Peter McWilliams, you will not be forgotten.

Some of us knew your personal warmth and love. Many of us knew you through your best-selling books, or your work for personal freedom. Millions more will feel your impact.

You died a casualty in the war on drugs. The battle was over medical marijuana. Voters in your own home state of California agreed with you that marijuana should be legal for medical purposes. Proposition 215 passed overwhelmingly in 1996, but the federal drug warriors ignored the voters, and your activism made you a target. For helping a friend produce medical marijuana, you were charged as a drug kingpin in federal court.

In the end, you were facing five years in prison, you were bankrupt from legal battles, unable to work, and forbidden to use the medical marijuana you yourself needed to keep down the medication for your AIDS and AIDS-related cancer.

You were awaiting the final sentence from the judge. But you could not wait very long. You could not keep down your medication.

• Claire Wolfe -- You were tortured and killed by the "justice" system, Peter. May your death remind us to keep fighting for freedom.
• Gordy King SLC, UT -- Dear Peter, we might have disagreed on some issues. I will not forget that your contribution to the book *How to Survive the Loss of a Love* is a big reason that I am alive. Your poems brought me closer to God & helped me discover myself. God loves you & so do I! Bless you and all who love you.
• greenberg -- as his book, aint nobodys business proves beound a doubt, peter was a man who clearly was able to see though the insanity and injustice of this country's war on freedom for the cruel evil deseption that it is.
• Shawna -- I think that he did a good thing, and I think that it is the person's right if they want to take marijuana (for medical purposes) for pain.
• west virginian -- live truthfully, right now and always
• John Scott -- I loved his work. It will remain as a testament to the man.
• anonymous --
• Tuula Piispanen-Krabbe, New Jersey -- Thank you for the countless times and ways you touched my life -- and continue doing so. A life so well lived is the closest thing to immortality.
• Leon Helios Kettinen -- Sweden
• anonymous fan in san francisco --
• Matthew -- Enjoy your Rainbow....
• Leslie --
• Paul -- rest in peace in the arms of the Lord
• ROBERT CALDWELL (PHILADELPHIA) -- PETER MCWILLIAMS MURDER BY THE BACKWARDS, SELFISH FEDERAL LAW MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. THANK GOD FOR THE INTERNET OR I WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR ABOUT HIS LIFE AND UNFAIR DEATH. I WILL NOT LET IT BE IN VAIN AND PROMISE TO DO WHATEVER I CAN TO PUT THE WAR BEHIND US.
• Karen Moriarity -- We must stop this bogus war on drugs which serves to enrich the few from the real top producers and dealers right up to our own Politicians who for their own reasons continue to make war on the very people who have elected them.
• Debbie Harland -- Indianapolis, IN - I regret never having the chance to thank you personally for all the lives your work has and continues to save daily - mine included. Your loss is hard felt, but know your voice is heard and we will carry on the battle in your memory.
• jini -- To my friend Peter - I have no one to critique my writing or tell of the progress I am making on the Christian front now that you are gone. You'd be proud Pete, Christian support for legalization is growing. Hoping to see you again someday.
• Alan E. -- Minneapolis- A mind you opened.
• Sarah Goodrich --
• charlotte -- - Seattle. May the circle be unbroken.
• pat riley -- how do the federal drug warriors see when they look in the mirror
• D. Jensen -- Oshkosh, WI
• Glen Erik Thor II -- When will people learn that concentrated government power, whether initiated by the right or the left, leads to tragic incidents such as this. http://www.geocities.com/libertythor/cofclibertarians.html
• jason --
• Sandy -- I have given Peter's little book HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE to so many friends suffering any kind of loss. Over the years, people have thanked much more for this $6.95 book than all the more expensive gifs put together.
• Sandy -- I wanted to say that in the last copy of "How To Survive The Loss Of A Love" was a picture of Peter Mcwilliams with a lovely Memorial to him with his last poem to us.
• jeffrey white -- A tragedy to both our liberty and society. Be good dear one, your thoughts, brilliance and selflessness are forever in the minds of millions. Your work here has been forever imbedded in the open minds of this society. Rest in Peace.
