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1947 - 2014

BORN

1947

DIED

2014

Hugh McPeck Obituary

Hugh McPeck was a multi-talented artist, teacher, and horse trainer, who settled in Alaska in the early 1970s. He first lived in Palmer, Alaska, in a log home and studio that he designed and built overlooking the Knik Glacier. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1991, where he lived with his family on an original homestead raising and training numerous horses, dogs, and two boys. His family and friends best remember him for his sharp wit, practical jokes, and creative sense of humor. As a working artist, Hugh drew inspiration for his work from his appreciation of wildlife, the Alaskan landscape, the human form and his love of horses. His drawings, sculptures and paintings varied from realistic to abstract. He spent long hours in his studio drawing in graphite pencil to create a sense of photo-realism. His art is exhibited in galleries, museums and exhibitions in Alaska, the United States and Europe. Hugh was an art professor at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and Mat-Su for more than three decades. As an Assistant Professor of Art he was in charge of the sculpture department. He always said that his students inspired him to be a better artist, just as he saw the artistic potential in each of them. Hugh created numerous pieces of art for the Municipality of Anchorage as part of the "One Percent for Art" program. He frequently contributed his artwork to fundraisers sponsored by non-profit groups and wildlife conservation organizations. As an artist, teacher and community volunteer, Hugh received numerous awards throughout his career for his efforts to promote art in the classroom and in the community where he lived. Hugh received a heart transplant in 1991, a year after marrying his wife Ann. He considered every day a gift. Hugh built his reputation as a horse trainer who produced quiet, willing horses that became lifetime partners with their owners. He offered clinics throughout Alaska, from the Mat-Su Valley to Kodiak, for over 30 years, specializing in training young horses and retraining older horses that allowed them to attain peak performance. Suppleness, softness and patience were central tenants of Hugh's training philosophy that he sought to teach both horse and rider. He is survived by his wife Ann Gabler; and sons Sean McPeck and Seth Whitfield. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 at the University of Alaska Anchorage Fine Arts Building, Room 150.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Sep. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Hugh McPeck

140 Entries

Susan Hoefner

February 26, 2025

My friend and teacher. RIPDear man.

Robin Alessi

September 20, 2024

I reside in Texas now, but after 18 years in Alaska my fondest memories are the overwhelming majesty and beauty of the entire state; the mountains, the lakes, the rivers, the wildlife and the opportunity to enjoy all of that beauty on the back of a horse with my friends. Hugh helped make all that possible and became such a good friend beginning with his horse clinics, starting some of my horses, finishing others. He was an awesome horseman, I would say, a horse whisperer. To me, Hugh was grander than life. He was a beloved artist, sculptor, teacher, professor, family man, horse master, friend. An acheiver. An inspiration to be around. Some of his Western Art hangs in my office, fond memories I am able to experience every day. I am grateful our paths crossed. Thank you Hugh McPeck, it was an honor to have experienced your kindness, your humor, your many talents, your friendship. Miss you my friend.

Cindy Nelson

September 15, 2024

Hugh and I worked at the Double JJ Ranch. He was always fun and always a renaissance man! You are missed! Wilt

Christopher Hugh Mcpeck

September 14, 2023

My uncle Bernie had a very talented son. Hugh mcpeck . Who is my cousin. and his name is the same as his grandfather Hugh mcpeck. My father Charles H mcpeck Hugh uncle has his father middle name as I do to. Christopher Hugh mcpeck . I never met Hugh as I was very young but he and my dad talk on the phone many times. I did have the pleasure of talking to him one time and asking how Alaska was and that was my dream to come up there one day. But that never happen . My heart and my prayers go out to his wife .his sons and all his students.

Cindy Nelson

September 14, 2023

What a creative, talented and kind man. A truly rare renaissance man.

