About Peter

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Peter was born in Spokane, WA on September 26, 1968. He grew up in Spokane and graduated from East Valley High School in 1986. In 1990 he graduated from Washington State University. There, among many other roles he played, he served as president of his fraternity, Sigma Nu. Peter has lived and worked in Reno, NV, Palm Springs, CA, Graham, WA, Seattle, WA, and most recently, up until the time of his illness, Anchorage, AK. While in Anchorage, Peter was quickly named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.

Pete's favorite times were spent on the baseball and softball diamond. As Peter grew older his love transitioned from just playing sports to playing and watching the kids in his life participate in sporting events. He understood how participating in sports and pushing yourself to achieve helped make kids who they are. Many of his childhood teammates became life-long friends whom he often kept in contact in his adult life. It is in this memory the friends and family of Peter announce this Foundation in his name.

Peter Michael Putnam passed away on the evening of October 20, 2003 at the age of 35. Peter's life was cut tragically short by Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (CJD). Within 10 months,The disease attacked his brain, and robbed him of his memory, ability to communicate, mobility, and ability to take care of himself. The disease never could, however, steal the natural charm and charisma that endeared Peter to people's hearts.

Peter spent his life building strong relationships with his family, friends and business associates. He would go out of his way to engage someone in conversation, and was always able to gather a crowd for any occasion.

Peter is survived by his parents; brothers, Tim Putnam and Chris Turnley; sisters, Nancy Schempf, Katie Turnley and Jennifer Turnley; grandparents, Bill and Beverly Roberts, Shirley Putnam and Katherine Turnley; four nephews and three nieces; his goddaughter, a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends as well as hundreds of lives he has touched across the country in one way or another.