By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

On a regular basis, people approach Kim Leighton and pass on stories about her husband, reminding her of the positive ripple effect that his actions had on others in recovery and in the recovery field. 

“I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and shared how Peter has saved his or her life, or a practitioner who says, ‘Peter taught me how to do this and I am doing it,’ ” she said.

As had been evident in his life, she urged community members to find the time to reach out and help those struggling with addiction and to assist those seeking recovery. 

The widow of Dr. Peter Leighton invited people to spend time at Peter’s bench and to discover the healing energy there.  

“Spending time on this bench is healing. I believe and I hope you will too that just sitting here and contemplating Peter or your loved one you have lost or your loved one who you are praying for, is healing,” Kim said. 

The Second Annual Remembrance Walk on Saturday bought a crowd to the bench that was placed in Shorey Park in honor of Dr. Peter Leighton. 

Following last year’s walk in September, the Lake Region Recovery Center (LRRC) put funding toward the purchase of the bench. The black, granite bench faces Stevens Brook. It is located near the bridge that takes the footpath over the brook. On Saturday, someone placed a bouquet of flowers on the bench and a bunch of helium balloons behind it. 

Peter Leighton worked for Crooked River Counseling, and he served as the medical director for Lakes Region Recovery Center. He died on Aug. 3, 2021, after fighting a recurrent brain tumor that was discovered in May 2020.

“Welcome to this special, sacred place where my late husband Dr. Peter Leighton has been honored to be here in the community park forever,” Kim said. “It is a really big honor and a really wonderful pristine place to be. As his wife — and my family is here — we know how much we love him. We know how much you love him, too. We know that he deserves to have this place.”

She said he didn’t like being the center of attention.  

“He was very humble. He would never want a big party about him. It’s not about him,” Kim said.  

“It’s about recovery and the power we all have inside of us to share his light and your light, to help those who are struggling who need support,” she said. “There is always something you can do. There is always a hand that is reaching out. There is always enough time.”

There was a point when Peter worried there was not enough time to do everything he wanted to do for the people in recovery. But, he kept on making time for his own recovery, his meetings, Kim said. He kept on making time to help others in recovery, she said.

“He found the time. So our mantra became, ‘Time is abundant. There is always time.’ There is always time to reach out. Sometimes you don’t have to do anything — just listen,” she said. “There is always a minute of time that you can spend, even if it is just saying a prayer for people who are hurting.”