Geraldine HANSON

February 27, 2023

2023 ....Still miss my "little big brother"
I am adding another story about Hugh´s tricks with his phone calls.
How to loose a client with one phone call...
My brothers would call me so many times with crank calls, when I worked at the travel agency.
One day, I received a call from a person with a thick accent from India...I was so tired and frustrated with the day, and became so angry as I listened to the call. I responded, "Hughie, I know it is you! And besides you do not do that accent very good!"......

Well it was not my brother...it was actually a wonderful client of ours, that we had done many tickets for him and his family.......And that client never called me again.

Now I can laugh and I can embrace the wonderful memories!

Christopher McPeck

October 16, 2015

I Just Found Out that Hugh McPeck just passed away. he was my Uncle Bernie Mcpeck son, I never had the chance to me him. but he knew of me. I would write to him all the time. he made a Drawing for my Father and sent it to our home when we moved from Culver city cailf back to Syracuse ny, as I look at him in the one photo with the crow. I see my dads eyes and his looks in hugh, as he looked like our Grandfather Hugh McPeck who was a glass blower ,, God bless you cuzz and all the life's you had touched. say hello to grandpa and gamma for me , Christopher hugh Mcpeck

Kathleen Willoughby

July 25, 2015

Just found out today, my God, what a talented individual Hugh was. He did not suffer fools and if you wanted, really wanted to know how to draw - he would be willing to spend the time and the effort to show you and to help you figure it out. He had an enormous talent that did not seem to pair with enormous ego. His works were moving, the were gentle and erotic at times. His sculptures will long live on after we are gone - he is probably conducting life drawing classes where ever he is. You will be truly missed.

Dan Pardo

February 24, 2015

I just found out about Hugh's passing today. Not having seen him since the early 70's, in Chicago, I know I missed knowing him during the best part of his career. We worked together when he was a wrangler at the Double JJ resort. I have so many "Hugh stories" that will always keep him in my mind. My sympathies to all of his family, and close friends.
Rowdy Dow, Hugh, and know you are remembered fondly, by many.....HOSS

Leanne Rowley

January 27, 2015

Ann,
I am so sorry to hear, belatedly, of Hugh's passing. He was a wonderful man and his love for life and all those he touched is a lasting gift. Seeing you together was a true inspiration. His drawings hang in both the barn and the bunkhouse here, and one of my favorite images of your home on the hill is that beautiful raven surveying Anchorage. I'll also never forget those red elbow length duct tape gloves. Thank you for being so generous in sharing Hugh with so many.

Nicole Robbins

January 19, 2015

The UAA Arts building will never be the same without you, though I am confident your spirit quietly whispers to all of us who are listening. I will always remember you as my teacher, my mentor, my colleague and my dearest friend.

Don Blackwell

January 17, 2015

I was so sorry to hear about Hugh's passing! He was such an inspiration to me. In fact he is the reason I am now a working, professional artist and Art teacher at a local college here in the mountains of North Carolina. Hugh lives on - I quote him all the time in class and my students must feel they know him too. So sorry I am just now learning about his passing. God Bless!

Benjamin Brown

January 12, 2015

So sad to just learn of Hugh's passing. I jumped on the internet to show one of his sculptures to a friend and his obituary came up. Hit me like a ton of bricks. I was a student of his at UAA and was in my last semester before I graduated when my sister was tragically killed out of state. I was devastated when I returned but Hugh allowed me to continue in his course and most caringly pushed me to catch up. Then, again, tragedy struck when a fellow student in his class and good friend of mine suddenly passed away at an incredibly young age. I was nearly at my wits end but, again, Hugh wouldn't let me throw in the towel. He helped me hold it together and graduate. It was a terrible semester and I would not have made it without Hugh. He's the reason I graduated. I remember the day he took me into his office the day my friend, his student, died. He put aside his sadness and gave me the words I needed, the words he used, to continue and to never give up. I'll never forget that day, not because of the sadness, but because of the lesson he taught me. He never gave up and I never will either. Thanks, Hugh. I left Alaska after I graduated and returned last year. My wife and I wanted to introduce Hugh to our two children and re-connect but I missed my opportunity to say thank you. I think he knows, though, how grateful I am to him. He would probably just shrugged it off anyway and make no big deal of it, that's the kind of person he was. He is going to be missed, at least until we see him again.

