Clyde Peach

Clyde Peach 81, Distinguished brace and limb maker and orthotic and prosthetic pioneer, died quietly December 11, 2004 at his home in Venice, FL. He was known as an absolutely tireless professional. He gave 100% of himself to every patient. He gave selflessly to his employees and helped many to go on to successful professional careers. Peach's O&P career began after World War II. Peach went to work as a tool and dye apprentice of Herman Bushnell in Stoughton, MA. He later made leg and spine braces at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL during the height of the polio epidemic. In the mid-50's Peach became the Chief Tool Maker for Pope Brace Co. in Kankakee, IL. He traveled to all 50 states and Canada selling some of the first "off-the-shelf" brace components. Peach participated in the orthotic pilot programs at UCLA, Northwestern, and NYU in the late-50's and was an annual national licensing examiner for the American Board for Certification in orthotics & prosthetics. Peach moved to Indianapolis, IN in 1960 and became partners with M.E. "Bill" Miller at Indiana Brace Shops. He became owner of Indiana Brace & Limb in 1976 and remained CEO until 1998 when he retired. Peach was born in Saugus, MA October 2, 1934, to Alfred and Mablc Peach. He joined the Navy in 1940, serving on The U.S.S Massachusetts serving as an electricians' mate. His first wife Jessica preceded Clyde in death. His son Clyde and two daughters Patty Kupets and Pam Butterfield and second wife Helen survive Clyde. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 1 l th at 1:30 p.m. at Conkle Funeral Home-Speedway, 4925 West 16th St.