William H. Peltier

William, Bill, Hanrahan Peltier, aged 89, passed away just like he lived: caring for something outside of himself, and making it efficient. Whether you met him by accident, or through a deliberate handshake, lucky to be his family, or through a pursuit of a goal, there are so many people that have felt the ripple of his giving and present nature; a whole tribe, he might say. Bill was born on July 21, 1935 in Escanaba, MI to Lloyd and Jeannette (Hanrahan) Peltier. He was the eldest brother to 7 siblings and always held the U.P. in his heart. He graduated from Escanaba High School and then headed to Marquette University where he played football, earned a degree in Political Science and Journalism, and potentially pioneered the phrase Big Man on Campus. Following graduation he joined the US Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Captain and even flew planes onto carriers, where, he declared to his daughter's inquiries, that he was "an ok pilot". His humor was one of his greatest traits, and one that helped lead to a wonderful and rich career in the Advertising and Public Relations sector of the business world. Moving to Chicago in the 1960s, he spent many years of his career in Advertising agencies, including work with the William Wrigley, Jr. Company and the Illinois Lottery, even stretching his gifts into the political sector, writing for Governor Jim Thompson. In Chicago, he also met and married and had two children, providing them with a "charmed and joyful life" filled with vacations and perks and laughter. He then found lasting love with Kathaleen Rae Peltier with whom he spent almost 25 years of marriage. In 1989, after a wonderfully vibrant career as VP of Marketing and Public Relations with the Bally Midway Corporation he was called west by his dear friend John Teets to join The Greyhound/Dial Corporation. He settled in AZ and never looked back to cold weather living, but did love his trips to Glacier National Park, Alaska, even Antarctica. He retired his storied career with his work as VP of Marketing and PR with the Viad Corporation. In Arizona he rounded out his talents by serving for over 20 years on the Fiesta Bowl Board, the Boys and Girls Club, and was instrumental with the Arizona Tourism Sports Authority and touched many many lives. Bill was most happy when he was sharing with others: a fine red wine and dinner, a sporting event, a board meeting, a joyful vacation, a comedy like Airplane or Blazing Saddles, a puzzle or game of Scrabble, or a heart to heart with his only grandson. He was proud of his Marine life. He was a loyal patron of the Catholic Church. He was proud of his business and friend relationships. He was a loyal father and confidant to his children, and to his Grandson, whose eyebrows look as if they may be picking up the reins. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Jeannette Peltier, his wives Janis Janosek Peltier and Kathy Peltier, and three siblings, Michael, Virginia Lechler and John. Bill is survived by his son William Brian Peltier, his daughter Janine Peltier Macris (Cosmin), his siblings Lloyd, Regina Snow, Mary Hetrick, and James, along with nieces and nephews, and most importantly his Grandson, Shane Macris. Bill will be remembered most for his fun, joyful spirit and his extraordinary giving and charitable ways. He distributed and devoted his life to building relationships, and he will be forever loved and missed. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 18 from 10:30-12:00 at Messinger Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Diabetes Foundation or the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley - BGCAZ.ORG.