Dariya Bryant (Kostareva)

January 8, 2015

Hugh was such an inspiration to his students and to me personally. He always pushed us to be better artists and people. He fed us, the starving artists, snacks and coffee. The sculpture studio was a refuge and a second home to many of us. He played us funny funky songs as a reward for completing an arduous life drawing session. He poked fun and kept us laughing. I loved his humor and the hard time he always gave me. Hugh, you are missed.

Wanda Seamster

December 22, 2014

I was saddened to hear of Hugh's death just today. I admired his ability to draw and share that skill with students. We are lucky to have his Ravens with attitude and remarkable drawings of horses and small birds to remind us and inspire us.

J G

December 8, 2014

To the living, I am gone. To the sorrowful, I will never return. To the angry, I was cheated. But to the happy, I am at peace. And to the faithful, I have never left. I cannot be seen, but I can be heard. So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea-remember me. As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty-remember me. As you look upon a flower and admire it's simplicity-remember me. Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved, The times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed. For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
-Anonymous

Jenn Elle

November 7, 2014

While drawing, I hear your guidance and advice. I will always remember. Thanks for your amazing influence.

Debbie Ramirez-Velocci/Corona

October 30, 2014

Hugh's family, I just got the news and am saddened for your loss. Hug was an amazing man and he changed my life and the way I look at art. I am now an art teacher in both drawing and sculpture and draw from many of the lessons learned reform Hugh. He was kind and generous with my kids when I attended UAA. My major changed as a result of Hugh. He will be missed. This photo is a sculpture I made during my undergrad under Hugh's direction. He started my love for working with the figure in sculpture. I won a significant achievement award from UAA. I can't thank him enough.

October 26, 2014

Hugh and Christine

Christine and Hugh

Lucille Kalbfleisch

October 26, 2014

Peter Wilder

October 25, 2014

It has taken me a while to think about some things I might share with everyone.
Hugh was one of the most influential people in my life!
I met Hugh in 1983 when I was hitchhiking - he immediately welcomed me into his life and family, and I spent the next 4 summers working on the place on the Knik and doing 1% projects in Anchorage.
Trips to Kodiak - staking the homestead property above Talkeetna with Hugh and David - good times at KABN radio - taking the canoe up the Knik - and having the motor die - a lot of laughter with Gene - 'night of the red eyes' with Sean and Brandon - too many good times to recount...
I am really honored he called me his friend.
If you were one of his art students, you are a fortunate being.
Peace and love - of nature, horses, humans and laughter to Ann, Sean, Seth, and all lucky enough to have known him...

Jenny (Grinnell) Haldane

October 21, 2014

Ann - I just heard about your loss and I'm so sad to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Joanie & Jay Kagan

October 21, 2014

Uncle Hugh you were so special to our family. We just wished we lived closer to you. We are thankful for all of the special times we spent together. We won't ever forget your countless phone pranks to our home, encouraging words to our three boys about education, the outdoors and your joy of the simple things in life. We feel your spirit and know you will continue to watch over us. You were an inspiration to our family. We will love you forever and you'll never be forgotten.
- Jay, Joanie, Benjamin, Noah & your godchild Peter

Lucy and Hugh/camping at Talkeetna before the cabin was built!

Jessica Gallavin

October 21, 2014

Patty, Christine, Gerry (top left to right), Kevin, Hugh (looks like Sean!) and Lucille (bottom left to right)

Jessica Gallavin

October 21, 2014

Jessi, Shannon, Ryan Kalbfleisch, visiting Uncle Hughs cabin that he built! Little Sean and Seth were so much fun!

Jessica Gallavin

October 21, 2014

Hugh and Kevin, front row...working at Double J Ranch in MI when younger!

Jessica Gallavin

October 21, 2014

just another example of fun times they all had! you guys created lots of fun memories!

