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LAURENCE PEEK Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for LAURENCE PEEK
Friends
August 26, 2025
Pearl of Great Price
August 25, 2025
You & your Dad made a real impact on the world!
Friend
August 25, 2025
Greensburg friend
August 25, 2025
We enjoyed meeting you April 22, 2004 in Greensburg PA. I shook your hand and said that I was indirectly shaking hands with Dustin Hoffman because you met him and shook hands with him!
Kober Family
August 25, 2025
Love & prayers
Ame Caline
Michel Polnareff
Joshua Soble
February 10, 2018
Kim was a true miracle from God rest in peace
Harry Simpson
December 19, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Les Breese
December 19, 2013
Kim will continue to be a fascinating and inspirational figure. We are truly blessed to have known him, if not personally, then through having seen the film, "Rain Man."
January 23, 2010
He was a special person. After watching the you tube video it made me sad that people made fun of him. He was a gifted person. I wish I could of met him. May he rest in peace.
darlene enfield
January 19, 2010
Family of Kim Peek,
We met Kim and Fran at the Pacific Rim International Conference in Waikiki in the year 2007
As parents, of a wonderful daughter with a developmental disability, we watched the wonderful relationship Kim and Fran shared. We felt that you shared the understanding that Kim was teaching you, as well as the rest of the world, instead of you teaching him.
Kim's message to the world is so educational and inspiring. The disability community will never forget nor will these parents.
Kim and your family are on this earth to teach mankind many lessons. We applaud that all of you understood this and assisted Kim in his quest.
Kim was a very generous person by patiently sharing his knowledge with all.
The world is a better place beacuse he lived.
Cathy Rich and Darlene Enfield
karan merkel
January 18, 2010
Dearest Mr Peek,
I was sent a e mail by a friend Wayne Maura and was brought to tears watching the u-tube video. I too was unaware that a "Real Rain Main" really did exist. I am saddened that i did not know of Kim's existance sooner. He was truely a remarkable man. I too must agree with Wayne in saying that you are just as astonishing as your gifted son; for the time, patience, and care you offered your son in his short lifetime. Having cared for an aging parent for only several years, I do know the toll that it places on your own life. In a heartbeat, my life was changed. My mother has since passed away and i miss her every day. I would give anything to once again look into her tired old eyes and hear a story from her past and watch her face light up as she told it. I was with her when she passed at the age of 92. She did not want to let go, as she loved life to its fullest. I held her hand for 22 hours until she quietly slipped away into a peaceful better place. You must rememember this too when the sadness comes across, that Kim too is in a better place and is at peace. That is what keeps me going on a daily basis. Dont shed tears for missing him, shed tears for all the beautiful things he brought to your life and the millions of people that he also brought a smile to their faces. This is a priceless gift that only "Special" people can do. My heart goes out to you in this grieving period. It too shall pass. You truely are a strong, amazing person, and i wish you good health. Sleep with a smile, knowing that you have made a difference in so many lives. Thank you, from all of us.
W. Maura
January 17, 2010
Dear Mr. Peek,
Just read about the passing of your beloved son, Kim.
I can't believe I never knew he existed and that he was the inspiration for the film or that I didn't read or hear about his passing in the normal news outlets.
Watching the many clips on youtube, I was, like many I suppose, struck by your care of your son and to hear both he and you talk about the prospect of his outliving you and what that might mean after the fact truly touched me.
Respectfully, you sir, may be more the story than Kim. Although, he was truly a gift of God.
I can only offer you heartfelt condolences and wish you well for the rest of your days. You are an amazing man.
Sincerely
Vicky Curry
January 17, 2010
Dear Fran,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will never forget the privilege I had to meet you and Kim when you came to El Paso for the Autism Conference. I so enjoyed being with you two as we traveled around visiting sites in our fair city. Kim shared his historical facts about places in El Paso as though he had lived here all his life. Kim's life was full and productive, not only because he was a unique human being, but because he had you as a caring father, guide, teacher, and counselor. He was blessed to have you as you were to have him. I am so lucky that Kim and you were a little part of my life. May God continue to bless you in all the years to come.
January 4, 2010
The members of Self Advocaates Becoming Empowered were saddened to learn of the passing of Lauence Kim Peek. We appreciate Kim's message that recognizes and repects the differences in people and promotes the acceptance of these differences. Our organization hs long shared and promoted these same values and we deeply respect the work done by Kim and his dad, Fran over the past twenty plus years..We have lost a truly unique individual who has done much to promote the acceptance of people with disabilties within the community.
On behalf of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered and it's Board of Directors I woiuld like to offers our heartfelt condolences to Kim's family and many friends in this difficult time.
