ForaHero.com: Peter McWilliams 1950-2000

Peter McWilliams, you will not be forgotten.

Some of us knew your personal warmth and love. Many of us knew you through your best-selling books, or your work for personal freedom. Millions more will feel your impact.

You died a casualty in the war on drugs. The battle was over medical marijuana. Voters in your own home state of California agreed with you that marijuana should be legal for medical purposes. Proposition 215 passed overwhelmingly in 1996, but the federal drug warriors ignored the voters, and your activism made you a target. For helping a friend produce medical marijuana, you were charged as a drug kingpin in federal court.

In the end, you were facing five years in prison, you were bankrupt from legal battles, unable to work, and forbidden to use the medical marijuana you yourself needed to keep down the medication for your AIDS and AIDS-related cancer.

You were awaiting the final sentence from the judge. But you could not wait very long. You could not keep down your medication.

On June 14, we lost you. But we will not forget you.

	This site was created as a tribute to Peter McWilliams. From June 2000 until March 2002, 4,112 people helped say "this one man will not be forgotten" by signing their names, jotting down a thought in his honor, or writing a word of condolence. Their names and comments follow.

	Thomas R. Grimes -- Thank you, Peter. You were an inspiration to many and died for the cause of Liberty. You will be missed! Christina Collins Hill -- I thought you would be missed, but you live on through your words. Marlena Donna M. Paridee -- I am forever changed for the better for having read Peter's books. I will work tirelessly to see his dreams come true. M. Bradley McCauley -- Early in 90's, I sent 3 chapters of my novel to Prelude Press. I received a copy of Peter's Self Publishing Book with editorial marks and comments about the novel. I followed his advice, to perfect my craft. I will always have loving thoughts for you, Peter. Thanks. Waylon Kain Krumrie -- I just wanted to say, Thank You. Christine McMahan -- Atlanta, GA mandy -- scotland Jason Berrier Jim K -- A bit late, Peter, but thank you for your kind words, your kind works, and for the kindness of your life. Matthew T. -- Thanks Peter, you were the best help to me when I was teen. And I will always remember you. anonymous -- I enjoyed your book. I pick it up and read through it often. David D Wright -- Upstate NY -- Read his book "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do." Great read. The man was brilliant. The book didn't change my life or mind but educated me in a lot of ways. Richard Reed -- Valdosta, GA leslie Cindy -- Peter's Books were so wonderful. I always felt that he was a truly great person. I just learned of his death and the circumstances of his life at the time. It is so sad! Tom peter keith l williams -- I first read aint nobodys business while in prison on a sales charge it helped me to realize that i wasnt the villian that the state was making me out to be and helped me fight off the brainwashing techniques of the cd counciling i was forced to attend thank you peter anon -- nice guy sherlocksnoopy@yahoo.com -- Survived with the help of his book HOW TO SURVIVIE THE LOSS OF A LOVE Dickamn Greling Jackson -- He saved my life once. I though I was going to hell, but after I read 'Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do', I though a little differently about Christianity and the fundamentalist take on it. God is love, and Peter McWilliams showed that in a nice way. Mike M -- Birmingham, Michigan. Peter, your cheerful and supportive words will live forever. Thanks for everything. anonymous -- I'm proud to be a Californian ... Prop. 215 was the light for many sick people. It's a shame the federal government couldn't trust us. Alicia -- Hilliard, OH- thank you 4 your time & effort @-{--- anonymous -- This could have only happened in a socialist country, think about that. jimmy Mathew -- Thank you, Peter Joel Symmes - San Francisco -- It's interesting in life how someone can give, heal, inspire, console without knowing those they help. Perhaps that is in each one of us. Thank you, Peter for all you have done and continue to do for all of us. Bonita Lopez - Colorado -- Thank you for sharing your soul, for a time I thought someone had read my thoughts of pain, to only make sense of all the mess inside, your soulful thoughts saved my life. Thank you again. Elaine, Michigan -- Thank you for your great books. bill -- legalize it for peter anonymous -- Peter, you will be remembered always for your great generosity and love, and great books. Thank you. Chris -- shooting a documentary about peter go to Ann McCormicks group on yahoo for more info - I love Peter still Sanders -- it is so