ForeverMissed
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          Peter Michael Nickum Tague, 64, of Lanesborough, MA, loving husband and father and dear friend to many, passed away on March 17, 2021, as a result of a skiing accident. 
          Peter was the son of William H. Tague, Jr., and Irene Lanthier Tague. He attended Mount Greylock High School, graduated from Darrow School of New Lebanon, NY, in 1976 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Nasson College of Springvale, Maine, in 1982.
          In 1990 he re-ignited his friendship with his teenage girlfriend, Bethany Nickum. They were married in 1994 and shortly thereafter moved to Southwest Harbor, Maine, on Mount Desert Island, where they established the Yellow Aster Bed & Breakfast, which quickly became a favorite place for visitors. Peter loved being an innkeeper. He had mastered his skills of hospitality and cooking through his many years as a waiter. He had the gift of gab and truly enjoyed assisting his guests in planning their many adventures in Acadia National Park, whether it be trails to hike, water to kayak, restaurants to dine in. It was in Maine they found a loving church community that fostered Peter’s strong faith. In 2008 Peter and Bethany returned to the Berkshires and made their home where Peter grew up, at the foothills of Mount Greylock.
          
Peter was passionate about many things. He enjoyed playing soccer, kayaking, gardening, cooking, and of course, skiing, all of which he did boldly. He was on the National Ski Patrol for more than 30 years. He was a great cook and took pride in creating wonderful meals for his family. More recently, inspired by observing his son, Jesse, play violin, he returned to playing it himself. He had played briefly as a child and always yearned to play again. He loved Tanglewood, walks up Mount Greylock with his dog, Sadie, and skiing at Mount Greylock Ski Club.
          He was one to tell the truth, even though at times unfiltered and a bit unwelcomed, but he was always steadfast in his love and compassion for his family and friends, being there for anyone at any time. 
          Peter was predeceased by his father, Bill; mother, Irene; and brother, Tim. He is survived by his wife, Bethany, and son, Jesse; his sister, Susan Tague Gonzalez (Raphael) of Denver, CO; Uncle Marcus Lanthier (Sally) of Arden, NC; as well as several nieces and nephews.
 
Please share your memories of Peter
by leaving a tribute below and
by contributing your stories, photographs and videos.
And please come back whenever your heart reaches out for Peter
in the days and years ahead.

A scholarship fund for violin will be established in Peter's honor at the Berkshire Music School. If you would like to contribute, please contact Natalie Neubert, Executive Director of the Berkshire Music School {nneubert@berkshiremusicschool.org}.

Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in memory of Peter’s love of animals, particularly dogs.

A church service was held at the Williamstown Community Bible Church for immediate family on March 27, 2021. There are no calling hours.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
April 1, 2021
April 1, 2021
It has been many years since we have seen Peter, we have been in Florida for almost twenty years. Although we were unable to attend his mother's funeral, our daughter Jill was there. Our families were entertained for many special occasions - weddings, Christmas Eve, showers, and a very special 50th anniversary party for Irene's aunt Alda and uncle Mike Samale. Of course the Samale children and Tague family shared much more, wonderful times together up on that beautiful hill! Rest in peace Tague men, hopefully you are all reunited now and forever. Certainly your Mom is happy to have you all with her.
May God bless your young family, Peter, and give them strength at this sorrowful time. 
The Michael Samale Family
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Bethany and Jesse,
I remember Peter with such admiration and fondness. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Sending you much love and the deepest condolences.
Eileen
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Dear Bethany and Jesse, I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I knew him from Berkshire Music School's Intro to Suzuki class. Peter and my paths crossed so many times and he always brought me up to speed on the family and Jesse. Please accept my condolences and I will keep him in my prayers. 
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
Dear Bethany and Family - My sister Rita and I first met Pete years ago at the Brodie Ski Patrol so we go way back. And that friendship with Pete continued for me at the Butternut Ski Patrol ! He was an outdoor "Nut" like me and to here of his journey to the next life was just a total shock ! I probably shouldn't say this but at times like this I get angry at the big guy above. Why on earth do you have to claim such a fantastic soul when there are so many violent nasty people out there ? I have to tell myself that he has a master plan for all of us ! I have taken Pete to his appointments in North Hampton several times when he said he was stuck for a ride. It was during those trips that we would get into some great discussion about all aspects of life. He was such a great listener and talker. Those are some of the times I will really miss. I was more then happy to help my buddy out ! But as time went on we lost touch as we tend to do with some friends in the rat race of life. Just to look at his picture makes me think of all the good times, but at the same time brings tears to my eyes. I will forever hold a spot in my heart for you Pete and I realize now that the big guy above will take good care of my friend !  Love you buddy ! Until we meet again !
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
Peter came schussing into the life of Berkshire Music School, first as a parent of a very talented son, a violinist, registering him for lessons; and as an adult who had studied music in younger years and remained a life-time lover of music. Once Peter's personal talents for catering and hospitality were learned, Peter became our go-to guy to manage and set up receptions and special events, even helping, along with Bethany and Jesse, for a private back stage reception at the Mahaiwe Theatre for Mi Dori. Peter eventually returned to his violin and began private lessons at BMS with Bonnie McCubbin, and I loved hearing from Bonnie on Peter's progress and dedication to learning. I also loved the way Peter came schussing into my office before each special event to get his marching orders so he could get to work, with his ever present backpack. God speed, Peter, a good and faithful servant. You fought the good fight, and have finished the race.
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
Bethany and Jesse

