If you ever walked through the French Quarter, you probably crossed paths with a man whose smile could light up a whole block, Windex Pete. His real name was Wilbert Pritchett, but to the people of New Orleans, he was simply Pete, a living reminder that joy, kindness, and gratitude don’t come from what we own, but from what we give.

Pete lost his home after Hurricane Katrina, yet he never lost his spirit. For decades, he could be found around Tremé and the French Quarter, always on his bicycle, always sharing laughter, stories, and encouragement with everyone he met. To Pete, life wasn’t about things. It was about people. His motto was simple but powerful: “I’ve never had a bad day.” And he lived by it every single day.

Whether you handed him a few dollars, shared a beer, or just stopped to talk, you walked away richer than when you came. He had a way of giving more than he ever received—hope, humor, and a reminder of what really matters.

If you ever met Pete, you know: He wasn’t just part of the Quarter. He was the Quarter. Always smiling. Always shining. Always reminding us, life is still good.