The worst, or maybe the best thing about being Pete Kanelos’ friend was his dedication to the Raiders. Sure, I’ve had other friends who like 
that team, but in Pete’s case it was a personal badge of pride and honor. Almost as if being able to shove it in his friends’ faces was the real motivation, not so much a love for the team itself.
Pete was relentless about it. If the Chargers lost, the text would arrive about how lousy they were. If a San Diego player was arrested for assault, or drugs, or a shooting or something — not unlike any other team in the NFL, including the Raiders — he’d make sure to point it out.
It never mattered how lousy the Raiders were at the time (they were, often), or if any of their players were in jail for the night; Pete always had the last word, which simply couldn’t be answered: “Yeah, so how many Super Bowl championships do the Chargers have?”
It was the huge smile and the twinkle in his eye — I could even see it over the phone — that made me let him have that last word.
How could you not love Pete Kanelos?
What his sister Angie wrote a couple of mornings ago struck me as spot on:
“Pete did pass last night holding his brother, Jim’s hand, listening to the Monroes. God has taken a soul that so many will miss. He was a brother that most could only imagine having, but I was lucky enough to experience all of Pete with his big heart, incredible mind and wicked sense of humor.
“Thank you for all your support. The love of Pete’s friends has been so amazing to me. People that knew him loved him so deeply because of his smile, brilliance, sense of humor and unwavering friendship that he gave back.
“I love you BIG brother from Casper to San Diego and now to Heaven.
“You made your parents so proud and paved a road for Jim, Helene, Holden, Demetrios, Caiden and me to believe anything is possible, stand for what you know is right and have adventures along the way.
“Rest and be in peace…”
I once penned a slightly tongue-in-cheek column that garnered a little attention. Something about when the then-LA Raiders came to San Diego, the SDPD and Sheriff’s Department could jointly conduct unserved warrants checks on all fans entering the stadium, or at least only those donning silver and black. It was of course satire — I do understand civil liberties — but a few folks took it a bit too seriously.
Disguising his voice, Pete left a message on my answering machine. “Hey, Barry Jantz, I read your article … I just want you to know I’m a Raiders fan, I’m a businessman, I’m a professional, I’m not some kind a low-life criminal … that’s a false image, hardly any of us are like that … I think you’re wrong … and if you don’t stop writing stuff like that I’m gonna pop a cap in your skull.”
He had me until the last few words. “Pete,” I said knowingly.
When he wasn’t disguising his voice, the conversations always started with, “Hey, what’s happenin’?” Never a simple hello.
“Later!” ended those talks, not abruptly, but simply because he looked forward to later.
If you knew Pete, you too always looked forward to later.
I miss you my friend.
Later!
# # #
Peter J. Kanelos
Peter J. Kanelos, 51, of San Diego, CA, passed away April 19, 2016, after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in Casper, Wyoming on December 15, 1964, to James P. and Edith Kanelos. He graduated from Kelly Walsh High School and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from University of California at San Diego.
Pete first moved to San Diego in 1984 to attend Grossmont College where he served as Vice President and then President of the Associated Students, before transferring to UCSD.
Pete’s passion for politics led him to work on and manage a number of campaigns over the years, including successful efforts for Councilmembers Barry Jantz in La Mesa and Byron Wear in San Diego; and California Assembly Members Steve Baldwin, Jay La Suer and Joel Anderson, among many others.
In 1993, Pete joined the San Diego-based political and public relations consulting firm of Schuman, Hoy & Wear as an account executive. Pete played a key role in the firm’s many political and PR campaigns. He was known for his passion, hard work and relentless good humor.
In 2002, Pete moved briefly to Washington, D.C. as consultant, then in 2003 accepted a public affairs position with Wal-Mart, where he directed political activities for the Western Region of the country. He subsequently founded the consulting firm Hermes Strategy Group
In 2013, Pete took his final position as Policy Director for San Diego City Councilwoman Lorie Zapf. He was much-loved at City Hall and played a crucial role in laying the foundation for Councilwoman Zapf’s legislative agenda. While working for Zapf, Pete was also responsible for many staff pranks, while providing amazing advice about Greeks and their culture. Pete always provided his political expertise and was dedicated to the success of his boss. Pete masterminded “Tony Hawk Day” and “Ralph Rubio Day,” both major media successes.