Jessica Gallavin

October 21, 2014

Hugh and Kevin in their younger days...and a small drawing by Hugh that I have somehow.

Jessica Gallavin

October 21, 2014

October 19, 2014

Life with Hugh was never boring. One never knew what to suspect. His edgy creativity, humor, generosity, daily funny phone calls, boundless energy and love for me and all living creatures - no matter how small - were some of his most endearing qualities. He loved life. Hugh taught me to live-catch spiders inside our home and gently release them back into the wild. He excelled in whatever he set out to do whether drawing, sculpture, building a corral gate, or the art of training horses. He expected the same of me, our sons, his students, and others. Sometimes I pondered,'Who is this guy?' We never quite figured each other out which is why we stuck together when times were rough. He was my best friend, a true partner, and we had one, wild, adventurous ride together. Ann McPeck Gabler

October 19, 2014

So much to say about my brother-in-law, Hugh McPeck, and too little space and time to do his memory justice. Just a couple of thoughts. Hugh was a genius - he had to be a genius to master log home building by hand - and all of his artistic expressions - and to be so comfortable in sometimes inhospitable situations in the wilds of nature. Hugh's genius helped manifest his deep love and respect for the natural world and all of its creatures and features. When you were with Hugh in the woods you were in his spiritual world and his "church." Hugh helped us reaver the world. Thank you, Hugh McPeck, for being a good teacher. We will miss you. Bill Gabler Sr.

Chris & Bill Pfister

October 19, 2014

Ann,
We are so sad about Hugh passing. We had such nice times with you two.
Besides being an exceptional artist, Hugh had talents some people may not have known about. He was known as Alaska's "horse whisperer " horse trainer, as well as holding training clinics teaching people how to be better riders. He homesteaded and built his first log cabin house in Alaska. You two have a homestead in the bush accessible only by train, where you both built a cabin. He was also good at building bird houses. We saw a recent photo outside Hugh's studio at your house that had several colorful birdhouses. Some were new since we last visited a couple of years ago. He also was an electrician out of necessity, often repairing wiring on his Polaris and the garage door that Lefty used to like to chew when he was a puppy.
He recently told me he didn't plan to ever retire from teaching at the University because he liked the work, and especially liked the students.
Whenever Christine talks to someone who has been to Anchorage, which is quite frequently, she asks them if they saw the Bear and Raven statue in downtown Anchorage. They always remember it, and are impressed that it was done by her brother. Recently we were in Borrego Springs, a small town in the desert east of San Diego, where the Curator of a small art show remembered it. She also told us she had submitted entries to "Birds in Art", but they were not accepted. Which gave Christine another chance to brag about her brother Hugh.
Give Lefty a kiss for us.
Love,
Chris & Bill Pfister

Jessica Gallavin

October 18, 2014

Uncle Hugh was such a jokester! I loved it! I have received many "prank" calls in my life from him...once while in Colorado he pretended to be a little old man up on the hill that wanted to come down to my cabin and have a "hot toddy" with us all!
For the past 3 years, he would call on Christmas Eve and pretend to be "Elmer, Santa's elf" and talk to my older son...my son Parker just loved that...I know my youngest Will would have got a kick out of that too now, maybe I'll have to talk Sean into taking over the role of "Elmer".

Michael Gabler

October 17, 2014

Many of us have been on the receiving end of one of Hugh's pranks. On an Alaskan state ferry ride from Kodiak -I didn't appreciate having my clothes stolen and berth door locked after showering down the hall. There I was - scurrying naked trying to cover myself in the public area!
A second story was driving across east Montana and getting a call from the "Montana State Police Air Patrol". I forget what the police plane clocked me at - but I remember being told the ticket was $300 something. I was pissed the whole day driving thinking I had a ticket waiting for me. Thank you Hugh - I love you!

S.I.L. Jane & nieces Claire & Ava

October 16, 2014

Thank you Papa for adding so much love and joy to my daughter's lives ! And thanks for the love, joy and smiles you gave to ME ! You are a favorite to all of us. Enjoy all of those "heavenly horses." Love always!