I was shocked and heart broken by Peter's sudden passing. Peter and I got to be friends through the Berkshire Music School where we worked together on many of the school's events. We really became good friends and he would always make it a point when he was at the school to drop by my office and see what was happening in my life. I so enjoyed all of our conversations. He was truly a wonderful man. My deepest sympathy to you and your son. Peter will definitely be forever missed.

Kathy, Business Manager, Berkshire Music School
March 29, 2021
March 29, 2021
Beth and Jesse; So very sorry for your loss. Jesse; hold your Mom close, and may loving memories help ease your sorrow. Love, Miss Kirby ❤️❤️
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
Sue and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My brother Jeff and Peter just skied together a few weeks ago. I remember him fondly from our skiing days at Goodell Hollow, he was such a friendly energetic person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time. Bonnie Lyon Mitus
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
Bethany and Jesse,

My heart aches for you both; I'm so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed every conversation with Peter about ski racing, his passion for skiing, and all things about life in general. If there is anything I can do please don't hesitate to reach out and know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed Peter!
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
Although I grew up down the street from Peter we never knew each other that well. Then Peter got my name from a friend when he was clearing a lot to build a house. Peter then hired me to come up with my tractor and help clear up the trees he had taken down. Needless to say we hit it off right away and soon thereafter we rarely exchanged money as he would help me with firewood and I would help him with plowing rides and other things our friendship continued to grow over the years. He was always there for me and as we all know Peter sometimes could get on your nerves but the infectious smile and good heart ❤ was as long as any could get. I once gave Peter a ride to Springfield and we stopped before getting on the pike well wouldn't you know we get to harbor freight in Springfield before we had one. Then we get to counter and Peter opens his George castanza wallet and his debit card is missing. I said hey no problem we can use mine . The story goes on some 3 hours later we stop at the same gas station before the pike on the way home and there is Peter's debit card right where we had parked. Peter being Peter says let's celebrate and we went to the locker room pub for food and . Peter was always generous and loved all animals especially dogs. He did a lot of good here and God is lucky to have him and must have needed him.
March 26, 2021
March 26, 2021
I had the privilege of partnering with Peter on ski patrol. He loved to chat about his family, which he clearly loved. My condolences to his family. You will be missed, Peter.
March 26, 2021
March 26, 2021
Dear Bethany and Jesse,

Steve and I are heartbroken over the loss of your husband and father. We are so sorry. We pray that your memories with him will sustain you as you move forward and the faith that you will see him again!

Prayerfully
Donna and Steve Narey
March 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
Bethany and Jesse,

It was with a great sense of shock, dismay and sadness that I learned of Peter's death. He and I had driven to Northampton on the preceding Monday  where he had an appointment with a specialist in treatment of post-concussion syndrome. Peter was extremely pleased and hopeful that this new therapy would finally allay his years of suffering and that he would at last be able to drive again and to restore his mental health to what it had been prior to his accident.

