalski; his childhood friend Andy Postma; brothers-at-arms Patrick, Ryan, Jake and Eric; aunts and uncles Michele Van Dee Ma, Diane (Dave) Munson, Laurie (Kevin) Wierenga, David (MaryBeth) Nota, Michael (Ruth) Cook, Rick (Pat) Cook and Doug (Christy) Cook; cousins Jason, Chris (Joy), Autumn, Sarah, Jake, Ben, Tylor, Amber, Grant, Lexie, Ethan, Mitchell and Megan and Natalie and Samantha.

Funeral services for Peter will be held on Monday, September 13, 2004 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW where relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family on Sunday evening from 6-9 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Fisher House at Fort Hood (a guest house for families of military casualties) are appreciated. You may read Peter’s life story, share a favorite memory or send flowers by visiting www.lifestorynet.com