Peter Reginald Laizik, 82, formerly of Pinehurst, NC, a decorated Army veteran and loving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on November 26, 2017, at UNC Rex Healthcare of complications from a stroke.
Born on March 5, 1935, in Berlin, Germany, Peter immigrated to the United States with his family in 1954. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree from Middlebury College. He served 28 years in the U.S. Army, a career that included two combat tours in Vietnam with the Elite 75th Ranger Regiment assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and with the 51st Infantry Airborne Long Range Patrol (Elite Bastards) and four years of teaching at West Point, retiring from active duty with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1985. His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Thereafter, he worked in international marketing for Kissling Sondertechnik in Sulz, Germany, from 1985 until 2000.
An avid skier and a marathon runner who completed both the New York and Boston Marathons, Peter enjoyed an active and joyful life with Barbara, his wife of 58 years (who supported his crazy adventures) — traveling all over the world, successfully summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiking the Appalachian Trail and in many U.S. National Parks, attending classical music concerts, going to the theater, and spending time with his three much loved grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud.
He is survived by his wife Barbara (Dumont) Laizik, his three children and their spouses — Gigi (Laizik) and Kurt Ehlers, Sue Laizik and Ron Kassimir, and Chris Laizik — and his three grandchildren — Katja Ehlers, Kyle Ehlers, and Ruby Kassimir.
Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Steamboat STARS at http://goo.gl/C1xm38.
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