• -- I really liked him
• LOSREIPD -- I HAVE GIVEN AWAY DOZENS OF THE WONDERFUL "HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE". LOSING YOURSELF IS A HEARTBREAKING STATE. I READ THIS BOOK OFTEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
• Juggalo -- "Where is fancy bred, in the heart or in the head?" What a great soul to have denounced the governments acts that try and hide the fact we dont need them!
• morgane -- his work helped me through lifes rough spots, he was a beautiful man that should remain alive in our thoughts and hearts
• GERARD VACCARO -- REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND OF LIBERTY
• Nancy J -- When will our country quit setencing to death those who beilieve in the right to freedom, a concept upon which our country was found?
• JudyB -- Peter McWilliams has touched my life in so many ways, from teaching me how to forgive, to helping me to survive the loss of the love of my life. He was a gift from God, and an Angel on earth.
• thank you for this site --
• Mary Ann Starr -- I cannot believe you are gone. I'm so sorry you had to die because of a senseless law. You are missed here in Missouri and everywhere. Bless you.
• A Barner -- Good karma as you move ahead. Peace
• allison --
• The_Rookie@globalhempmuseum.nl -- I had many of your books, and recognized and knew/felt them so completely to me, Thank you...
• Debbie -- He said some things that are important. Thanks for saying them.
• Robbert -- Thanks Peter, for all you've done. Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Lori -- what would you do if someone took away the only thing you could do to get by each day with a little less pain? not only took it away from you but threw you in jail to suffer even more....
• Jen -- Legalize marijuana -- it's ridiculous that this man was arrested for solely trying to alleviate his horrific symptoms.
• Wimberly -- I am devastated to hear this
• Anne -- Life and Love 101 opened my eyes and have been guidebooks for my life. In many senses, the world has lost a great spirit, but a spirit who lives on in our hearts and our memories. Let us never forget the lessons that Peter tried so gently and humorously to teach us. Go with love, Peter
• Samantha Barnhart -- I heard his name before but can't remember if I had read his book or not but I bet you he was a go person and his books was good to read.
• Teppi -- Peter's books have been my inspiration and support for 23 years. I have read them over and over again. I am stunned and grief stricken over his death. His words will live on in my heart forever.
• anonymous -- sympathy to fellow Peter McWilliams fans
• Silvia -- I enjoy re-reading your words over and over again, always finding new ways of looking at life so I have shared them with quite a few friends, all of our lifes have been touched by you.
• Silvia -- part 2- ... You will not be forgoten. Thank you.
• Olle -- Hello
• Joyce Tohill -- Peter McWilliams' books changed my life, and continue to do so. I am deeply saddened to learn of his death. :(
• Lucinda & Steve -- Goodbye from Vancouver,Wa.keep smokin!
• mogs and foley -- we'll keep the bud lighting for u
• seajay -- Texas. The govts. war crimes against you and your Mother over a plant created by God are a travesty, a mockery of justice. Your good will prevails in the hearts of those who understand and continue your passion for liberty.
• Susan -- Your book, Life 102, helped me to recover from my relationship with a narcissistic cult leader. You told me yes, it can happen, and you told me how. You assured me that I was not alone and that I could survive this. You saved my life. Thank you, Peter.
• Kate -- After reading "Ain't Nobody's Business...", I wanted to thank you for your many words of wisdom. In searching for a way to contact you, I found instead your memorial. So - thank you. I wish I'd had the chance to know you. (From a state of shock, Wellington, New Zealand)
• ReddHead1018 -- Your fight for freedom will carry on
• SONIA -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP THROUGH YOUR BOOKS
• JENNIFER WILLMAN -- YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE WHEN I NEEDED YOU. YOUR WIT WARMTH AND SHARED WISDOM WILL BE MISSED
• 5 -- 5
• Bobby Thompson -- Firstly, I proclaim that Peter was a very inspiring, moving, and touching person as a decent and integral being. He is a person with whom I shared valuable and profound moments. I've learned how to "grapple those experiences with hoops of steel." I will remember him and those experiences shared.
• MaryJane --
• Helen North -- i found this site while looking for a way of contacting Peter McWilliams to thank him for Do It! and am so sad to learn that he is now dead. Melbourne, Australia
• Kevin O'Hare -- From a fellow Californian who is disgusted at the tyrannical nature of our allegedly liberal, compassionate state.
• anonymous -- Thank you for sharing your insights with me.
