Michael Dean Peltier

Michael Dean Peltier - SAVANNAH - Michael Dean Peltier, 19, of Savannah, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Michael was born in Savannah. The family moved once when his father was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks, Alaska when he was two. His earliest memories were of snow and very cold weather living on the Chena River where he became quite the outdoorsman enjoying camping, snowmobiling, skiing, and salmon fishing. The family returned to Savannah when Michael was five where he developed a love for the coast and the beach. Upon Michael's return to Savannah, he took his love for the outdoors, and learned to sail in the Lake Mayer Sailing Regatta, where he earned second place. Michael also played the sport of his dreams, "FOOTBALL", playing for the City of Savannah Football League with the Southside Jaguars, where he excelled as a defensive lineman. Michael, in his refusal to allow Cystic Fibrosis to control his life, also entered the world of martial arts, earning his First Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He was a fan of pro football, especially the Miami Dolphins. The Make A Wish Foundation granted Michael's wish by sending him to the Pro Bowl, NFL All Star game in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2003. Michael also attended the first ever Jacksonville Jaguars Second round Play-off game against his favorite football team, the Miami Dolphins, where he saw his most favorite NFL player, Dan Marino. He was a participant in the SEARCH program for gifted students and was an advanced placement student in the Chatham County School System graduating with honors from Savannah Arts Academy in 2009. He was a member of the National Honor Society, a WTOC Top Teen and a Savannah Morning News Award of Excellence nominee. He attended Georgia Southern University majoring in physics and was on the Dean's List. Michael, a consummate learner, was also employed by the University as a tutor as part of the Tutoring Center of Georgia Southern, in the academic field of Physics. Michael received what he termed "a second chance at life". Facilitated by Lifelink of Georgia, Michael underwent a double lung transplant at Emory University in May of 2008. While the procedure caused him to miss a small part of his junior year at Savannah Arts, he participated fully in his senior year with minimal restrictions. His heroes included Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Michio Kaku and Ben Franklin. He enjoyed playing video games, especially Halo and Sid Miers "Civilization" series. He was an avid reader who enjoyed many authors. He was an avid fan of the Harry Potter series and was eagerly awaiting the release of the last two movies. He was a history buff, enjoyed books, movies and television pertaining to historical events and people. Michael, in his exuberance for life, took Cystic Fibrosis with him, not allowing this disease to force his life, rather forcing Cystic Fibrosis to keep pace with him. To say that he was optimistic is not enough, out=going would be an understatement. His personality was described by his friends as humorous, intelligent, courageous, strong, magnetic and gregarious. Michael defined the term extrovert. He never allowed CF to hold him back from accomplishing his goals and living life on his own terms. He had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for making people laugh. He was eager to participate in conversations and expressed his views and opinions with exuberance and enthusiasm. His upbeat personality allowed him to develop many friendships winning over his peer group and adults alike. Even though he understood his condition and its implications, he had lifelong dreams and goals and was working diligently to obtain them. He is survived by his father & mother, Arthur and Patricia Peltier, one sister, Kaitlin of Savannah and two aunts, Marie Lambert of New York; and Kim Hayes of Florida; several cousins and multitude of VERY CLOSE FAMILY FRIENDS and loved ones and many many friends. Visitation will be at the Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, October 22, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. Funeral service: will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel in Savannah, Ga. The family requests donations to the following charities in lieu of flowers: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, SC and Savannah Chapter, 537 Long Point Road, #203, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464; or Lifelink of Georgia, 2875 Northwoods Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071; or Make A Wish Foundation. If you would like to become an organ donor in honor of Michael, please visit donatelifegeorgia. Org. Fairhaven Funeral Home Hubert C. Baker Chapel Savannah, Ga 31406 912-927-1999 www.fairhavenfuneralhome.net Savannah Morning News October 22, 2010 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .