Peter Yaglou

Pete was born in Needham Massachusetts, and grew up in Princeton, Massachusetts. He leaves his mother Grace M. Yaglou, sister Susan Waddell Verhey (Hub), brothers Bill (Carla) and Geof, his dog Little Man and his Adirondack family.

Pete attended St. John High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, and moved to the Adirondacks to attend Paul Smith’s College (Forestry and Conservation) in 1977. The Adirondacks became his home for the rest of his life. Pete traveled throughout the country and spent one winter in St. John, USVI, but could not stay away too long. He was most comfortable and at peace in his home surrounded by the mountains and the lakes.

Many describe Pete as the most loved person in the Adirondacks — authentic, genuine, extremely intelligent but humble, and a teacher and mentor to many. He was a scholar at work and life, leaving a lasting impact on those he met. His work preserving two early farmsteads and several historic great camps and boathouses in the Adirondacks will always reflect the heart and soul that Pete put into everything he did. He had a unique skill to analyze a problem and implement a solution, whether it was a sunken foundation, rotted beam, fallen tree or any other challenge. He was a true caretaker of the Adirondack’s properties.

Pete was a character, and most people remember how they first met him. The stories are endless, but always told with a smile. He did not speak ill of others or criticize, only mentor and teach. Pete volunteered with several projects throughout the Adirondacks; one of the most significant was his work with the adult literacy program.

The Yaglou family has been the beneficiary of Pete’s talents as he was always there to direct home improvement projects, build barns, restore lakefront cottages, move buildings and any other request from his family. He taught his nieces and nephews some of his craft, including the art of the slingshot. Although he had no biological children, he has many who were impacted by his guidance and love.

Pete played as hard as he worked. He took many visitors for tours on Upper Saranac or St. Regis to share the scenic vistas and experience the beauty of the land he called home. His parties were legendary and his antics memorable. He was a collector of artifacts and the unusual, but had an eye for unique items. His home welcomed those needing a little help, and his garage was often filled with his friends repairing a truck, rebuilding a tool or fixing something. They took care of each other like brothers and maintained a camaraderie unmatched anywhere.

Pete lived life with no regrets and would not have changed a thing. How many of us can say that?

The Yaglou family extends deep appreciation to Pete’s Adirondack family for all that you have done and shared with him over the years. He loves you all.

We will miss Peter tremendously, but all we have to do is look at the mountains and lakes of the Adirondacks to feel his loving spirit.

Pete’s life will be celebrated at the Shamrock, 83 County Route 55, Saranac Lake on Friday July 28 from 3 to 6 p.m.