Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend

My thoughts about the passing of Peter Carmichael.

(With Pete at Civil War Institute, 2012)

I don’t remember the first time Peter Carmichael came into my life. Thinking back, it seems as if he has always been there. What I do know is that for two decades his was a voice of support, encouragement, and friendship.

Like so many of you, I owe many of the opportunities and a good deal of the success that I have enjoyed as a historian to Pete.

Pete’s accomplishments as a historian and scholar have already been acknowledged by countless others, but as important as his scholarship has been to the field of Civil War history, this is not what he will be remembered for. Nor, I suspect, is it what he would want us to remember him for.

As I continue to reflect about my friend it has become increasingly clear that the study and teaching of history was always a vehicle for Pete. It was a way for him to make meaningful and deep connections with others, whether as a scholar engaged in debate with his colleagues, as a teacher in the classroom, and in the countless other settings where Pete interacted with the public.

(With Keith Bohannon and Pete at Five Forks Battlefield, 2009)

But Pete could have done this in any capacity. That’s who he was. He was selfless. He was genuinely curious about others. Most importantly, Pete was committed to helping, to whatever extent he could, each and every person he crossed paths with.

His commitment to others knew no bounds.

If Pete had a mission in life, it was helping others maximize their potential. This was fundamentally who he was as a person.

He could do this with his smile and a laugh that seemed to overtake his entire physical being. But Pete could also do it with probing and challenging questions and a deep stare that reflected a sincere interest in the ideas and perspectives of others—all of which is to say that when you were in Pete’s presence, you felt as if you were the most important person in the room.

I could share countless stories from our friendship that highlight this in Pete, but for now I want to hold on to these memories for myself.

We can best honor Pete’s legacy by living up to the high standards that he set. Offer encouragement to others, even if it isn’t always warranted. Make that phone call if you think it might open a door for a colleague or friend. Take the time to listen with intention and sincerity. Offer a reassuring smile whenever possible.

(Leading a tour with Pete and Jill Ogline Titus at Gettysburg, 2023)

Find the humanity in others, lend a helping and reassuring hand whenever you can and, most importantly, recognize that our own achievements mean little if we are not uplifting others along the way.

Thank you, Pete. You shared your love with so many of us. I hope you know how much we all love you. Goodbye, my friend.

The comments section is open below if you would like to share your own reflections.