nice to see how he is not forgotten Chris Sanders -- I loved Peter McWilliams like a father - To cope with my loss I have named one of chihuahua's pups after him. And I am constantly creating music and documentary footage about his life and how the federal government took him off his medication. I believe he created a cure for AIDS anonymous Katie -- Thank you, Peter, for your great little book "HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE". I Have given this book to so many people suffering any kind of loss for over 20 years. They still thank me every time I see them. It is the most help I am able to give -- and it only costs $6.95. JARO -- GERMANY Amber -- Thank you for fighting the good fight. Anonymous in New York -- I did not know Peter personally, but his books helped me when I was really down. He stood for the most important of all American values: personal freedom. He was truly a great American. Morgan Holt (UK) -- This man changed my life. His writing and his friendship helped me find myself. Wanda -- Thanks for your wisdom. betty -- I was pleased to find all of Peter's great books still available. It took care of all my Christmas gifts, and I know they will love them. gif Will -- It's true much too often... "only the good die young". Walter S. -- The people who killed Peter should be in prison. Remember Nurenberg. Baker -- 5th time reading Ain't Nobody's Business ... pisses me off every time. With current events and all I was going to pass his word to others. IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE. Sorry he had to die the way he did, because of OUR GOVERMENT. Can't say enough. DRAVEN E M -- NOT UNTIL WE THE GENERATION THAT ARE BEING WRONGED BY OUR OWN GRANDFATHER'S STAND UP, TAKE CONTROL, DECRIMINALIZE NATURE, AND CRIMINALIZE GENOCIDE FOR MONEY!! I.E. CHEMICAL PRODUCER'S, DU PONT, 3M , ECT..ALCOHOL PRODUCER'S, TOBACCO PRODUCING STATE'S MUST BE FORCED TO CHANGE CROP'S TO NON-LEATHAL Sordid-1 -- Peter McWilliams is yet another shining example that the Feds do NO, in fact, know what's "good for us." PW stood against "Big Daddy" government, and it was a worthwhile fight. Ian C. Flora -- Another, in the name of freedom. Further proof that we offer life and hope, even as they force death upon us. Margaret -- God hold you in the palm of his hand. You gave such comfort by sharing your pain. All love toyou and yours. Anne -- Note to the previous signer, Jennifer. Peter' wonderful books are still available on the internet at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com. In fact there is a memorial to Peter in the newest edition of COME LOVE WITH ME AND BE MY LIFE which contains all of Peter's favorite poems. Jennifer Catlin -- I am currently a law student, and am very interested Mr. Williams, I have been ever since I had my fiance special order his book Come love with me and be my life. The book was taken from me, but I still try to run over and over in my mind as much as I can remember. jcatlinc@aol.com MALKY -- MORE PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE WHEN DRUNK RATHER WHEN STONED ID RATHER BE WITH A TOKER THAN A DRINKER, GREENOCK Jeff Salisbury -- Read "Ain't Nobody's Business..." and have not been the same since. Harry James Platt -- Loved his idea Scott -- He gave us some great work. His senseless death is a tragedy, but we are better for having known him. James Kosior -- Jersey City Mike Pountney, Melbourne -- You have taken my vague ideals, and transformed them into a cause that I need to fight for. You are an inspiration. I hope you are now in a place where you are appreciated for the phenomenon that you are. Thank-you so much. CardinalBlades -- Your views and thoughts live on...if only through me Matt Darby -- "Lets turn on the sprinklers"... he was an inspiration... Bruce Ray Carr, Pagan Sean -- Edinburgh, Scotland - Peter... real, true and amazing. Thanks for the insight. Paul Freedom -- NY - Love and Marijuana Heals Like No Other Sheila Steele -- Peter: I still miss your e-mail. For the year and a half I received it I always looked forward to the messages you would send out. They were witty and gave no indication of the personal devastation you were going through as you scoured the net for intel Lady Sunshine -- I support Peter Williams and his war on medical marijuana. And hopefully someday soon his dream will be filled and he shall smile upon us in gratitude!!! = ) Grayson -- Like the road less travelled, your books have made all the difference. Lauren -- I read your books all the time. My favorites are LIFE101 and YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE LUXURY OF A NEGATIVE THOUGHT. I 've already bought them for all my Christmas gifts. Thank you, Peter. Trevor Starnes -- Your books are some of the most insightful I've ever read. You changed the way I think and