• Riccardo --
• Eileen -- Vancouver, Canada - I only just discovered who you really were/are and what you stood/stand for in terms of marijuana... I had discovered Life 101 a few years ago. I am a teacher and the children I work with will benefit from your wisdom. Your effects are more far reaching than you realize. Peace.
• Paul --
• Chad Nordstrom -- I found this link through www.nojailforpot.com. First heard of Peter McWilliams in the Libertarian Party newsletter. What happened to him is a national tragedy. Let's hope this kind of thing ends soon and the insane War on Drugs does, too.
• Jay -- I am one who was helped by Peter McWilliams with his wonderful books, "Life 101" and "You Can't Afford The Luxury..." His books taught me to be positive and so its very hard to be positive about a drug "war" which kills so many more than it saves.
• anonymous -- I am so very sad to learn that what we all feared finally happened. He is gone, he is gone from us.
• Pax Hayden -- I deeply regret not having an opportunity to meet him in person. His work had a deep influence on my beleif system.
• Nemo -- A tragic loss of a great man who pointed out how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. Thank you for all that you have done.
• joseph girling -- i first met peter in january 2000 on the internet and went to meet him at his hill top house in west hollywood/L.A and spent nearly every day with him and still cant believe he died, the world is a sadder pla without him,love to natalie his assitantce
• Jeff I -- If "Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do" doesn't awaken people to how badly America is being ripped off by drug prohibition, maybe the government's repulsive sense of justice which resulted in his untimely death will.
• anonymous -- this book is wonderful and should deserve a special award for its excellence in genorosity
• anonymous -- i hope this is a story about martyrs bacause google.com doesnt give any names of martyrs. it would be cool if this would be a story about a martyr. if it is say so please
• Kevin S. -- Peter's books, filled with warmth, love, compassion, and humor not only helped me through very difficult times in my life including severe bouts of depression and grief, but he also helped me find the key to unlock the door to my heart, and love myself. Thank you Peter.
• Island hermit -- http://Makeyoursmokeworkforyou.homestead.com/index.html
• brandon raper -- OK, FL, CO
• Elisabeth -- Peter...your words in "How To Survive" allowed me to do just that: survive. You knew exactly what my heart and spirit were crying out, and you put it there on the page to be mourned over. Without you, I know I would have taken my own life in despair and lonliness. I love you, dear Peter. Rest well.
• Kevin Stucker -- Tampa, Florida
• amy -- I was saddened to learn about Peter McWilliams death. His poetry was beautiful. His books helped me through so many rough times.It is a sad loss
• anonymous --
• Lisa -- we knew you when......Michigan
• Tom Lynch -- I have just found this site ... I am surprised and overwhelmed at the response. It's beautiful to see and Peter would be happy. Remember the fate that he suffered and remember the many more like him ... remember every single day. (Philadelphia, PA)
• Aaron Stone -- It is so immoral what is being done in our country. You would think that the "freeest" country on earth would have more humain laws but instead we choose to make it illegal to grow a plant. How stupid is that? How many lives need to be ruined before we come to our sences?
• anonymous --
• rob -- I didn't even know he existed until 5 minutes ago, and now I will never be able to forget his murder in the name of idiocy.
• Ken Olson -- Please help to get Todd McCormick out so he doesn't suffer the same fate as Peter. They are of the posterity of the Founders, even if the Govt. doesn't want to admit it. (Clarksville MI)
• ANONYMOUS -- We loved Peter McWilliams books, an answer to the person who questioned why Peter had to stop smoking to prevent his nausea, it was because his mother's house was put up as part of the bail, and if he would have tested positive, she would have lost her house.
• Ryan -- clovis
• wang shuashi -- none
• Steve Fenton -- UK - When ignorance rules over enlightenment, all are losers. To question authority is a right of all.
• Susan Rayford -- Reading his book on consensual crimes opened my once very conservative / right winged eyes more than anything I could have ever expected. He had a delightful way of communicating and explaining the laws which have given us freedom, but which are trying to smother us. A great loss with him gone.
• twista --
• Carl -- Let's not be bitter but continue on. My condolences for those that knew him.
• anonymous -- I read Life 102 What to do When Your Guru Sues You last week to help me heal from abuse suffered at the hands of a therapist/guru who it turns out was doing his patients. Peter's book was a Godsend for me. I wish him peace.
