Hebron – Hollis Dean Peck, passed away on Sunday, October 8th, at the Glens Falls Hospital. He was born on September 20, 1939 in Londonderry, Vt, the only son of the late Hollis E. & Blanche (Dean) Peck. He spent most of his life growing up in Hebron.
Growing up was challenging as the only son with 7 sisters!!! He attended Salem Central School, until his 17th birthday, when he enlisted in the US Army, serving his country for 3 years, with 18 months spent in Germany.
Upon his return, Hollis started working at Telescope Casual Furniture, in Granville, where he worked his way up the ladder to the position as Foreman of the Woodworking Department and remained employed there for 35 years, retiring in 1995.
On September 5, 1963, he was blessed with his “one and only” child, Susan Marie, who brought him so much joy.
Hollis was an ambitious, fun-loving man with many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed go-cart racing, bowling, golf, and his greatest love – deer hunting. As the years went by, he added trapping, furniture making, billiards, and deep-sea fishing.
Hollis took great pride in whatever he pursued: helping out family and friends, hosting numerous pig roasts with Roxanne by his side, helping out on a deer drive so that one of his buddies could tag a nice one, making a perfect beaver blanket, making a tenon bed for his cabin, maintaining a well-groomed lawn and garden, (our property has been referred to as a ‘showcase’), making delicious tasting beer, wine, maple syrup, and his renowned dill and gherkin pickles.
Hollis was a life member of the Sciota Sportsman Club, a founder member of the Whittington Center (NRA), member of the NRA. He was an active member of the Hebron Volunteer Fire Company for over 30 years, serving in a number of roles; Captain, 1st Responder, Assistant Chief, and as Chief. He played an integral role in the construction of Station #2.
On August 16, 1996, he married his soul mate, Roxanne McMorris, at an outdoor wedding at their home in North Hebron. Their marriage was a wonderful ‘ride.’ They enjoyed life to its fullest, facing all of life’s ups and downs together. There wasn’t much that was left on the table.
As the travel/camping bug developed, they visited many places within the continental U.S., finding each one to be an unforgettable experience.
When the traveling days ended, the 5th wheel was parked on their property known as Lakeview Acres in Argyle. This is where Hollis realized his lifelong dream of owning a deer cabin, which his son-in-law, Ryan, built for him.
Hollis never lost his competitive spirit. You name the game and he would play it, with most recent being the slots. He found great pleasure in visiting casinos, whether he brought home money or not. However, he was proud to say that he did win BIG in 2022!!
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his ‘one and only’ child, Susan Peck Kirchner, who he lost in 2019, his in-laws (Doris and Harold McMorris), sisters: Judy Peck, Jane Baker, Joan Gleason, brother-in-law, Donald “DJ” McMorris, sister-in-law, Karen McMorris, and brothers-in-law: Howard Gleason, Neil Juckett, and Jim Fortmuller.
Left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 27 years, Roxanne, his sisters: Jean Juckett of Granville, Linda Fortmuller of Salem, Tuesday (Dennis) Wright of Woodstock, Vt and Mary (Alden) Frietz, of Brattleboro, Vt. Also, son-in-law: Ryan Kirchner of Salem. brothers-in-law, Michael (Diane) McMorris of Cambridge & Fred Baker of Salem, sisters-in-law, Roberta “Robbie” (Doug) Collins of Argyle and, Darlene (Ted) Granger of Salem, his special furry companion, “Mittens”, special friends, Penny and Scott Hall, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
At Hollis’s request, he will be cremated, there will be no calling hours. A military ceremony will be held at 11:30 am Friday, October 27th, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville. On Saturday, October 28th, family and friends are invited to the Hartford Fire Hall, starting at 1:00 pm for a celebration of life. Casual attire is expected.
Whether you attend or not, please raise a glass and have a toast to life – “It is the only one you have, so make the best of it.” – I know that I have.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a cancer society of your choosing.
To share a memory of Hollis, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are with the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc.