Thaddeus Du Bois

October 15, 2014

Hugh was such a big part of my life, I thought of him as a dad and grandfather. My artwork is what it is because of him. I love you Hugh.

Clarence Cameron

October 11, 2014

Bob and I both send our condolences, Ann. We always enjoyed being with you and Hugh at Birds in Art. We enjoyed Hugh's sense of humor as well as his art and hoped, that some day, we would make the trip to Alaska to learn more about the two of you. One of my high school teachers frequently reminds me that "every day is a perfect day." I will think of Hugh and his joie de vivre with every reminder.

Peter Hoevenaars

October 9, 2014

I just arrived in Alaska from the Netherlands on october 6th to visit friends. Hugh was one of them to visit this week. An other friend in Anchorage told me he just passed away... I feld a shock. Hugh was very social. And I was allways welcome for a coffee and a chat about art, horses and the Dutch culture. I will miss him and remember him as a good friend! Still can´t believe he is not here anymore. An empty place in my hart and a black shadow during my trip in Alaska this month! My sincerest sympathy goes to the family and to most of all Ann.

Geraldine McPeck-Hanson

October 6, 2014

I miss my "little big brother" so much. He kept telling me, that every day was a gift.

October 3, 2014

Ann, I just signed up for Facebook and learned of your lost. So sorry to hear the loss of Huge. My prayers and thoughts are with you and significant others.
Carole Counihan

Bonnie Kraft

October 1, 2014

Ann, I was truly saddened to read this on Facebook just now. I I remember Hugh and you fondly from our wonderful trip to Cuba with the Woodson. My deepest condolences.

Cindy (Wilt) Nelson

September 27, 2014

I worked with Hugh many years ago at the Double JJ Ranch in Michigan. He was always helping the newcomers and kept the staff laughing. I am so sorry to hear he has passed away.

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Seth Whitfield

September 25, 2014

Midterms

Danielle Guenther

September 25, 2014

Mr. Hugh, I just heard about your passing. You were a great teacher, you kept my mind engaged and gave encouragement where it was needed. These words don't do justice to what a great inspiration you were and I am so sorry you're gone and for your families great loss. Danielle Guenther (ex-student)

Cole Welter

September 24, 2014

Hugh! News of your passing just reached me. Tonight I will toast you, as I look at Bill Sabo's piece hanging in my home done to honor you titled "Prayers for My Brother"...Hugh, my dear brother, if you see Duchamp in Heaven please make one of your funny critter sounds that so entertained him. We will all meet again soon enough. My sincerest sympathy to Ann and the family for this loss. Hugh was a mighty yet gentle soul.

Gerald (Jerry) Holes

September 24, 2014

Hugh was a great friend and over the years I had made tack and saddles for and his wife and friends. I will miss Hugh but will still have memories and his art that I can enjoy every. Thanks for the ride Hugh.

Courtney King

September 24, 2014

I will never forget watching him work with horses. His gentle demeanor worked wonders with an abused rescue horse I had purchased. He taught me you don't have to "break" a horse to train a horse. He was so great at what he did. I consider my myself lucky to have met him.

Liam Bland

September 24, 2014

While I was never able to meet Hugh, my father has always spoken of him, and he's always been a character in the background of my life growing up. I was very sad to hear of his passing, but I feel blessed to have learned so much about him through one of his friends.

Tamara Rothman

September 23, 2014

Thank you, Hugh. I am grateful that I was alb ego work with you.

Althea Baranov

September 23, 2014

Save passage.

Hugh hard at work. I miss him.

Chris Caples / Coxey

September 23, 2014

james Kenshalo

September 23, 2014

Oh Annie and Seth Benjamin, How my heart aches on learning of Hugh's passing. Be strong, be brave, Peace will come to all.

Alexandra Wiggins

September 22, 2014

Hugh was awesome. Like a dad to many at UAA. Rest in peace, Hugh!

