Editor,

Thank you Kira Erickson, also photographer David Welton for the delightful article and photos (March 9, 2022) of the memorial tribute to longtime South Whidbey resident, the late Peter Hansen. Not only were many dear friends attending and telling fabulous stories, but it was the first time we were able to gather with one another in well over two years, without masks.

And special thanks to Michael Clyburn and Doe Stahr for their greatly appreciated miniature Viking ship.

Peter ventured to Whidbey in the early ’70s, at the same time as thousands of folks were escaping many large cities, energized by Canned Heat’s Going Up The Country. Peter arrived in a reorganized yellow school bus, hand painted to the max. He not only taught many how to use dangerous tools, he had at least two of every tool imaginable in his shop, willing to loan.

Hundreds of like-minded folks landed on South Whidbey in the late ’60s, early ’70s, desiring a less stressful lifestyle, more meaningful connection to the Earth and desiring to start cooperative communities. And that we did.

The adventures and accomplishments of the transplants are too many to list in this letter, but I urge those who wish to learn much more about this period of Whidbey’s history to read the book The ’70s on South Whidbey: Life and Times Re-Imagined by Peggy Kimbell and Collaborators, available at the Langley Library by reservation or The Moonraker Bookstore in Langley.

Since many folks arrived from California, very much accustomed to avocados, but apparently not known by ‘the locals, we were able to convince the owners of the Bayview Cash Store to carry them plus tortillas. Our meals improved immensely.

I am in loving memory of the many who helped shape the future of Langley and South Whidbey and appreciating those of us still living here.

Marj (Morris) Dente

Langley