Pete also served in a volunteer role on the leadership team for Councilwoman Zapf’s 2014 reelection campaign. Even though he learned of his cancer during the race, he remained a valued counselor to his colleagues. Later, after surgery and a few months recuperation, he returned to policy work and his self-appointed role as the chief instigator of merriment at City Hall.
His final farewell party at the City Council, attended by several city councilmembers, was a bi-partisan affair filled with good food and warm embraces.
Pete was an involved parishioner at both St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Churches in the San Diego area. He was very proud of his Greek heritage and loved to cook. He also volunteered annually at the El Cajon Oktoberfest and Lakeside Parade. To the dismay of most of his friends in San Diego, Pete was a lifetime Raiders fan.
Pete is survived by his parents, his brother Jim Kanelos, sisters Angie Woodward and Helene Rexius, as well as nephews Holden Rexius and Demetrios Kanelos, and niece Caiden Rexius.
Pete’s family and many friends will remember him for his big heart, incredible mind and wicked sense of humor. Those who knew Pete loved him because of his smile, brilliance, sense of humor and unwavering friendship.
The Trisagion Service will be held at Bustard’s Funeral Home, April 24, 2016, 8:30 p.m., in Caspar, WY. The Funeral Service will be conducted at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, April 25, 2016, 11:00 a.m., with internment at Highland Cemetery to follow. The Meal of Mercy will be held at Karen and Jim’s Restaurant.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or The American Cancer Society.
Comments 16
Thank you for helping us remember Pete and his crazy antics and zeal for the Raiders.
When I put Pete in the car on Super Bowl Sunday to go to the airport it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I looked at Pete and saw a tear roll down his cheek. We both knew it would be the last time we would see each other.
Pete was one of my closest friends. There is now a hole in my heart with his absence.
I am taking solace in the fact that I am traveling to Casper. I will be flying into Denver and doing the drive to Casper that Pete had done so many times. I am not looking forward to the service but I know Pete is in a better place.
Barry I too will miss the back and forth Chargers vs Raiders. I took Pete to the Charger Raider game this year and on Christmas Eve watched the away game with him in the hospital. As divine intervention would have it the Raiders won both games.
I will miss you buddy!
With Pete gone, I’ll never know which one of us won our long standing argument: Was the cradle of civilization Greece or Armenia?
God Bless Pete Kanelos and his family. The only thing bigger than his smile was his heart.
Pete – thank you for making my life richer through your friendship.
RIP!
Jordan
Thank you all for your stories….I thought I was all cried out. Thank you Angie for your beautiful tribute. Frank…that was so great of you to write those heart wrenching words about your buddy, Pete. I, too, had that moment. With a hole in my heart, I make my way to Casper. Angels everywhere. ✝. “May his memory be eternal.”
Barry, thanks for a wonderfully warm and personal remembrance of a wonderful and warm guy. Pete was funny, bright, irreverent and a joy to be around. His many friends will miss him terribly. Our lives are richer for having known him.
As always, you caught the essence of Pete in your tribute. Thank you for sharing it and reminding us of how special Pete was.
He is in God’s hands now…and likely lobbying the leadership to allow former Raiders past the Pearly Gates. Rest in Peace Pete.
Later!
