CANTON — Growing up in the Adirondack foothill hamlet of Hopkinton, Varick A. Chittenden had a penchant for noticing things, fueled by his surroundings: the family’s general store, taking in
Pete Hornbeck
(Photo provided) A renowned boat builder who pioneered the creation of lightweight canoes that fit perfectly with the wilderness of Adirondack ponds and lakes “the lightest boats in the woods” died Saturday following a hike with his family. Peter Hornbeck, founder of Hornbeck Boats Inc., was 77. He died of a heart attack after a walk in the woods with his family, a family member posted on the Hornbeck Boats Inc. Facebook page. “There was no warning,” the post reads. “Pete had a clean bill of health from the cardiologist just this month.” Peter and his wife Ann Hornbeck created Hornbeck Boats on Trout Brook Road, Olmstedville, Essex County, more than 40 years ago. The company builds and sells double-paddle ultralight custom pack canoes. Hornbeck started building boats in his garage in 1971.
Renowned Adirondack boat builder passes away | The Daily Gazette
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Adirondack boat builder Peter Hornbeck.
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Adirondack boat builder Peter Hornbeck died Saturday at his home in Olmstedville.
Hornbeck was an iconic craftsman and his canoe designs were known for being lightweight, but retaining their beauty and craftsmanship.
According to a notice posted on the Hornbeck Boats, Inc. Facebook page, before he passed, Hornbeck took an annual Christmas walk with members of his family.
His death came as a shock, according to the post, as Hornbeck had received a clean bill of health from his cardiologist earlier this month.
“We take solace from knowing he went quickly, in the place he loved, with the people he loved most,” the post said.