Cathy Enfield/Secretary/SABE
Wanda Gutierrez
January 4, 2010
My husband and I first met Kim and Fran Peek through a mutual friend, “Mary Ruth with the golden tooth," who introduced us at church. I recall Mary Ruth being so excited they were making a movie about his life and so tickled that she had the opportunity to introduce us before the movie came out. I understood later, when I had the pleasure of talking with Kim and Fran more frequently, just how truly amazing Kim was and why Fran, made it his life to share Kim with the world. In recent years, I have had the pleasure of talking with Kim and Fran on many occasions while visiting a friend at Brighton Gardens and talking with them a few other times at Marie Callendars restaurant. On a chance encounter, I also had the pleasure of introducing Kim to my sister and her husband from Ohio (at the SL library). Every time I talked with Kim, I was more and more mesmerized with his abilities and more and more convinced that he was very special gift from God. Something I will always treasure is his reaction, the first time I took his hand and told him so. I felt blessed every time I was in his presence and I thank God that his family understood how important it was to share him with the world! My husband and I ran into Kim and Fran last in November 2009 at Marie Callendars. I remember having a strong feeling that I should talk with him longer and wanting to take his hand again, to remind him how special he was. However, my husband who was driving me to a medical appointment did not want me to be late. After we left the restaurant that day, I continued to sense that I should have talked with him longer that day. I understand now that my hesitance was God preparing me that this special gift to humankind was about to go on and be Him. I thank God that I did tell Kim on other occasions that he was a gift from God and urge everyone reading this note to never hesitate to tell the special people in your life how much they mean to you.
Janet Jones
December 30, 2009
Dear Fran and family
Sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son Kim. My brother James worked in the same Center that Kim worked in several years ago. Thanks to you and your son more people were able to understand my son a little better. You see I also have a special son...he was born with Autism and he also has an uncanny gift of knowledge and special abilities. I was also told when he was very young that I should place him in and institution because he would never do anything. I refused to believe that and with a lot of hard work and dedication he has grown into a loving, kind and sociable man. He holds down a part time job and he has learned so much. There is so much I could say but most of all bless you for hanging in and not giving up on your son. He was a special person...if only more people would realize just how special these gifted people are and the potential they have...given the chance they could go so far in the world. My heart goes out to you for I know how close you were. May God bless you all in your time of sorrow...and may he bless you for sticking with your son.
God Bless you all
Janet Jones
Patience Nelson
December 30, 2009
Kim and his father came to visit Kearns Jr. High when I was in 9th grade (1999-2000). Although I only got to spend a short time in Kim's presence he truly inspired me to look beyond a person's "disability" and instead see them for their ability. I have never forgotten that lesson. I have enjoyed following Kim through articles and documentaries ever since, my deepest sympathies for your loss and my sincere gratitude for coming to speak with my Jr. High school class.
Kathy Clayton
December 30, 2009
Dear Fran: I have met Kim on a few occasions, the most recent at the viewing of our dear Helen Hillier. You asked my brother to tell Kim where he had grown up. My brother told him of the small town in Idaho where we lived in the 60's. Kim was able to tell us all the roads in and out, as well as the TV and radio stations. We were very impressed! May the Lord's choicest blessings be with you at this time of grief.
Jenny McGinty
December 29, 2009
Brian and Liz,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. We had the opportunity to meet him a couple of times and that is a treasure to us. He was such a blessing to the world. Sending our love and prayers for peace and comfort.
May your faith and testimony sustain you at this time.
- Jenny & Steve McGinty
Holli Peek Kiuhara
December 29, 2009
Dear Family,
We will always remember the times we shared with you and Kim as kids,and adults. Who can forget the Christmas Eve's. at Grandma and Grandpa Peeks house. You all did a wonderful send off today and should be proud , as Kim is of all of you. Our best and love to all of you during this time. A special angel will now, always be watching over all of you. Much love, Holli & Ren (RJ)
Carina Dillon
December 29, 2009
Kim and Fran visited with a group of us at West Lake Jr. High several years ago. At one point, Kim singled me out of the crowd of students and told me I had beautiful eyes. I was a little embarrassed, but it was such a sweet and thoughtful comment, especially considering how insecure I was about my physical appearance! He will be missed in this world!
Becky Brock Morgan
December 29, 2009
I was Kim's seminary teacher at Columbus. He gave wonderful talks at our sacrament meetings, and made every day a joy. He touched many lives. Thank you for sharing him with us and so many others.
Jamie Zayach
December 28, 2009
Dear Fran,
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Kim. As you will recall, I worked with Kim at Columbus for nearly a decade, long before his Rainman fame, and remember him so very fondly. He would oftentimes come up to me and tell me that "Jamie Zayach.... you're a gooooooood woman"..... I remember his fondness for "Mary Ruth with the golden tooth" and how he delighted in conversation of sports history, ancient history, trivia and other wonderful information.
Your loss must be overwhelming, and I just want you to know how much Kim impacted my life.
Jamie Zayach
Sandy, UT
Trudy Mirci
December 28, 2009
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Kim. He is truly an inspiration to all of mankind.
December 28, 2009
Dear Peek Family,
Your son touched many of us even though we never met in person. I have seen many appearances made by Kim and Fran and have enjoyed seeing Kim blossom. I hope the many memories of him will bless you for years to come.
