William Peet Obituary
Bill was born on August 14, 1944 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill was the CEO of Dr. Peet's Software, an early literacy software company whose program "Dr. Peet's TalkWriter" was nominated for a Cody Award as well as mentioned on Joan Lunden's show as one of the top three software literacy programs for young children. After graduating from Amherst College, Bill joined the Peace Corps which led him to Ifaluk, an atoll in the Pacific. He then moved on to Honolulu, where he earned his Ph.D. in sociolinguistics from the University of Hawaii and lived for 23 years. Bill had a passion for music, singing and playing the guitar semi-professionally. He was well known and loved for his gregarious spirit, irrepressible smile and optimism. Bill's adventurous nature led him to enthusiastically embrace numerous sports in his younger years, including sailing, hang gliding, aviation/gliding, windsurfing, waterskiing, and completing the Honolulu Marathon.
Bill is survived by his wife, Libby (Lancaster) Peet; daughter Noelani Peet (Anton Russell); sisters, Sarah (Peet) Renner and Elizabeth (Peet) Runge; grandsons, Andreas Rezaei and Dylan Russell and stepchildren, Lori and Daniel Hardee.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions to one of Bill's favorite charities: Greenpeace Fund: 800-722-6995 www.greenpeace.org or the Experimental Aircraft Assoc.'s Children's program at the Lee's Summit Airport: Make checks payable to the local EAA chapter 91 for the Young Eagles Program, which recently flew their 10,000th young eagle; Mail to: EAA Chapter 91, Young Eagles Program, 5413 S Shrank Ct., Independence, MO 64055. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brad Hall
April 8, 2015
I just learned of Billy's passing from the Island Gazzett. I am so so sad and sorry for the family's loss and all of his friends as well, including me! Bill will be missded by all who knew him! You will all be in my prayers, love always!
Bradley Hall
April 8, 2015
A true treasure of a person and man that treated me like a brother growing up on Madeline Island. I last chatted with Billy about a year ago through face book and reminiced a bit about the great times we all had as kids spending the summers on Madeline Island. Bill was always so kind and thoughtful toward me. I often think about Billy, Alex Sarah, Elizabeth and there folks Bill Sr. and Barbara and the "The Bird" a wonderful sailboat owned by the Peet family that Bill Sr. and wife Barbara and Billy Junior helped teach all the kids who were interested, how to sail! A wonderful kind family and place where my best memories in life will always be! I will miss you Billy!
Pat Hagen
January 23, 2015
I had the good fortune to meet Bill at a Kansas City Songwriters function several years ago. He was one of the most upbeat people there. His infectuous melodies & guitar playing will always be remembered.
Susan Boer
January 20, 2015
I met Bill when I was viseting my brother.Bill was a good man.It`s a big loss.I want to wish Libby and her family and friends strenght and may God bless you all who know him.
Susan Boer,from the Netherlands
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January 19, 2015
Bill was an especially kind and fun older brother when we were growing up. He didn't just let me tag along on an outing. He made sure that I met everyone, that he told them a little something about me that made me feel special, and he made sure that I was enjoying myself. Even as a busy and popular teenager, he would welcome me along. If he was water skiing with a bunch of his friends, he genuinely cared if I learned how to ski.
Every now and then, he would step in for an absent babysitter, and that would always be the best night of the week for the 3 of us younger siblings. Bill took his role seriously and made sure that we all had a ball. He ran the house like a camp counselor - your favorite one, because he had a heart and a good sense of humor.
When Bill went off to college, I thougt the world had ended. Hardly that, he wrote us letters, never forgot our birthdays, and welcomed us warmly when we all piled into his little college town for graduation. His tenure in the Peace Corps was doubled because he fit in well and cared so much about his work. Fatherhood came naturally, his sweet Noelani lighting the way to ever more love and adventure.
We led our adult lives mostly in distant cities, but Bill always kept up an effort to stay in touch and to visit family members whenever possible. He had a lot of energy, a lot of love, and will be deeply missed by his family and friends who
Gene DeVaux
January 18, 2015
I met Dr. Peet just one time. We were at a rally standing together when he struck up a conversation with me. He was the kind of person that you like at first meeting. He was congenial and intelligent. Just the type of guy that a fellow would want for a friend. I never saw him again after that rally, but I have never forgotten the impression that he made on me. He was a well rounded guy with many talents. If this world had more people like Dr. Peet, it would be a much better place to live. My condolences to his family.
January 18, 2015
The Baker family grew up next door to the Peet family on Iglehart Ave in St. Paul MN. We all have fond memories of Billy and the entire family. Our prayers are with the Peet family now.
Elizabeth, Jack, Bob, Mike, Shanley, Molly and Sally
January 17, 2015
Bill was such a smart, sweet guy. I will remember him always. He knew music and words and he was a delight to know.
Bless you Bill Peet
Lonnie Dorland
January 14, 2015
Bill Peet will live on in my memory as a very kind and loving person.
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