OPINION: The tale of Toshi and Pete

Sometimes when people die you miss them in ways you would never have guessed, even if you’ve never met them or odder still, even if you never knew who they were.

Occasionally the world is rocked by the passing of an exceptional human being such as Nelson Mandela recently or in the recent past, Mother Theresa.

The events of their lives were so inspiring and so meaningful that a feeling of deep sadness and loss overwhelmed us once they were gone.
Some outstanding individuals seem to be personally connected to universal truths and principles and when they die we lose that connection and fear it may be gone forever.

It’s a lonely feeling when someone or something has departed from your life and you know your future will never be the same.
I’ve been feeling that way ever since the death of Pete Seeger and especially after reading and remembering more details of this troubadour’s life.

As Pete Seeger’s legacy is revealed, the story that unfolds is one of bold dedication to a lifetime of activism, protest, and demonstration for a better world.

But something I came across makes me think his public image and lifelong performance was his secondary love and there was a stronger force driving this man.

Behind it all there appears to be a compassionate love story waiting to be told.

Pete and Toshi met at a barn dance and got married in 1943.

Since Pete was broke at the time he had to borrow money for a ring from his grandmother and his prospective bride had to lend him $3 for the license.

After that you don’t hear much about Toshi as her activist husband went on to become a folk legend known around the world.

But she wasn’t just along for the ride – she was an artist and producer in her own right and Seeger often referred to her as the brains of the family.

However she had no need for the spotlight and was happy in her role of silent, creative partner.

Pete Seeger considered his songs a vital cultural heritage and a powerful catalyst for social change and political action, but the songs themselves made the journey possible.

Along the way he explored many politically contentious issues such as unionism, communism and pacifism.

He was convicted of Contempt of Congress (later overturned) for refusing to answer questions about his alleged subversive activities.

Years later he was invited to sing at Barrack Obama’s inauguration, performing This Land is My Land with Bruce Springsteen.
In his 94 years Seeger stood side-by-side with Martin Luther King, protested wars in Vietnam and later Iraq, marched with Occupy Wall Street protestors and environmental groups.

He never waivered in his lifelong mission until about six months ago when he finally had to face an unbeatable foe – the loneliness of life without Toshi.

After a marriage of 70 years, Toshi died last July leaving Pete to carry on alone.

I listened to some of his last interviews and watched his last performances – I could plainly see the pain and sadness in his eyes and hear the anguish in his wavering voice.

He was tired and heartbroken – a sad man just finishing up a few things before he had to go.

Toshi wasn’t a songwriter but she did contribute some verses to Pete’s song Turn Turn Turn, including the following lines of compassion, grace and good will.

A time to hug, a time to kiss; a time to close your eyes and wish.

Farewell Pete and Toshi – may all your rambles bring you joy.