Kenneth Brian Peck

Ken was born July 19, 1953 at Fort Ord, CA to Raymond Ronald and Helga Elis Peck. His early years were spent traveling the world and in 1965, the family retired to Odenton MD where Ken stayed until graduating from Anne Arundel High School. Ken moved to DeLand, FL in 1972, where he attended Stetson University, studying Business and Marketing. He then established Orlando as his home. In May 1977, Ken married Donna Jean Goodwin, who tragically died in November that year. Donna remained the absolute love of Ken’s life, held close in his heart along with his mom Helga (passed in 1976) and his constant companion, Siberian Husky Tammy. Ken was a motivated entrepreneur all of his life. His early ventures as a kid, included large newspaper routes, mowing lawns, trading marbles, etc. As a young adult, he was a reliable and smart employee for others, but Ken quickly realized that he wanted to run his own business. In 1979, Ken launched PCO with two friends and built the automobile electrics venture over 22 years to include 40 employees. Despite the struggles of running a small business, Ken made many friends and loyal customers as he traveled the southeastern USA. The company ended in 2001, but his partner and dear friend, Tom Owens, remained close and helped Ken until the end. Ken was an active member of First Baptist Church Orlando and played trumpet in the orchestra for many years. His church family supported him strongly and it was there that Ken made many of his dearest and enduring friendships.

Ken was an avid golfer, playing almost scratch. After one leg was amputated in 1997, Ken adjusted his game and still was a very good golfer. From 2001 to 2003, he was Head Golf Instructor at Hank Haney Golf in Dallas TX. After Ken’s other leg was amputated in 2006, he still golfed and opened Total Golf Marketing. His greatest joy was organizing charity golf tournaments and fund raisers for National Amputee Golf Association, Wounded Warriors and Warriors on the Green. His passion for helping the troops was abundant. Ken would teach and encourage those who were wounded in service, inspiring amputees with his ability to strike a golf ball better than most able-bodied golfers. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his siblings Evelyne Peck & Chris Nye of St. Thomas, USVI, Michael Peck of Santa Cruz, CA, Jeanette Peck & Randy Cheney of Columbia Falls, MT and Steve & Tricia Peck of Hunt Valley, MD. Ken was also known as Uncle “Funky Buzzard” to his beloved nieces and nephews, Steve, Jr., Erika, Kathryn, Morgan, Noah, Jeanette, Leslie and Jacqueline. He also leaves behind a large group of loyal and very dear friends. Ken’s memorial service and celebration will be held on Friday October 29 at 1 pm in the Henry Chapel at First Baptist Church Orlando, located at 300 South John Young Parkway (www.firstorlando.com).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to www.WarriorsOnTheGreen.org, the non-profit group which Ken helped found and for which he had many dreams. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.

Rehabilitating our Wounded Veterans through Golf

Warriors on the Green exists to create 3-hole training facilities adjacent to military base golf courses around the nation. Fort Campbell, KY is the site of the first installation in a program that aspires to provide therapeutic capabilities at every military base golf course which will serve our troops.

Arnold Palmer Design Company will supply the design know-how, stewardship and flair, as well as construction oversight. APC has been central to the program, acting as the founding rallying point and instrumental in flagship fund raising efforts.

The inspiration for this extraordinary idea came in the spring of 2008 from then Fort Campbell Garrison Commander, Colonel Frederick Swope. It was advanced by a conversation with Kenneth Peck, who has since championed the cause together with Gary Lewis, Chairman of WOG. Ken and Gary introduced Col. Swope's vision to legendary golfer and American icon Arnold Palmer and his design team.

All agreed that our veterans deserve great support and that this would be a wonderful contribution to our wounded troops. In lending the considerable prestige and beneficial use of the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Mr. Palmer is, in spirit, leading this means of thanking our troops.