• Wiberg --
• Kyle -- I respect you for fighting for what you beleived in. God Bless I hope you passed peacefully.
• Darin Arrowood -- Atlanta, Georgia - LIFE 101 is the book that quite literally saved my life at the age of 24. The wonderful energy you gave so many people through your writings will be with this world forever. Thank you.
• Tim -- You helped heal so many broken hearts
• Heather -- You changed my life. Thank you.
• Robert Nabore (greenring7@juno.com) -- Good night, sweet prince.
• maree -- wi. my healer, my companion
• Someone who cares -- Alaska
• D.B.Jensen -- Thank you Peter for your fight.
• Sweetleaf -- Long live freedom lithium4lovers@webtv.com
• jason -- none
• JESTER4YALL@AOL.COM -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION!! YOUR MEMORY LIVES IN US ALL 4-EVER!
• Sandy -- I give Peter's wonderful little book HOW TO SURVIVE THE LOSS OF A LOVE to any relative or friend who is suffering any kind of loss. I don't know of anything that means so much to people and only costs $6.95. I'm told all the time that it was more helpful and meant more than all anyth
• Malin, sweden -- I love your poems Peter, they have helped me so much in my life...I will try to read your other books as soon as I have a chance. I know your spirit will live forever. Hugs, Malin
• anonymous -- thank you for all you've done - your books changed my life.
• Lindsay Dunn --
• Gary -- Rest in peace, brother. Hartford CT
• mark -- Well now is in the fields of the gods and the police can't do anything.
• Nancy J -- When will our country quit setencing to death those who beilieve in the right to freedom, a concept upon which our country was found?
• Sis Sanders-Clarke -- He Made a DIFFERENCE!!!!
• Ohana -- Santa Fe
• Doug McNeill -- I have three of your books. well done. i can't believe you are gone. you are with my brother Peter. may your voice and leadership bring more of us to real freedom.
• Anonymous -- McWilliams casualty is just one of many instances that our freedoms are being erroded on a daily basis. We must be ever vigilant to protect each and every one of them. Government's interest is inimical to personal freedoms by its very nature. It's our duty/obligation to thwart this trend.
• bill -- The worst example a Government could set, to refuse those who are ill and in pain life! Life for their "Political Greed!" It's far to High a Price to pay!
• The_Rookie@globalhempmuseum.nl -- I had many of your books, and recognized and knew/felt them so completely to me, Thank you...
• Lloyd -- Peter showed me what love means
• joe dunsmore -- liberty now
• Lori -- what if all you could do to get by each day was smoke marijuana? and someone not only took that away from you but threw you in jail to suffer?
• Kim S. -- Phoenix, Arizona
• Brian Rowe -- We can only believe that whatever sort of afterlife Peter believed in, he is there now, at peace. Sleep soundly, good man, for now we take up the sword you have laid down.
• Alicia -- You were an inspiration to me, you helped me through a very troubled time in my life and for that you will always stand out in my mind.
• doug moore -- great man
• Melissa -- Kuhn is my hero
• Mary Ann Harris Mulet -- New York City - In addition to my other losses, I am learning how to survive your loss. Your book is my second bible; and I read daily and also think of you. I am sorry for the pain you suffered in life. May you rest in happiness and peace. You will always be a profound help to me forever.
• Silvia -- part 2- ... You will not be forgoten. Thank you.
• Jeff -- Thanks for everything, Peter. We'll miss you.
• Micke --
• Alex -- In the words of Filter, "You fight and you were right, but they were just too strong. They stick in your face and let you smell what they consider wrong." There will be no Liberty until all rights are treated as inviolate and absolute.
• king Quenn --
• Gary C. Wilson -- Gone to the land of the big dubey
• Victoria-Texas -- Your books helped me understand I didn't have to be as 'straight laced' as I was raised to be. You will not be forgotten.
• Gloria McG --
• Brother Dave -- One day governments will let people live their own lives and not dictate how we're to live our lives while they lord over us from afar in their mansions.
• jason -- minneapolis
• K.T.- Jacksonville, FL -- The world is darker. Thank you for giving me the strength to fight for it and proving that there are only two states of existence- Liberty and Death!
• J. Bray -- Your book on T.M. changed my life. THANX!!
