I'm sure most of you have heard of --- if not seen --- the movie Rain Man, with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. The movie was loosely based on the man pictured to the right, Kim Peek. To learn more about Kim, go here:
Mr. Peek died yesterday at age 58 from a heart ailment.
Having a son with autism, I am very saddened at the loss. Mr. Peek was an incredible man. I actually had the pleasure of meeting him when I first worked for the Butler Eagle. He visited Butler Senior High School. I was amazed by the sheer intelligence of this man. His memory was incredible. You could read him a story, and he would repeat it word for word after only hearing it a few times. His math skills scared me. And despite the social issues with which he struggled because of his autism, he still managed to get out there and show the world that autistic people are not to be pitied, but to be admired.
The world has lost more than just another autistic person this week. It has lost a great mind. Rest in peace Kim.
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