Brendan Peck dies

Brendan Peck, 83, of Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, died Friday, Feb. 13 at the veteran’s wing of Harbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines.

Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Loretta (MacDonald) Peck. He was a member of Immaculate Conception parish.

Mr. Peck served overseas with the Canadian Navy from 1939–1945. He saw action in Ireland, Scotland, and England. He was stationed aboard the destroyer Esquimault, which was later torpedoed off Halifax during the World War II.

He moved to the United States in the 1950s and was employed as a harness horse trainer. He worked for Hall of Famers Saunders Russell, Joe O’Brien, Stanley Dancer, Del Miller, and Clint Hodgins.

Mr. Peck is most remembered as a trainer with the Bill Haughton Stable. His biggest accomplishment was taking the race mare Keystone Pioneer to Sweden.

He is survived by his brother, Bernie (Grace); sisters, Marie Hartigan, Joan (Leonard) Ryan, and Helen (Wayne) Middlecamp; cousins, Irenaeus (Paul) Sullivan and Ray (Elizabeth) MacDonald; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gerard.

There will be no visitation. A funeral mass to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, at 2:00 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Hughie MacNeil officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Centennial Room.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northside Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of one’s choice. (USTA)

« Back