Pete WalshIt is with a sad heart that we say goodbye to our friend, Pete Walsh, who passed away on September 3, 2013 following a tragic accident.

Pete was an important member of the Wolverine Human Services family, even from its earliest days. He met WHS’s founder, Robert E. Wollack, in the 1980s. They bonded over their shared passion for helping youth in the juvenile justice system. When Mr. Wollack began pursuing his vision of a residential home for boys, Pete stepped in to help make that dream a reality—and St. Jude’s Home for Boys opened its doors in 1987. He remained active within the agency until his retirement in early 2013, when he stepped down as Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

Pete’s passion for the youth in our care was inspirational to everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He often spoke of youth that he had known throughout the years, who had touched him, inspired him, or challenged him. He would greet the children by name when he walked through the residential homes, showing his commitment of “helping children to be victors” by recognizing the individual importance of each child. He continued to do this even as his own schedule filled up with more and more administrative tasks. His passion for youth served as a continual reminder of why we do the work that we do—because every child deserves a chance to become a victor.

Pete will be missed, but never forgotten. His impact on Wolverine has created a legacy that will live on within our walls, our hearts, and our memories. It is with a heart of gratitude that we say thank you to Pete, and goodbye.