Peter Hornbeck died with his boots on, following a walk with his family in the woods behind his house. He was 77. The apparent cause was sudden cardiac arrest.

Born in Utica, NY and raised in Hamburg, NY, Peter was the oldest of Edmund and Ruth (Davison) Hornbeck's two children. Peter attended Hamburg schools and the University at Buffalo. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era. He married Ann in 1969, and they moved to the Adirondacks to work as teachers. Ann was an equal partner in Pete's dreams. In 51 years of marriage, he never got over his luck of having won her hand.

Pete started building boats in the early 1970's under a tree in his backyard. Pete's ultra lightweight, durable canoes have given thousands of people access to still waters and meandering brooks.

Pete taught third and sixth grade during a 23-year career at Johnsburg Central School. He was creative, wrote his own spelling tests instead of taking one from a book. He bought Nordic ski equipment, so each of his students could learn to ski at recess.

Pete was a talented watercolorist and frequently drew portraits as gifts. Hundreds of parents treasure the portraits Pete drew of their children.

Pete supported many environmental organizations. He believed the Adirondacks' wilderness was the secret to the economic success of its residents. Pete loaned molds and donated materials to Wells Central School teacher, Brian Richards, whose students built their own Hornbeck boat.

In 2018, Pete hired his son-in-law, Josh Trombley to run Hornbeck Boats. He was deeply proud of his daughter, Leigh and his grandsons: Rushton and Devlin.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Protect the Adirondacks!, which he helped found: P.O. Box 48, North Creek, NY 12853.

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

Published by Post-Star on Jan. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Hornbeck

29 Entries

Bob Fisher

December 26, 2022

Peter was my neighbor. I would drop in on him, either at home or at his workshop. No matter how busy he was we always had a pleasant friendly conversation. How lucky I am to have had Peter as my neighbor. Along with all the talents he had, his kindness, honesty and intelligence is greatly missed!

Bibi Wein

December 26, 2022

Ann, I think of you every time we pass your house, and silently send you good wishes. And of course we think of Peter, with sorrow and fond memories.
Bibi Wein

Linda Rose Sullivan

December 25, 2022

I remember Pete's smile and good will to all this Christmas Day!

Linda Sullivan LaRock

January 3, 2022

Whenever I think of Pete, I remember his smile most of all.

David Kelly

February 24, 2021

My parents bought two canoes from Pete back in 2001 or so, and loved them dearly. After inheriting them a few years ago, my wife and I now love them. We are so thankful for Pete's incredible boats that allow us to experience the outdoors in ways that we never would have. So sorry to hear about his loss. Still love the video of Pete demonstrating how to board and get off a canoe from a dock--I still owe him a dollar! - David Kelly

Alice Kelly

February 24, 2021

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Our Hornbeck canoes have given us so much joy. We will think of Peter when we are on the water this spring.

donna blair

January 16, 2021

I was shocked and saddened today to learn of Pete's death.
I have a Hornbeck boat that needs some loving hands after it blew off it's stand while we were having a tornado.
I hope to bring it to Pete's shop for some refurbishing on my trip to Olmstedville this summer.
I was a friend of Anne LaBastille and also love the woods. We were both NY Guides.
My regards to the family.

Angus and Peg Mc Lean

January 5, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.

Bridget Sullivan

January 4, 2021

"Mr. Hornbeck" who my stepbrother Branch Dunlap and I were lucky enough to have as our sixth grade teacher allowed us to sit side by side in the back of his room and indulge our love of reading while he taught class, ignoring the fact that we were not paying attention, knowing that we were learning despite not participating in the lesson he was presenting at the time. He indulged all of his students with the eraser game which was a broad lesson in skill, coordination, temperament, and so much more. Branch and I have never forgotten his kindness and respect and we never will.

Andrea Malik

January 3, 2021

Andrea Malik

January 3, 2021

Andrea Malik

January 3, 2021

I first met Pete in 1996 when my dog Wolfen and I went to test and buy a lost pond boat. It wasn´t just a meeting but a wonderful full day experience. After Wolfen died, Pete memorialized her by naming his new kayak design after her and then, on another visit while getting my boat repaired, gifted me the original Wolfen plug, outfitted with foot rests and a seat.
I remember another visit, going for a walk in the woods with Pete and having great discussions. Pete was so interesting and interested in what others thought. I received a book in the mail from Pete which reflected on some of the things we talked about. Pete was so very generous and big hearted. I am sure many have similar stories.
I last saw Pete in 2018 while buying a New Trick. He was telling me how he wanted to be able to give health insurance to his workers, another example of his big heartedness.

Words cannot express the deep sadness I feel at his passing. Though I only had a handful of actual meetings with Pete, they were broad and deep and will forever remain in my heart. I know his spirit will be present wherever I put one of his boats in the water from the Adirondacks to Algonquin Ontario. The joy and happiness he brought to me and so many, lives on.

We love you Pete.

