UHDS, OSU friends of former Hawley-Buxton RA gather to celebrate, remember his life

Despite the tears and somber sniffles, people couldn’t help but laugh and giggle while watching Peter “Ping Ping” Gidlund flash across the projector in a photo slideshow that his family donated. Images of a man making silly expressions or wearing a Beaver suit reminded people of the fun-loving man they knew.

This was the same slideshow that played at the family’s memorial service in San Diego a few weeks ago.

The 20-year-old former Oregon State University wrestler and Hawley-Buxton resident assistant took his own life Feb. 6. Gidlund struggled with and was overcome by depression.

To honor and remember him, more than 70 friends gathered to share their stories in the northwest conference room in Marketplace West Dining Center at 6 p.m. Thursday.

University Housing & Dining Services hosted the event and provided attendees with a spread of food fit for Gidlund’s competitive eating tastes.

Picking some of his favorite foods, like hot dogs and pizza, people gathered and found community support in this difficult time.

“The first couple of weeks were pretty rough,” said junior Laura Gordon, a senior RA in McNary Hall. “We think about it every day.”

Gordon and her staff decided to make 1,000 paper cranes as a way to show their support to the family. The cranes, which totaled 760 at the start of the Celebration of Life, will be mailed to his family as a symbol of support.

Throughout the evening, friends contributed to the effort and added to the collection of colorful cranes.

UHDS also hung sheets from flip charts for attendees to share their favorite memories of Gidlund or funny phrases he used. Like the cranes, UHDS will mail these to his family.

Before watching the slideshow, associate director in UHDS residential education Ann Marie Klotz shared a message sent from Gidlund’s mother.

In the note, she said she would never stop missing her son, and she hoped this would serve as a reminder of how depression can take a severe toll on a person’s life. She wrote that it is OK to say “I need help.”

Jim Gouveia, a licensed clinical social worker for Counseling and Psychological Services, attended the celebration in case anyone wanted or needed to talk. CAPS has provided support to students and UHDS staff since early February.

After the slideshow, silence filled the room before people gradually shared personal stories about their encounters with Gidlund.

Among them was Chelsea Duke, a previous RA who knew Gidlund from last year.

Duke said one of her first encounters with Gidlund was in Marketplace West Dining Center. He was eating ribs from Cooper’s Creek when she pointed out that he had a spot of barbecue on his cheek. With barbecue-covered hands, he wiped at both cheeks, which covered his face in the sauce.

Duke said Gidlund seemed happiest when eating ribs.

Everyone agreed that Gidlund had a fierce enthusiasm for life that fueled his goofy, fun spirit.

Sam Fricke, who was not in attendance but knew Gidlund from last year, shared one of his favorite memories highlighting Gidlund’s goofy manner.

Fricke described the way in which his former RA used to sneak to the restroom in the residence hall.

Peaking out of his room, which was right across from the bathroom, Gidlund would check to see if the hallway was clear, then he would storm across the hall in his underwear.

After several people spoke, Klotz stood and asked that people focus on these memories and keep them alive.

Afterward, for those who wanted to share their stories with Gidlund’s family, UHDS provided a video camera so people could record personal messages to mail to San Diego.

For those who are looking to speak with a counselor, CAPS is located on the fifth floor of Snell Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The 24-hour line is 541-737-2131.

Megan Campbell

Managing and news editor

managing@dailybarometer.com