• Andie Schmidt Lockport Illinois -- Peter McWilliams is dead. Long live Peter McWilliams!
• Denise McMahon -- I found this site when I went looking for Peter after reading his book Life 102. Thanks to your wisdom I have some peace about losing 10 years of my life. I will never forget your joy the first time I met you or the comfort of your words some 20 years lat
• TJP --
• anonymous --
• Shawna -- I found a book of poetry called "Evolving at the Speed of Love" when I was 13 and that book helped me through some of the worst periods of time I'd ever encountered. The incredibal honesty of his poems was quite amazing and those I've shared it with have been profoundly moved. I will not forget him.
• Suzette Lisuk -- I just learned about you after I started my own chemotherapy. Your words will live on.
• anon -- take your friends and family to see Traffic -- read-think-oppose
• stephanie mcwilliams -- this is so wiered i never knew there was so many mcwilliams ppl
• Kim -- Was re-reading "You Can't afford the Luxury.." today after several years. Got online to see what new books were out. I am shocked and saddened to hear of Peter's passing. His books have helped me through difficult times, and will continue to do so. Thanks for Living Peter...
• anonymous -- Peter, how beautiful heaven must be to have you in it. You made this world a better, more bearable, more beautiful place for so many of us, who temporarily had lost our way and didn't know if we could survive the terrifying darkness. I know you are in God's heart, and mine forever.
• eris --
• Jennifer K. McWilliams -- Pete Mac, I can tell by this web page, you are truly one of God's gifts to the human race. Thanks for making it a better place to live amongst.
• Flip -- I've read and re-read "Nobody's Business" so many times - I always hoped someday I'd meet the author. I never realized what he was going through, but I will use his example to stand up for freedom every day.
• anonymous -- This message is for those "drug warriors" who helped to kill a great man: You suck, your cause sucks, and I hope Peter McWilliam's death haunts you until your dying day, upon which time you will hopefully join the rest of society's true miscreants in Hell.
• Kelley -- Peter, you and your work for humanity will never, ever be forgotten! May you rest in peace.
• Phillip Yardley (Shelby, NC) -- Indeed, times like these make me question my allegiance to the United States...the disgusting and deadly war against drugs and human responsibility. Without doubt, it is more blood stains on the hands of the Oppressor. May Mr. McWilliams death be not in vain- become an activist today!
• anonymous -- i feel that this book has changed my life. i feel different and i know that peter has a harder life than most of us and i want to t6hank him because he has changed my life and so now i take things for granted
• Mary Anna K. -- Thank you.
• anonymous -- So so sad to hear about your death. Great crusaders for liberty are rear and irreplacible.
• Betty Sue Fox -- Thank you for the comfort you give me with your poetry
• Will Wohler -- May your unjust death propel us survivors onward in the battle for Justice. San Francisco
• M Marotta -- amherst, ma
• Kevin Stucker -- It's just a plant, for god's sakes.
• anonymous -- i will say a hail mary for you, you are in god's hands now, you gave your time to hekp others, i think god would like that
• Steven -- Surrey, England
• Chuck Dodge -- Peter taught us how to live fully. I thank him immensely. Oakley, Michigan
• Cyndi L-San Diego, CA -- Wow....I went searching for a web site because I had just read some of his beautiful poems in the book "How to survive the loss of a love"..only to find out about his tragic death! It is truly disheartening to hear what happened to such an inspirational man!! What a great loss! My condolences!
• Oz Stoner -- PROHIBITION is STUPID! It blaintenly goes against simple basic Human Rights, this pathetic corporate WAR on DRUGS must end now before the Governments become any fatter and greedier from the profits they receive through Prohibition
• Bette -- St. Louis, Missouri
• Susannah -- My life's purpose is in caring for the homeless and AIDS infected...in their behalf I thank you for your efforts and wish you peace in your new home.
• anonymous -- anonymous
• Stravo Lukos -- The world is sadder and lesser for your murder, my friend. May God damn all forms of tyranny and its self-righteous goons! Liberty, like breath, cannot be withheld without violent struggle and death. Spokane, WA

ForAHero.com is an informal effort coordinated by friends and fans of Peter McWilliams along with a group of sponsor organizations. Please join us. Click here for easy ways you can help. To get occasional updates on our progress, enter your e-mail address here: