Letter to the Editor -- Larry and Melissa Sweet

The passing of Peter Biehl represents a huge loss, not only to his

family and our local community but to humanity as a whole (“Father of Amy

Biehl remembered for his caring,” Tuesday). Our family is devastated at

hearing this news, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Biehl

family.

We had crossed paths with the Biehls in the past as part of teams

volunteering at Newport Harbor High School. When we lost our son, Brian,

in August, Peter and Linda Biehl learned of his death from our dear

friend, then reached out to us in such a loving way. They wanted to lend

support and share strategies for coping with the loss of a child. We have

been utterly inspired by their example, as the rest of the world has

been.

Out of our lunches and meetings with them came the opportunity of a

lifetime for our oldest son, Jamie. Upon hearing that he earned a

bachelor’s degree in theater arts and was active in local theater, Peter

and Linda looked at each other excitedly and told us they’d been

searching for someone to start a theater outreach program for their

foundation. Jamie mentioned his volunteer work with a children’s theater

group in Long Beach and that cemented the deal -- he was offered the

position and moved to Cape Town in January.

We hear from Jamie about that other view of Peter and Linda, the South

African view. There, they are revered by the entire nation -- from Nelson

Mandela and Desmond Tutu to the people of South Africa to their Amy Biehl

Foundation staff, they are much beloved. In our country and around the

world, they have long been in great demand as inspirational speakers and

advocates for South Africa. Many in our community know them, too, and

appreciate all their volunteer hours spent to enrich our schools and

cities.

Any parents who can raise four such outstanding children deserve our

thanks and admiration as well. And our family cannot express how deeply

touched we have been by their kindness and dear concern.

We’ve heard Peter say that Linda was at least 60% of their foundation

partnership. As devastating as his passing must be for Linda, I know her

to be a strong, able businesswoman and leader who walks with aplomb in

many circles. Without missing a step, she goes from the shantytowns of

Cape Town to press conferences to diplomatic dinners to foundation staff

meetings to auditoriums filled with listeners eager to hear her words.

While Peter’s presence can never be replaced, there is no question

that the foundation so dear to his heart remains strong and poised to

help transform South Africa, one life at a time.

For more on the foundation, go to o7 www.amybiehl.orgf7 .

LARRY and MELISSA SWEET

Costa Mesa