I'll remember that. faad -- uae Nanci -- Alabama chandru -- india Anonymous -- Oshkosh, Wisconsin Rastafari -- We love you man....peace. Michelle Robare -- The words of wisdom from Peter's books gave me strength. Almost daily I have on opportunity to pass on those words to someone who needs them. I have given Life 101 to every graduate from High School and they have all told me that it was the greatest gift because the words were true. Ruben & Sandra Boschman -- Australia Kris Miller -- Your book was a huge influence on me, and your death was a great loss for freedom. kandis holliday-quenzler -- You did good Peter. Thanks for your insight and your voice. Mitch Wood -- Preparing a speech on medical marijuana and was linked here while doing research. snowboarding Laura -- Virginia Tristan Geis -- They couldn't beat you, even in killing you. We'll carry on the fight in your memory. Thanks for everything, Peter. Dan -- Minnesota -- You Can't Afford the Luxury of Apathy. Life and Death 101 witchburners.com -- Peter was an angel of the light who died fighting the death energy of the antichrists cornelia -- germany - -- Remember? "Missing you could turn from pain to pleasure if only I knew you were missing me, too ..." Colin Huwyler -- Freedom! Bronwen Dawkins -- Australia Amy -New Orleans -- What a tragic loss, such a wonderful soul lost so young. His books bring me so much joy, hope and comfort. I wish everyone would take the time to read his books thoughtfully and with an open mind. Angelo -- New York City peter Jane -- In Canada our laws are becoming more restrictive than they were.....after reading some of Peters wrting .... there is an activest in me ...... thank you for the insight and I will get the ball rolling in easteren canada Lora Remerowski -- Cedar Rapids, IA Jane from Oklahoma -- Here I was trying to send your generous information to help my sister & I just now foound this. How ironic. Your work & your spirit lives. Thank you for enriching my life. RUTH FRANZ-HIGDON -- Dear Peter - Your books always made me feel we were personal friends. Your generosity in sharing stays with me. You haven't deserved the hardships and I've just tuned in only to learn that you are no longer here with us. I'll always have a big place in my heart for you. Edward Bowers -- Dear Peter, when Bill & Co. finally killed you, it took 2 weeks and two days for me to learn the tragic news. As I write this it is two weeks and two days since 9/11/01 and I can�t help thinking of you. Rather than bombs, you would drop food (and maybe Joy Pills) and a little note saying, "Enjoy." chelsea -- you have no idea how much you are loved and appreciated Jewel Breeze Steele (jewel.breeze@freedomlover.com) -- Now is the time for all of us to come together for freedom, for who we are, for our rights...now is the time to fight for what we truly want, the things that will make society happy and content...No one in this "WAR" died in vain, and now is the time to fight for us and for our memories! Lars Liden -- His book on consensual crimes is one of the best books I've ever read. Feesh - Malaysia -- From this remote corner of the earth, it was only recently that I stumbled upon his inspiring works and thought of searching for more, only to be saddened to learn that he's no longer with us. A great man gone too soon. Rest in peace and "Terima Kasih", Peter (in Malay which means Thank You) Mary -- I just finished "How to Survive the Loss of a Love". I , too, wish everyone in NYC who experienced a recent loss could read it. Very good. Bill -- Since the World Trade Center tragedy, I have been listening to the cassettes of your consoling book "HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE" I wish everyone in the country could have a copy of that book right now. Thank you, Peter. Laurie -- Your light shines in my heart and the hearts of All who have read your books. Your truths have made this world a better place. The Light of Your Soul will continue to Shine upon us and teach us LOVE. Tony -- Thank you, Peter, for your wonderful book "DO IT -- LET'S GET OFF OUR BUTS " It helped me fulfill what I always wanted. Everyone should read it for inspiration. Sonic -- I threw the book, i cuddled the book, i would give i to my mother and tell her t give it back in a month and nosooner, then beg for it back the next day. Come love with me and be my life is like a romantics bible and hymn. Kiteen -- this man is a hero, never forget him! Herb Cee -- When you hear collateral damage I hope you think of Peter. He was exactly that in an Insane Drug War against harmless people. jojo sherry -- even tho we never knew each other i feel as if we were one through your life and inspirational words of knowledge you were a wise man beyond my life. Celeste -- The wondweful book the previous signer mentioned is "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country." It may completely change the way we view what adults can and cannot do. Everyone should read this book. It is serious and entertaining. -- Susan B. -- Tucson, AZ -- I have gotten a lot of mileage out of the poems in "How to Survive the Loss of a Love." Mr. McWilliams, you definitely made a positive difference in my life. Thank You. I will remember you. Janie R. Cox -- Peter's books meant the world to me. They helped me get through so many rough times. He will be sorely missed. anonymous -- sac ca Mose B -- Freedom will one day return. Marghe -- Italy Janice R. -- Your death is one of life's tragedies. You were a great man, and hopefully will be long remembered. phdnthc -- indiania - i followed peter, todd and rene's story about the ca.bust & was hopeful for a fair outcome. when i heard of peter's death, i was so enraged and then profoundly sad at our loss. how absolutely senseless and inhumane. i will never forget you, peter. thank you for sharing yourself with us. Alicia Dickinson -- Palmdale California. Peter, God rest your soul. Thank you for your book You Can't Afford The Luxury of a Negative Thought, It saved me! Jose Melendez -- Arrest Prohibition - Drug War is TREASON! Doug McNeill -- DC Peter helped give me a peaceful life. He is a hero. Jerry -- Thank you , Peter for your wonderful books. I 'm so pleased they are still available. I use them as gifts all the time. leslie -- is a good page Jeffrey E. anonymous -- cool meagunn--west virginia -- he was just something i doscovered in a used book shop. and i fell in love with his words... one of the first things i gave my last true love was a copy of "love--the hard stuff" and he helped me get through tat break-up and more than that, he helped me see a whole new perspective in love. thanks. raven -- venezuela Diana Mcwiliams -- Big Rapids jimmy -- I found out about him after he died, it is terrible that our government isn't restrained to it's Constitutional restrictions. This could only happen in a truly socialist counrty. Rev. Dr. James A Windham -- Houston, TX Tristan Thorne -- Tragic end for a man who only wanted to help the world. He will be missed. Doug -- One definition of insanity has it that we keep doing things over and over the same way, and each time expecting different results. Such can be said about the war on drugs. Then there are those who say that if we just crack down harder (read, if we just increase the insanity, we can win this war. mcgreg -- mcgreg from croatia Mr. Bones -- i'm pissed off at the blatant display of such ignorant stubborness which was accomplished by the idiot judge, He killed him! Why isnt he behind bars? All of us are equal as human beings but accomplishment is a different story and Peter stands out. As hard as it may be to accept, when God wants us .. C -- you sure made4 things better for a lot of us. Kay -- Michigan -- Thank you Peter, for all your wonderful books, especially "HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE," which I give away all the time. patriot pete -- uncle sam killed peter. dont let him kill anyone else. end the idiotic "war on some drugs". Chris -- New Zealand. What a legend. Let the march for freedom continue! miikka rautio -- kannabis Justin Burris -- In war, Heroes become Martyrs. C Sanders -- I will be in NY shooting a documentary about Peter's and Todd McCormicks situation contact me if you know anyone beneficial 310-403-4467 Chris Sanders -- It is nice to see so many people that are still touched by a remarkable man - Thank you! as he would say - enjoy :-) RedViper -- Your Death proved how insane the War on Drug Users is. Rest In Peace, wherever you are. Vicki Hedtke -- ain't nobody's business! anonymous Tobias Knutsson, Sweden. counce brampton pat s. -- his book "how to survive the loss of a love" helped and is still helping me deal with the death of my husband from ling cancer @55, several months ago. rest in Peace! Mary Jane Bubbler -- New Auburn Wisconsin Gary Harber -- Camarillo, California Val in Mass. -- The simplicity of his words speaks volumes! Louis A. -- Mr. Williams was a great author and a great thinker. He will be missed by many. Morgan Holt -- This man changed my life. His writing and his friendship helped me find myself. Tammy - Illinois -- I did not know Peter McWilliams had died. I found this website by accident. His books touched my life and he will be greatly missed. Thanks, Peter. anonymous Will -- San Mateo, CA, USA Elaine Mahanke -- What an incredible inspiration! ERIC M -- Yes we must save our country close the boarders where we know the drugs are getting in! Restucture the FDA so it is not a lap dog for the pharma.S. companies and stop approving unsafe drugs with little or no true knowledge of long term effect's! LEGALIZE