Kim Peek “Rainman” Friend of President Monson
The mega-savant Kim Peek passed away earlier this month, December 19, 2009, of an unexpected heart attack. He was 58 years old. He is most recognized as the inspiration for the Oscar-winning feature film “Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.
The Mormon Times reports that Kim was a very dear friend to President Monson and they often talked with one another. The First Presidency of the Church sent a letter to the family that was read at the funeral. The Deseret News reports:
[The letter] noted that “Kim’s charm and wit will be greatly missed,” and he was hailed by church leaders as “an influence for good in the lives of many.”
I personally remember seeing Kim at a school assembly at Mount Jordan Middle School back in the early 1990s. I was amazed at his memorization abilities and humility.
See more information about Kim Peek’s passing at the links below:
Mormon Times – “‘Rain Man’ has been a missionary his whole life”
Deseret News – “Family eulogizes Kim Peek as an intellectual gift to others”