September 22, 2014

Sending warm hugs and kisses to Sean, Ann and Seth!!!!
Back and foot RUBS too:)

September 22, 2014

What a shock to hear this news. I met Hugh when he was a new art teacher at Alaska Pacific University and I worked for the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Afterwards, I'd see him from time to time at Kaladi Brothers on Tudor. He always would say hello and smile. So sorry for your loss. Nancy Pearson

September 22, 2014

Seth and Sean, a friend just called tonight to tell us about Hugh's passing. We have so many great memories and memories is now all we have plus our beautiful raven and the two beautiful drawings that he gave to Scott and George. He was a very special person. He will be missed.
Jan, Jim, George, and Scott.

Roger Hale

September 22, 2014

I grew up around horses and always thought I knew a lot about them. We brought this horse to Hugh to get a proper start and not the classic "breaking" I grew up with. Little did I know that he would spend almost as much time on me as he did my horse JoBey. I was given a text, lessons, homework, and I was tested. I learned more from Hugh about horses, riding, and what it truly means to be a partner with a horse than I would have ever imaged. He was the best horseman I have ever had the pleasure of learning from and he will be missed by all. What an extraordinary life he had and he lived it well. Our memories of him will last our lifetime and more. He has touched so many people in so many ways....

Jim Reed

September 22, 2014

Ann, Sean & Seth
The entire Reed family is greatly saddened by the news of Hugh's passing. Hugh was very gracious to all of us at Sean and Sarah's wedding. It was nice seeing him after so many years. Didn't seem like he had changed a bit, still funny and easy to be around. He will be missed. Joanne Cudd, Janette Kalbfleisch, John & Renee Reed, Jim and Louise Reed

Enzina Marrari

September 22, 2014

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of my teacher, mentor and friend. Hugh was a special human being. I first came to know Hugh as a student at UAA, with no real initial direction or confidence in my abilities. Through his guidance, support, investment, and mentorship, I came to find my way. He impacted my life in ways I can not measure and I am forever grateful for and to him. Like many, I did not thank him enough. So, Hugh, thank you for helping me to find my voice, and for knowing it before I did. Thank you for believing in me, for pushing me, and for your friendship. To all those he impacted, and there are so many, my heart is with you. He will always be in mine.

September 22, 2014

So sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. I remember him during his younger years when he was a student here in Hesperia, Michigan. I am glad he was able to display his artistic talent to the world. I am sure that he will be missed by many.

Allen Wygant

September 22, 2014

Hugh was a best friend, my best man, and we shared many experiences through life. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Jim Reed

September 22, 2014

Carole (Comer) VanAgtmael

September 22, 2014

I am one of Hugh's Hesperia friends; infact we share the same day of birth; and i shall never forget him. What a talented man he was. Sending you healing hugs and prayers.

September 21, 2014

He will be greatly missed: as an artist, horse whisperer, professor, and friend. It was a pleasure to know and work with him. I will never forget.

Lori Benner

September 21, 2014

What a blessing Hugh was to many, he will leave a hole in the community. May the Lord comfort family and friends during this time.

Anne Jacobson

September 21, 2014

So very sad to hear of Hugh"s passing. He was such a kind and thoughtful person and so very talented.

Lisa Preston

September 21, 2014

We are so very sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. Ann, I remember bring some photos I'd framed of you riding and being self-conscious about my amateur framing job then Hugh being so kind about it. He was such a good guy. My heart is heavy for you and the rest of your lovely family.

Judy Beckhorn-Ross

September 21, 2014

Ann and the boys, I was so sorry to hear of Hughe's passing. I had Hugh work with a couple of my horses 20 years ago. He asked if he could do a sketch of my 1/2 quarter horse, Star. I never got a copy of that sketch but I do have another one I got from him. Whenever I look at it, it will bring fond memories of the time we spent with the horses. He also gave my husband beginning riding lessons. Skills he still uses today. Hugh will be deeply missed by a lot of folks. We are all better for having been able to share some of his time. Thanks Hugh and RIP.