May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Mark & Nanette Waters
Murray UT
Mark Edwards
December 28, 2009
Fran, I met you and Kim very randomly in the Salt Lake City airport in Jan 2007 while I was waiting for a flight. Kim took my newspaper to view the weather report and you apologized on his behalf then introduced yourselves. I am forever grateful for that brief random moment in time when I met you two. I have shared that story multiple times with family and friends. Kim will surely be missed by you and your family and all of us who were blessed to have met him.
December 28, 2009
Dear family of Kim Peek,
So sorry for your loss. The shared shadow isn't gone, it's just lightened by the love of God.
December 28, 2009
My son and I had the pleasure of meeting Kim one year at the airport. My son had been on a flight from San Diego to Salt Lake with Kim. He was an outstanding person and our meeting has never nor ever will be forgotten. How truly blessed you were to have had him in your lives.... Please except our condolences......
Kim and Ryan Snoddy
South Jordan, UT
Trisha Holmes
December 28, 2009
I am truly sadened by Kim's death. Over the past 9 months we have built a great friendship and kept in close contact. He will continue to hold a special place in my heart as well as with the many lives he's touched over the years. The world has lost an incredible human being and he will be greatly missed. I only hope that his message continues to live on making the world a better place.
Jeff & Kristine Johnson
December 28, 2009
Our family had the pleasure of meeting with Fran and Kim on a couple of occasions. We are in awe of the devotion of Fran. May you be comforted at this time and when your heart feels too heavy to bear. Know that you have friends everywhere.
Jennifer Dahl
December 27, 2009
I am greatly saddened by the news of our loss of Kim Peek. My family has the honor of calling Kim and his father, Fran, our friends. Kim made an impact on everyone he met, especially school children. His message is so important - "Learning to recognize and to respect differences in others and treating them like you want them to treat you will bring the peace and joy we all hope for. Let's care, share - be our best!" Kim shared his message with everyone he met. We can celebrate him by living by those words.
Kim's light may have dimmed with his passing, but his memory will shine forever in the lives of the people he touched.
'Til we meet again, dear friend....
Dixie Sargent
December 27, 2009
Mr Peek & Family
I worked at the phone company with Phyllis and through her I had the opportunity to follow Kim through these many years. She was so proud of both of you. You honored our stake at a fireside in Hoytsville Utah. Kim was so impressive and I am thankful we had that opportunity to feel of Kim's spirit. My heart and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Dixie Sargent
Coalville Utah
Sandy (Evans) Smith
December 27, 2009
Dear Fran & Family: I have many memories of all of you from "the cabin". It has been an honor knowing you for so many years. All my prayers are with you.
Douglas Brady
December 27, 2009
The world has lost a special soul. You will be truly missed Kim. God bless you and your family in this trying time.
Andrea Scott
December 27, 2009
Kim,
I remember all of the friendly hellos that I would receive when I would see you and your lovely dad at The Other Place. You have been a inspiration to many and now a beautiful memory to all. Rest in Peace my friend.
My condolences to your family,
Andrea Scott
Julie Newton
December 27, 2009
Having Kim and Fran visit my classroom was a highlight of the year. It was impossible to spend any time with Kim and not adore him. His mental powers were fascinating, and yet he was as guileless as a child. My good wishes to you, Fran, as you carry on with half a shadow. Kim will be profoundly missed.
John Baumer
December 27, 2009
Fran
The world needs more people like you and Kim! He had a wonderful presence and sense of humor I'll never forget. Our family gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners were truly special occasions with you and Kim. Thank you also for you wonderful devotion to Mary Ruth with the Gold Tooth and Nancy D!
Kim is probably listening to "O JOY" right now.
Best Wishes
Allie Diamond
December 27, 2009
Dear Fran and Family,
I will always have fond memories of Kim. I have enjoyed knowing him for the last few years.Having the opportunity to have him share his special gifts with my clients has been a blessing.
Fran, you are the epitome of an excellent parent. Your dedication, patience, love and support are commendable.
I know Kim is out there amazing other amazing souls!
Thank you for sharing your star with us!
December 27, 2009
I like many others have never met you or your family personally, we all I believe share the same respect for your father Fran and the true love he has shown you. Kim's life has been an example to us all. I hope and pray that God will continue to bless you and your family.
Tricia Griffith
December 27, 2009
To Kim's Family,
Millions of people were inspired greatly by Kim. He was a wonderful man and someone the whole world looked up to. Kim taught us many lessons in his short time on earth. Kim left too soon but he left us with his legacy of kindness, acceptance, love and knowledge.
God Bless you Kim. We will miss you!
Sincerely,
David Bradley
December 27, 2009
To the family of Laurence, he was a very special person so full of life.I've watched Rain Man many many times since 1988 and have learned so much.I didn't know him personally and didn't know he was a resident of Utah til his passing.I know he'll be a great help in heaven serving the Lord. God bless you the family in your time of sorrow.
Darin Graff
December 27, 2009
There is no more than complete reverence for the man who has helped us that...respect is earned...and not deserved. A man such as Mr. Peek will always serve our senses as to what is right, good, and preserved. the man who only knew what he knew -- and to do it with compositions rivaling Beethoven -- will influence us who have respected him from afar...forever. Regards from his admirers! (Darin Ray Graff and Andrea Terese Stecki).
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