I knew Peter for several years, having first met him in Maine when my wife Alice and I spent a wonderful long weekend at the Yellow Aster in Southwest Harbor that he and Bethany operated, shortly after Jesse was born. I also knew his mother, Irene, who worked tirelessly and successfully to get funding for music performances at venues on Mt. Greylock. Peter and his family were a fairly constant presence at these events and Peter hired Wintergreen, our folk trio, to play for Irene's 90th birthday at Mount Carmel Nursing Home and later, when she passed away, to play a memorial concert to honor her.

Peter volunteered to help at many of the faculty parties of the Berkshire Music School and was always such a positive, friendly presence and so interesting to talk to that I would end up spending most of the time in the kitchen with him. It was at these events that I learned that he was not able to drive and, realizing what a handicap this was, I offered to help him get his license. We started by having him drive around the deserted parking lots at the Berkshire Mall for five or ten minutes at a time and eventually worked up to driving the back roads of Lanesborough and finally, after several weeks, he was able to drive from Lanesborough to Williamstown on Rte. 7. The driving lessons were then terminated by the Covid pandemic. In retrospect, I realize that the driving lessons were the start of a growing friendship, for as we drove we would talk about all kinds of things – the state of the world, family, experiences growing up – a friendship that that has been so abruptly terminated and that I now will greatly miss and will cherish for the rest of my life.



March 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
Bethany & Jesse,

There really are no words sufficient to express how very sorry we are for your loss. Not surprisingly, I met Peter for the firs time when we were both working on getting the school building project passed in town. Always quick with an interesting story or observation, he put a lot of work into getting that project passed in town! A while later he discovered we had boys the same age who had similar interests and the rest, as they say, is history. Jesse and Matt became fast friends and since then he feels like a member of the family! We will always be grateful to Peter for extending the invitations to Matt to go boating, camping and of course, the big dream trip to Colorado. Matt really enjoyed talking with him.

I will miss our chats about the world and we send our love and support during this very difficult time.
❤Michelle & Brian  
March 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
I had the privilege of ski patrolling with Peter. He was full of positive energy and a darn good skier. My sincere condolences to his family.
March 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
Bethany and Jesse
I am so very sorry for your loss. Words seem so insufficient at a time like this but Peter was an amazing person.  The last time we spoke, Greylock Ski Club this past winter, he was so full of life and energy it was impossible to not smile and enjoy his positive outlook. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Jeff Kellogg
March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021
Aunt Bethany and Jesse,

My sincerest condolences. I always enjoyed sharing time with Peter, always put a smile on my face. The last visit we had you guys came to CT to see my theatre's production of Matilda. I was so happy to give you guys the royal tour, and I remember Peter's joy and questions. It was so fun to share and show what I do to someone who was proud of me for doing what I love. That's the thing I will remember most about Peter, if it was something you were passionate about, he wanted to know why, he wanted you to make him passionate about it. He was always in your corner and always ready with some advice.
March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021
Aunt Bethany and Jesse ,

I cannot begin to express how truly sorry I am, but I thought I would share a memory I have of Uncle Peter from many summers ago. It was Fourth of July and pretty much everyone had come to visit. I remember seeing Uncle Peter and he goes “Hi brookie! “ and then gives me a big hug. I can still hear that voice and the warmth in it. We were all together sitting on Grammys porch, all the adults laughing and drinking just enjoying that day. I remember Uncle Peter making some silly joke that I wish I could remember and Aunt Bethany saying “Peter!” but she had a little smile on her face cause she thought it was funny too. I have always carried this memory fondly and will now do so even more. I love you guys and look forwarding to giving both of you a big hug. Hopefully that memory made you smile a bit too.
March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021
Hi Bethany and Jesse,

I knew Peter through the Berkshire Music School. He and I shared a teacher, Bonnie McCubbin, he on violin and I on piano. As gentlemen of a certain age, we shared similar trials with our respective instruments. Yet we both shared a love of music, and a love of learning about music and playing it. As a Music School Board member, I valued his volunteering at Music School events - ever cheerful, organized and professional, he added greatly to our functions. We will all miss him very much.
March 22, 2021
March 22, 2021
Bethany and Jesse,
 I am stunned and so saddened by the untimely loss of Peter. I have such fond memories of our chats at Bousquet and his ever present smile. Peter was a staunch supporter of Jesse and our race team. My heart goes out to each of you. May your memories of him and his many, many wonderful stories bring you some comfort. What an interesting life he had- I know how much he cherished each of you. ~Louise