Until we meet again.
Andrea

Judi Harris

January 3, 2021

Pete and Ann opened their hearts to Keith and I. We loved visiting with Pete at the shop, eating pizza, sharing stories and talking about the next paddle. RIP my friend, you will be remembered with love and affection. Hugs to Ann, who he adored and Leigh, Josh and the boys, you were his everything.

Kathryn Sands

Planted Trees

Mindy Loucks

January 2, 2021

I am so sorry for your family's loss and send you all virtual hugs. Your father sold me my boat years ago. I too am 77, a 4'11" woman but can still lift my boat and enjoy paddling.

Linda Rose

January 2, 2021

What a wonderful fabulous man! So glad to have known him as a dear friend and fellow teacher at Johnsburg, and his wonderful wife Anne and Leigh. So sad: will miss him a whole lot.

Bob Fisher

January 2, 2021

I live on Trout Brook Rd. a half mile north of Hornbeck Boats. I would visit Pete frequently. There was never a bad time to see him. He was always welcoming and friendly. Whether talking about local gossip, world events, or philosophy, a chat with Pete was always an uplifting experience. I will miss my wonderful buddy!

Jodi Larkin

January 1, 2021

Such a beautiful tribute. I was introduced to the amazing hornbeck boat by my cousin this summer. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing Pete, I feel as if I know him after reading all the beautiful stories everyone has been posting. Hugs and prayers to his family and close friends. Cheers to Pete and a happy, healthy 2021for everyone.

Nancy Mona Snyder

January 1, 2021

It was such a wonderful pleasure to share experiences with Pete and Ann at our class reunions 75th birthday celebration. Peace to your family!

Mary Erdogan

December 31, 2020

What a beautiful tribute! I am amazed by all that Peter was and all that will continue because of his life. I am one of the proud winners of a Hornbeck raffled this fall at the VIC. Sad that I did not get to meet him in person but so glad to be a part of the group that he inspired. And I will think of him and his family while paddling my wonderful boat.

Kathy Corey

December 31, 2020

Sad for your loss...
Happy he was in our lives

Jeffrey Schanzer

December 31, 2020

I first met Pete in 2001, when I bought my canoe from him. In the shop, I noticed a drawing of a smallmouth bass, and told him that was my favorite game fish in the area. We immediately bonded over that, as well as both being from the Buffalo area. Pete was a generous man, both materially, but more important spiritually. He was eager to share his knowledge and wisdom with others. Over the years, he took me to a few fishing spots for my first time. My favorite was Long Pond on the Kempshall Mountain Club property, which had fantastic smallmouth fishing. My friend Gary (yet another Buffalonian), who had just built a house on that land, took me fishing there in September for the first time in close to 15 years. Gary had just bought Hornbeck canoes for himself and his wife this past year, and said he hoped the three of us could fish there together next summer. When we arrived at the property, there is a gate which has a lock which is a 5 number combo lock. This brought back a memory: when Pete took me there, he made sure that I memorized the number to the lock as he knew from his previous heart attack that it could happen again at any time. He certainly passed much too soon, but he lived his life keenly aware of his own mortality and lived it to the fullest. Perhaps the greatest wisdom of all he passed on.

Mike Singleton

December 31, 2020

I'll always remember our Lake Lila trip with Leigh and Heather when they were 8 or 9 years old and they each had their own boats we built for them. One of the best men I've ever known and lifelong friend.

joyce Tuffey

December 31, 2020

A beautifully written obituary filled with love and undeniable details about Peter. He took the time to make everyone feel special. Thank you Peter for your generous spirit. You shared your creativity and love for our natural environment so, freely. May I remember and live the lessons learned. Shalom.

DONNA BEJIAN

December 31, 2020

I can attest to Peter's generosity. When I dropped my hornbeck off to be fixed, I 'bought' a hat from his store and learned I forgot my purse. He let me take the hat and gave me money to buy gas for the 3 1/2 hour ride home. I immediately sent a check to cover the cost of the hat and the gas money but he never cashed the check. His kindness was never forgotten.

Tom Philo

December 31, 2020

Rest in Peace,Pete Hornbeck ~ There wasn't/isn't a nicer man on the planet!

Teresa Paoleschi

December 31, 2020

Peter was definitely a special man with unique artistic abilities. These qualities are what made the business so successful. What a wonderful legacy for his daughter, son-in-law and his 2 grandchildren.

Bob and Melinda Dodds

December 31, 2020

We met Peter and Annie over 40 years ago when Bob had heard about his boat building and we visited and struck up a friendship. Back in 1982 we had planned a canoe trip to La Verendrye waters in Canada and Peter and Annie were invited to join us; it was a week of hard paddling but so many fun memories. Here´s a picture of Peter proudly showing his biggest fish of the group! We will miss Peter terribly and give our deepest sympathies to Annie and Leigh and her family.

Ronnie Bender

December 31, 2020

Sorry for your loss. RIP Pete. The world was a better place with you in it.

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