Dave and Becki McKinney

September 21, 2014

Hugh was such a funny and friendly man. I have two of his prints hanging on my walls and I will always remember the jokes he would play on my dad and the laughter they both would share. His legacy will live on forever.

Laura Avellaneda-Cruz (formerly Norton-Cruz)

September 21, 2014

Hugh and Anne were among the first people we met when we moved to Alaska when I was a little girl. They were such a wonderful welcome for our family, and Sean and Seth (boys raised to be kind and thoughtful) were good friends to me and my sister. Hugh was such a wonderful teacher many years later when I took his UAA classes. He pushed me to apply to the best colleges in the country and let me know he believed in me. This saddens my heart to hear, and my heart goes out to his family.

Mike Pfister

September 21, 2014

Ann, Sean, and Seth
I am so sorry to hear about Hugh. He was also a great uncle. I vividly remember his calls encouraging me to visit when he lived on the Knik River, and later to drive the Alaskan Highway and that I needed to do so if I wanted to see him. The Pfister bunch in California, including the Pfister sisters and his big sister and Willie will miss him. His sporadic calls impersonating Grandma Jane will also be missed. Thanks for sharing him!

Diane Bigelow

September 21, 2014

Thank you Hugh for remembering JoBey ! Your support has made all the difference in the world and has helped immensely to bring him back to the great horse you helped him to be. We are so blessed to have had some time with you, and were so looking forward to having JoBey back with you in spring. Diane and JoBey

September 21, 2014

Ted, Lauretta, Andrea and Brandon West

September 21, 2014

Hugh was a Great Artist and Teacher! He used those skills to influence horses and humans. He taught them how to be better horses and humans. Then he would chuckle and say,"See, I knew it was there all the time!"Then he would say,"Come on,you got time? I will make you a good cup of coffee!" Those of us who were fortunate enough to have had a relationship with Hugh are better horses and humans! He will be sorely missed and forever an inspiration! We are proud to have called Hugh "Our Friend"!

Al & Vicki Matney

September 21, 2014

It is with a very heavy heart that we learned of Hugh's passing. Remembering him as the kind of man he was is such a joy. His practical jokes, his sense of humor, his artistic talent, his horsemanship, his soft-spoken manner and above all, his friendship will always remind us of how good a man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ann and with the rest of the family. We mourn with all of you. He will be missed but truly not forgotten.

Nancy Stallings

September 21, 2014

I learned so much from Hugh in drawing and sculpture classes. I experienced him as a kind man with a wealth of knowledge and talent. Hugh thought about each of his students and individuals and pointed us toward ideas and resources that could push our work to new levels. He gave us a rigorous course of study and plenty of encouragement and genuine appreiciation of our work. He will be dearly missed. Condolances to his family.

Teresa Ascone

September 21, 2014

Condolences to Hugh's family and friends. He was a great artist and teacher. Godspeed, Hugh.
Teresa Ascone

Buffy McLeod

September 21, 2014

Ann and family, so sorry for your loss. Hugh touched the lives of many with his talents and kindness in life. He truly will be missed, Buffy McLeod

Karen (Fassett) Hren

September 21, 2014

I'm so very sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. I remember Hugh and his siblings well from his time living here in Hesperia, MI. My deepest sympathy to his entire family during this sad and difficult time.

Pamela Price(Pemberton)

September 21, 2014

I am so grateful for having the opportunity and privilege to know Hugh and work with him at UAA. He shared his love of horses with me and taught me to trail ride. He was a wonderful human being who knew the meaning of being alive every day. His spirit will live on in my memories but I am very sad that I will not be able to see him again. My love to Ann, Seth and Sean.

Sandy Hiddema

September 21, 2014

Ann and family my name is Sandy Kennedy Hiddema and Lucille is one of my best friends since we were in fifth grade. I have knew the McPeck family for a long time and knew Hugh as a very gifted man and as I told Lucy he seemed to live everyday as a gift. My sympathy goes out to all of the McPeck family and heaven is a new paradise for him

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