Jonathan Peter was a Florida native who grew up in the simpler times of the 1950s. He was particularly skilled at marine mechanics, his chosen profession, yet he was known for his ability to fix anything else. To his wife, Evelyn, he was a good man with a huge heart. "He was so real and honest, patient and kind, a caring and wonderful husband and my best friend," she recalled. Jonathan was 56 years old when he passed away and was able to donate the gift of sight with his corneas. Evelyn hope that the recipients are able to "live each day to the fullest" and are kind, just like Jonathan.

Jonathan's Story

Jonathan Ernest Peter was born and raised in Miami with loving parents and a devoted older sister. He enjoyed a special time as a child in the 1950s with canals, coves and green areas that helped to nurture a creative and active imagination.

Jonathan was an active Boy Scout and completed public schools in Miami. He was especially skilled in marine mechanics, his chosen profession, yet he was equally capable in other trades from refrigeration and electricity to carpentry. Jonathan could fix anything; it was often said that if he couldn't fix it, it wasn't broken in the first place. He invented many of his own specialized tools to facilitate the particular task at hand.

During his life, Jonathan owned a number of different boats, among them his "Prowlin Pete," a 40-foot fishing boat. Later he restored a 24-foot motorboat that he and his wife, Evelyn, enjoyed for years around Miami and the Florida Keys. He also had tales to tell from his travels around the Caribbean islands, from Aruba to Curacao.

Jonathan was a generous, good man who died at age 56. He was able to donate his corneas.

"Everything he did, he did with his whole heart," said Evelyn. "He was so real and honest, patient and kind. He was generous with his family and friends and was a caring and wonderful husband and my best friend. He is greatly missed."

Evelyn hopes that the recipients of Jonathan's corneas "live each day to the fullest and try always to be kind" as Jonathan had been throughout his life.