Obit: Peter A. Macalaster ... champion for disabled

ROCHESTER - Peter A. Macalaster, 67, of Rochester died peacefully at the Wentworth-Douglas Hospital in Dover, on September 24, 2013, after a long illness. He was born in Cambridge, Mass. on January 9, 1946, a son of Andrews Shaw Macalaster and Dorothy (Miner) Macalaster.

Peter was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. He was a man who loved to laugh and joke, and never let physical challenges stand in the way of his dreams. As a young man, he enjoyed traveling with his family, whether to their summer home in Greenfield, the camp on Lake Nubanusit in Hancock, or on adventures to Europe, Antigua and Bermuda.

In 1952, Peter served as a poster boy for the United Cerebral Palsy Association and traveled to the White House to meet First Lady Mrs. Harry S. Truman.

Peter married Carole (Garland) Macalaster on June 4, 1977, and they remained loyally married for 36 years. They bought a home in Rochester, in 1985 where they raised their two daughters.

Peter's second love was his position as receptionist at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability. Peter served as the voice and "Captain" of the institute for nearly 20 years.

Peter also served for a number of years on the UNH President's Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, contributing valuable insight to the group's goal of promoting the empowerment and inclusion of students, faculty, and staff with disabilities at the University.

He was also a Mason and a member of the Bektash Shriners of New Hampshire.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Carole (Garland) Macalaster of Rochester, his two daughters; Gretyl Macalaster of Portsmouth and Jennefer Macalaster of Lebanon, Maine, and his grandchildren, Blake Rowe and Jaelle Rowe of Lebanon. Peter will also be missed by his sister Nancy Macalaster of Hancock; his brother Spencer Macalaster of Boston, Mass.; and his sister Gail Maloney of Bigfork, Mont.