IT! They know it is safe! they know! Antypas karipoglou -- Greece baron morris -- you rock. Bryan -- wonderful writer - he'll be missed. RkyMtn Jammin@Aol.com -- Peter was a catalyist for myself and my first love...and many others.. thanks Peter -- Since Jennifer is a law student, she would find Peter's great book "AIN'T NOBODY"S BUSINESS IF YOU DO: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country." Peter's books are also available at your local bookstore. Diane -- Peter- your words have made a difference in my life. I wish I could do the same for you. Thanks for the personal letter of encouragement when I was just getting started. "The first gift is life. The second is love. The third is understanding" Thomas Strickland -- I wrote to him after reading Ain't Nobody's Business. I loved the book, the way it opened my eyes to the freedoms we have and those we forget. And he wrote back. Sent me a letter of thanks, two of his other books, a photography collection and a CD. I recommend his book whenever I can. David -- never surrender Manoj Vijayan -- I'd just started reading "Do it!" and liked it so much that I wanted to learn more about the man who wrote. Saddened to hear of his death. I'm definitely going to look for his other works. Gerry Potie -- legalize weed for the love of god!!!!!!! Duncan Haile -- Peters Works touched my life and I in turn touched others with his help. Just speaking to him on the phone was energising and healing. Integrity personified. alex Major Tom -- Peter's accomplishments make my work seem so insignificant. Nidhi -- I like your books..they are funny and profound...a powerful combination Eric -- NJ. "Enough is enough!" We have to tell OUR ELECTED officials that we want a change in the drug laws! Scott C. Mild -- Saturn of Osceola Cindy -- USA Doug Leinbach - Rainbow Farm Volunteer -- When will we ever learn? Mary -- California -- Thanks for the love, Peter, and for the courage. May we all learn live as free as you did. anonymous -- Peter has become my hero. He teaches truth that sets us free. Charles -- Houston, TX - Thanks, Peter, for all your wisdom. "Life 101" was one of the first books I ever read and I loved it. When Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered I sent a copy of "How To Survive The Loss Of A Love" to his parents. Thanks for loving us all with your books. I hug you in typing this. anonymous mary applen -- olympia, wa...liked your books Nanci N. -- You were a hero to so many. Your writing helped create a movement of empowerment, hope and love. You are no longer with us physically, but you will forever be among us in thought, word and deed. You are a hero- to a world who needs heros. Hector Robels -- killing of a homeless man leaves a city to wonder. Jason Honeycutt -- Los Angeles Lorna -- Scotland, love and peace Rastafari -- We love you man....peace. Bruce Ray Carr -- If the resources squandered on the War On Drugs had been employed against Osama bin Laden, the WTC might still be standing! karenajf -- lajdflk puritanism Bonnie Blyth -- I never knew the man, but have been touched (many times) and helped thru many losses, thru his words, may they live forever in the way that he could not. Mary J -- Ontario - My life has done a total 360 in the six years since I read DO IT. Thank you, Peter, my hero. genniiii -- beauty is in the one who percieves such beauty ... Peter comprehended the beauty ... would that all men could see in other men what he so admired ... I am well blessed to have been able to encounter Peter ... Peter could bestow upon another a greatness where others could only sesire Ken -- Now, rest with God. Learn new things, and if is God's will write, write, write. Dawn -- I miss you so much........ Dawn -- Even though you aren't really here, you are still all that I really have. khalid Anonymous Rebecca Rusche -- i can't believe you're dead. you write like a god. you have inspired me. i just found out this minute that you had passed. consensual crimes was the first time i founed you, now i finally got my hands on life 101. i was going to email you if you had a website and ask for your hand. tillwemeetagain. Peter McWillliam -- my name is peter too.... alex Anonymous -- I met Peter McWilliams in person back in January of 1998. He simply smiled and simply handed me 2 of his books. From there we had long discussion about real world issues and of course medical marijuana that completely changed my life. I now see the world differently and I owe it all to him. erin grothues -- harm reduction coalition NYC Ila M. Atkins -- Wow, I had no idea Peter was gone, his books have helped me so much in my life up to this point, and I was only looking for more. He truly is a great man. Click here for the next page of names and comments.

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