A Story – John Peskie
And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker”. So God made a farmer. John Peskie was that farmer.
These are words from John’s eulogy, written by his children. They seem to be the best way to reflect on John’s life. He may not have been drawn to the life of a farmer had it not been for his own father’s early death, but a farmer he became. Before he could even drive, he took over his family farm; put food on the table for the entire family; and took care of his mom and younger brothers. He was a farmer who had to learn the rights and wrongs of farming, family, and friendship without the guidance of his own father. Farming was good to John, though. His life was filled with love, compassion, wit, patience and perseverance.
It wasn’t until his grandson, Ethan, was born and needed a life-saving liver transplant that he thought about being a donor himself. He supported his daughter and grandson by attending the NEW Donate Life Walk whenever the farm allowed. He thoroughly understood the importance and the need for more donors.
Sadly, John suffered a sudden and untimely death in March of 2023 and the gate was closed. Thankfully, his family knew of his wish to become a donor, which made the decision easy for them in a time of deep sorrow. John was able to donate skin and eye tissue. He was not only a farmer, he was a hero who helped save others’ lives.
Anyone can become a hero by donating. More than 100,000 people are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Another person is added every eight minutes. All you have to do is have that difficult talk with your loved ones so they know your wishes, like John did, and then register. The Peskie family asks that you do that today.
