Michael James St. Peter, 53
Michael James St. Peter, 53, passed away on Jan 18, 2017, after 12 days in the Tufts Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, Boston. Michael suffered a severe brain injury after choking on food while at a local jazz bar/restaurant near his apartment in Boston’s South End. He was surrounded by family and close friend Sarah Ahearn with recordings of his own musical arrangements playing in the background providing comfort for family and medical staff.
Michael showed interest in music and developed musical skills at a very early age, performing with various musical groups throughout elementary and high school years. From the very beginning of his musical journey he was enamored with improvisational jazz and he became both an accomplished student and musical historian of this great American musical tradition. He received a music scholarship to the University of Montana and studied under Lance Boyd. Michael quickly expanded his jazz performance and musical arranging and composing skills. His university mentors quickly recognized Michael’s potential and prompted his application to the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston. Michael’s exceptional musical talents on saxophone, other woodwinds, piano, brass and percussion, and future potential earned him another scholarship and prompted him to move from his Montana birthplace to Boston in 1984.
After completing two years of musical and performance studies at Berklee he began working as a case manager for the Elders Living at Home Program (ELHP), assisting low-income clients with access to affordable housing. All the time, Michael continued pursuing his interests in jazz performance, composing and arranging.
Michael joined Peter Parcek as original members of Boston’s Nine Below Zero classic and original blues band, a regionally popular and widely acclaimed group. During his tenure as an ELHP case manager, Michael was diagnosed with significant obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression that severely impacted his ability to maintain routine employment. In spite of these significant challenges Michael always maintained the most positive attitude and did not stop his pursuit of composing, arranging, performing and recording his music. His family and friends were in awe of his talent and his gentle way of sharing his special gifts.
Michael never had significant material wealth but always shared and gifted family and friends with personalized musical arrangements that he recorded for special events. His musical performances made each of his siblings’ weddings very unique and memorable family events. Michael’s giving personality and lifestyle set him apart from many. Even in death he was able to assist many others through extensive donation of his healthy tissues.
Michael was preceded in death by his father Jack, and is survived by mother Geraldine; brothers Tom with daughter Olivia; John with wife Wendy, children Jennifer and Adam; sisters Kathleen (St. Peter) McDonald with partner Kevin Cramer, children Kylee McDonald with husband Dillon McKee and Keevan McDonald; Tricia (St. Peter) Ellsworth with husband Steve, children Cameron and Makenzi; two aunts, numerous cousins and many friends in the Flathead Valley and Boston. He will be greatly missed by all.
One of Michael’s most steadfast companions for the last seven years, his 20-pound cat “Grey,” flew first class from Boston to Phoenix to retire with Grandma Jerry.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held in Kalispell at a future summer date this year.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrance, a memorial fund is being established to support local young aspiring musicians in the Flathead. Letters of condolence can be sent c/o Geraldine St. Peter, 6532 S. Lake Forest Dr., Chandler, AZ 85249.
Some of Michael’s work remains for all to appreciate on You-Tube and can be found by searching “michaelstpeter sax.”