It is with great sadness that the Catamount Ski Patrol of Hillsdale, NY in the Eastern New York Region announces the passing of Gary B. Peck, a Senior-credentialed, 33-year member. Gary passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, with family at his side. Gary’s life was marked by commitment to his family, friends, service to the community, love of skiing, and a passion for the outdoors.
Gary’s journey began in his hometown of Copake, NY, surrounded by deep family roots and tradition. After high school he answered the call to serve his country. He honorably served with the U.S Army, demonstrating the dedication and integrity that would define his whole life.
Gary’s professional career included many positions with a prominent local phone company beginning as a lineman, and ultimately as a member of its board of directors. His professional accomplishments were matched by his commitment to volunteerism and community service. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, he served faithfully on the Catamount Ski Patrol for more than three decades, passing the torch to his son, Adam, who is currently an active member of Catamount’s patrol. Gary was famously known for his unique yodeling ability while skiing with streamlined grace and style while “schussing” down the mountain.
His professional lineman experience with heights, ropes, and knots made him an integral part of the annual Lift Evac Instructor Team. Gary also served on the local Community Rescue Squad for many years. The skills he acquired there made him a major asset with trauma injuries at Catamount throughout his years of service to the mountain.
Gary was a lifelong outdoorsman. He was an avid hunter, antique gun collector, and an enthusiast of Harley Davidson motorcycles. His adventurous, generous, positive outlook and spirit were well-known among his family and friends.
When he wasn’t patrolling, his love of skiing took him to many ski areas on the east coast as well as out west, to areas in Colorado, Utah, and also heli-skiing in the Bugaboos.
When he wasn’t skiing, one of Gary’s most treasured places was his camp on Copake Lake, NY; a beloved family retreat now in its third generation. There, he delighted in water skiing, sailing, and savoring the tranquility of lake life. He and his wife, Debbie often hosted the Ski Patrol’s summer banquet “meetings.” A legendary patrol story is one where Gary and fellow patrollers “water-surfed and tail-roped” a Cascade toboggan behind his Ski Nautique on the lake. This annual event and their many post-refresher dinners were some of the many examples of his generous, fun loving spirit as a member of patrol.
Gary leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Deborah (Byer); two sons, Adam Peck (current Catamount patroller) and his fiancé Lynn Hart, and Brian Peck and his fiancé Suzanne Fregien; two grandsons, Aaron and Tyler Peck; as well as his sister Pamela Blakley, his brother Charles Peck and partner Myrna Figueiredo; and many extended Byer family members. He was predeceased by his parents Brad W. Peck and Harriet Ackley Peck, and his late wife Pamela Bame Peck, mother of his children.
Gary’s commitment and dedication to his family, friends, and fellow patrollers as well as his love of skiing will be greatly missed and he will always be a part of the Catamount Ski Patrol’s history and legacy.
