Frederick Clare McPeck was born to Hamilton and Mary McPeck in Bellefontaine on June 23, 1927. He lived 93 years and passed on Sept. 14, 2020, in Arvada, Colo.
Fred was preceded in death by his daughter Kendall and his two sisters. He is survived by his wife Patricia, his son Justin, and his grandchildren Ellie and Zachary, all residents of Arvada.
Fred McPeck was a remarkable man from the greatest generation. His Marine Corps training instilled in him the values he lived his life by: honor, courage and commitment. He honored every person he met with respect. His courage allowed him to always do the right thing. He was committed to achieving excellence in every endeavor, in every part of his life, as a husband, father, businessman and friend. Fred was a true gentleman and a priceless gift to all who knew him.
Fred loved Colorado and skiing. He was an avid skier into his 80s and skied most, if not all, of the ski areas in the Rocky Mountains. He loved to travel and saw the world with his wife Pat. He fulfilled his dream of building his own business. He was a charismatic, entertaining storyteller and had many friends. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and learning. Fred left an incredible legacy of love, service and duty to his family, friends and neighbors. He will be sorely missed.
Fred joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17. He was stationed in North Carolina, Bermuda, Cuba and Panama. Following his discharge he attended and graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
Fred was a handsome, athletic man. He fell in love with skiing and drove or flew to Colorado every year in the 50s to ski. In 1959, he became a stockholder of Ohio Resorts, Inc. and served as a Director, President, and General Manager. Ohio Resorts built Valley Hi Ski Area in Zanesfield, which opened in 1962. Fred was the inspiration for building the ski area and a key player in its early success. Today Valley Hi is known as Madriver Mountain and is owned and operated by Vail Associates.
Fred had a long successful career selling ambulances and funeral coaches. In 1950, he joined the A.J. Miller Company, later Miller-Meteor, selling ambulances in Ohio and the Midwest. He was promoted to Sales Manager in the New England and New York area, then Director of Dealer Recruitment. In 1966, Fred repossessed several used ambulances in Idaho for Miller-Meteor and purchased them on consignment. The transaction allowed him to relocate to Denver, become a dealer and establish his own business. The McPeck Motor Coach Company was known as the Ambulance Headquarters of the Rocky Mountains. Fred sold hearses, ambulances and limousines in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana. He knew the fire chief, hospital administrator and funeral director in every small town and large city. His company operated successfully for 42 years.
Fred put down deep roots in the Elyria neighborhood where his business was located. He was the founding board member and President of the Elyria-Swansea Business Association, establishing relationships with many business owners including the National Western and Ralston Purina. Fred supported the Pilgrim Church and the Elyria Neighborhood Association. He provided leadership and a voice for the small community for over 40 years as they faced many challenges.
A memorial service and celebration of Fred’s life were held at the Advantage Runyan Stevenson Funeral Home on Oct.. 23 for his family and close friends. His ashes will be interred side-by-side with his daughter Kendall’s ashes at Fort Logan National Cemetery with military honors at a later date. You may leave a message for the family at DignityMemorial.com. Placed by H. Traul.