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Recent Tributes
April 1, 2021
April 1, 2021
It has been many years since we have seen Peter, we have been in Florida for almost twenty years. Although we were unable to attend his mother's funeral, our daughter Jill was there. Our families were entertained for many special occasions - weddings, Christmas Eve, showers, and a very special 50th anniversary party for Irene's aunt Alda and uncle Mike Samale. Of course the Samale children and Tague family shared much more, wonderful times together up on that beautiful hill! Rest in peace Tague men, hopefully you are all reunited now and forever. Certainly your Mom is happy to have you all with her.
May God bless your young family, Peter, and give them strength at this sorrowful time. 
The Michael Samale Family
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Bethany and Jesse,
I remember Peter with such admiration and fondness. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Sending you much love and the deepest condolences.
Eileen
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Dear Bethany and Jesse, I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I knew him from Berkshire Music School's Intro to Suzuki class. Peter and my paths crossed so many times and he always brought me up to speed on the family and Jesse. Please accept my condolences and I will keep him in my prayers. 
Recent stories

My tribute to Peter - spoken at the service

March 31, 2021
Peter, Peter
I put off visiting you and Bethany earlier last week because I was sure that I would see you at Happy Time on Friday night. 

Happy TIme - this was Peter's idea of a Friday night casual gathering at their house - usually just me, Bethany, and Peter - simply an opportunity to enjoy good food and drink and friends. Perhaps watching it was one of those warm summer nights where we could sit outside and watch the sunset as were shared the challenges and joys of the past week. I cherished this time of connection. Sometimes there were heated discussions, and occasionally tears, but most often there was laughter, lots of laughter. 

Peter created this togetherness - needless to say, Friday NIght Happy Time will never be the same. 

Peter had a few things that he was passionate about - cooking, music, gardening, and skiing. Despite his not driving for the last number of years, he somehow managed to get around and connect these passions with many, many people. His passion was infectious. The connections he made with people were so strong, family and friends were forging new friendships, even in the past week. His legacy of love and laughter persists. 

It is hard to imagine laughing at this time. Peter would often tell me and I'm sure many of you, that, "There are no coincidences." Whatever happened - it was meant to be. Especially now, that is not easy to accept, because we miss him and want him to be with us. Somehow, though we have to accept it and remember his words, "THIS WAS MEANT TO BE."

Peter - we will remember your smile, your laugh and the happiness that you brought us. As we look out to the Happy Time Sunset - we will think of you and smile, albeit with tears in our eyes.

Remembrance of soccer days long ago

March 26, 2021
I remember Peter as always smiling, never flustered on the MGRHS soccer team. I think he played left wing on our dynamic front line. So sad to lose him so early in life but from the pictures shared, it looked like he had a full and fruitful life.  Picture enclosed
March 23, 2021
Peter always smiled and had such an easy, joyous laugh. Peter smiled when he celebrated Jesse's accomplishments and when he saw Bethany, and he even managed to smile when he would take bad news in stride, and even when he and I didn't always agree on world affairs.

In stride, smiling -- words that come to mind as I picture Peter. The dictionary says that stride means "a step or stage in progress toward an aim." Peter was tireless, indefatigable, with his boundless energy always moving in a positive, optimistic direction. Thank you Peter, for sharing that admirable and endearing spirit with me and my family over the years.

One story that brings me a smile, and shows a bit of what I mean by his enthusiastic stride was on a not-so-good day, at a place that Peter and I (and our dogs) love.

Peter called me when he fell on the steep hill going down to the half-log bridge that spans the brook on the Bradley Trail (a spot which often has treacherous, slippery wet leaves). He had badly injured his leg. I insisted that we call an ambulance but he refused, having diagnosed (correctly) the problem with his EMT knowledge. When I got there, he was standing up using a brace that he had ingeniously created with a perfectly-sized, and straight branch, attached to his leg with his belt at one end and Sadie's leash at the other. (Sadie was surprisingly well behaved.) 

Peter again insisted that he wanted to walk, which we did, with one arm around my shoulder. I remember Peter telling me the way to get back to the visitor's center, even though I had walked it hundreds of times. We laughed and of course he smiled through all the pain. This was one of the few times I could easily keep pace with Peter's stride,

Here is a picture of the spot, where I will go today, and on many days in the future, to remember Peter.

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