Scott
I’ve been grieving for months about what I knew was coming and as sat alone in Pete’s apartment a few weeks ago, it was hard to not cry. I was in charge of going through all of Pete’s papers and trying to make sense of it all. He was already back in Wyoming so I knew someone who knew him well had to go through the massive amount of files in his home office. I was honored to do this. There were articles of him from Grossmont college where he exposed corrupt student govt leaders; articles about victories won while working for Walmart, articles about both of my campaigns that Pete was a big part of. I went through hundreds of photos, clippings and souvenirs from his life in San Diego. I even found the photos of him and Lonnie hanging out with a few Playboy bunnies when the two of them somehow got into a Hugh Hefner party. As I organized his files, his entire life flashed before me and I couldn’t help but see the patterns. How he threw himself into everything he did; how he lived life to the fullest every day; how he was intensely loyal to his friends. I wanted to do a good job organizing these files so they will be preserved for his family so they can see how he lived his life in San Diego. I sat there for hours in his apartment and was reluctant to leave because I knew this was a closing of a chapter in Pete’s life that I didn’t want to close. But God has his plans and it’s not for us to understand those plans.
I had many great memories with my uncle Pete that I will cherish forever. The most recent and perhaps most memorable moment happened about a month ago in Casper. I had never seen The Wizard Of Oz (one of Pete’s favorite movies), and he insisted that I would watch it. We sat down together and played the movie. Although he couldn’t keep his eyes open the whole time, he never failed to sing along to the songs. I will never forget my Raider loving, humorous, uncle Pete.
I will see you again someday, somewhere over the rainbow. I love you.
Pete knew he was appreciated and loved. While I had not had the contact some of his dear friends (who have posted above) had, we kept in touch. He wanted to run a “judge’s campaign” for me even not too long ago. He was full of humor, wit, and he was classic Pete. He offered to go to Greece with me (I had to pay of course) after a large settlement (Barry I think posted a picture of us). Pete was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed, and he made a difference. Pete made a difference. How many can say that? All I know is a dear friend is gone, and I don’t take life for granted. I will miss you Pete, and I will see you all too soon.
Thanks to Jon Fleischman and FlashReport for posting my Pete Kanelos tribute at the top today. Pete deserved it.
http://www.flashreport.org/archive/2016/04/24
Pete was a mentor early in my career and demonstrated the patience of Job. As I came to know Pete, I knew him to be a person of wonderful, admirable qualities so eloquently expressed above. His generosity, good manners, honesty and grace, lectures (yes, lectures) on Greek culture, and above all humor could be found in any situation. In those early days, it was not uncommon for Pete to stop by my desk (or worse, to call me into his office) to note my “mistake” on a project just to see my reaction. Ahhh, Petey – Who will ever decide the Greek-Italian culture war now? You will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to the Kanelos family. What a gift you shared with all of us in San Diego!
Many years ago, I asked Pete how he, someone who has lived virtually his entire life in Wyoming and San Diego, became a Raiders fan. He said when he was a kid everyone in Wyoming were Broncos fans and the main rivals to the Broncos at that time were the Raiders. And he thought it would be more fun to be a fan of the main rival to everyone else’s favorite team. Pete always loved to be the contrarian.
Requiescat in pace my dear friend Peter. Your humor, intelligence, faith and generosity were hallmarks of your life. Your courage and dignity will forever be an example to us all. There’s a void now, especially in your homes of San Diego and Wyoming. We are left to fill it with the immense remembered joy you left behind. Now you are home again, just all too soon.
So I thought a bit before I posted on this. Pete Kanelos was a decent sort. He was one of my first bosses in the early 90’s, on the Wear for Council campaign. He and Byron taught me the basics of what I know today, and were the brains behind what is now the Republican RPD program. After that Pete and I became friends; friends enough that I lived with his girlfriend of the time, and he did not. Close enough friends that I was reasonably open about why he was wrong about various things and he could explain why I was wrong. He could make me laugh, which was more important. I enjoyed his Greekness.
Pete was a Party man. The last time I saw him every question was political. If I were to give him a eulogy it would be the same one I’d want for myself (with changes, from Charles Murphy):
Pete Kanelos was a straight organization man. He believed in party government; he does not indulge in cant and hypocrisy and he is never afraid to say exactly what he thinks. He is a believer in thorough political organization and all-the-year-around work, and he holds to the doctrine that, in making appointments to office, party workers should be preferred if they are fitted to perform the duties of the office. Pete is one of the veteran leaders of the organization; he has always been faithful and reliable, and he has performed valuable services for the Republican Party.
RIP