Nelson Rusk Peet

Dr. Nelson Rusk Peet, a lifelong Doctor of Chiropractic and resident of Newburgh who recently moved to his daughter's, Dr. Paula Peet, residence in Pompano Beach, Fla., passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2006, in his son's, Dr. Palmer Peet, home in Hinesburg, Vt.

He gently came to rest at 3:20 p.m. to meet his lifelong companion Dr. Helen Killeen Peet who predeceased him on December 22, 2003. They would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past July 15, 2006.

Dr. Nelson was the son of Gertrude Barry and Nelson Rusk Peet of Rochester, N.Y.

He was predeceased by his three brothers, Samuel, Barry and David.

He was born on January 3, 1922, in Rochester, N.Y. and later moved to Webster, N.Y., where his parents bought a farm during the depression. He reached the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He left home at the age of 13 and began to play the drums for a traveling band. He later finished high school and attended Syracuse University where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters Degree in Engineering. His wife, Helen also graduated from Syracuse University with a Degree in Art. They later graduated from The Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa with a Doctorate in Chiropractic.

Together they practiced Chiropractic with offices in Newburgh, Beacon, Fort Montgomery, Highland, New York and Pompano Beach, Fla. carrying on the tradition of Dr. Helen's father, Dr. John J. Killeen who was one of the original chiropractors in New York who started practicing in 1913. Dr. Nelson continued to see patients until May of 2006, while in Pompano Beach, Fla., making 55 years of continual practice.

He has five children and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Peter John Rusk Peet.

Surviving children include Paul C. Peet, Md., of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Palmer M. Peet, D.C. of Hinesburg, Vt., Parry A. Peet, D.C. of Newburgh, and Paula E. Peet, D.C. of Pompano Beach, Fla. Surviving grandchildren include Kiesha Peet, Noel B. Peet, Courtney Peet, Andrew Peet, Taylor Peet, Amanda Peet, Mackenzie Peet and Spencer Peet. Dr. Nelson was a past president of the New York Chiropractic Association, a post graduate faculty instructor of Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.; a lecturer with Bartlet Joshua (B.J.) Palmer at Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa; a past member of American Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractic Association, New York State Chiropractic Association, and International Pediatric Chiropractic Association.

He was the founder of Peet and Peet Chiropractors on Susan Drive in Balmville, where he also gave seminars to fellow chiropractors under Peet and Peet Seminars and Peet Institute for higher learning. He was directly responsible for helping over 14 of his family and friends in becoming Doctors of Chiropractic. His hobbies included writing, lecturing and playing the drums.

A Memorial Mass for the celebration of his life will take place at St. Francis of Assisi at 145 Bankard Avenue, Newburgh, on Saturday, September 23, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. with a time for sharing your blessings immediately after.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to either Hospice, 1110 Prim Road, Suite #1, Colchester, Vt. 05446 or The Presidents Circle, Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060.