Save The River Mourns the Loss of John Peach

The River lost a great friend and a fierce protector in John. They shared the same spirit. Together, they taught us that life, like a river, can be full of challenges, yet it’s not about how fast we go; it’s about the perseverance to keep moving forward.

-Bridget Wright

It is with a heavy heart that Save The River announces the passing of one of its longest serving advocates, supporters, and former Executive Director, John Peach, affectionately known as Thumper. John passed away peacefully on March 30, surrounded by his loving family. 

John’s relationship with the River began in the 1950’s when his parents purchased Manhattan Island. Later, his family would own Ice and Gull Islands. After marrying his wonderful wife Pat, together they purchased Huckleberry Island, where they and their two children, John and Sara, would spend many cherished summers. 

John began his decades long relationship with Save The River when his daughter Sara volunteered to assist with the organization’s Tern Monitoring Program. His lifelong experience with business management, non-profit work, and intimate knowledge of the River made him an excellent candidate for the Board of Directors in 2000. He served as Board President from 2004-2007, and subsequently continued to serve on the Executive Committee as Treasurer, and chaired the Membership and Fundraising Committee. 

During this time, John took a leading role in managing the Shoal Marking Program, recruiting and training volunteers, and serving as a liaison to the Thousand Island Association. His efforts built a mutually beneficial program to keep U.S. and Canadian waters safe. John’s work cultivating the Cath and Release program was pivotal to its expansion, and his dedication ensured the continued success of the Tern Monitoring Program. 

In June 2018, John volunteered as Save The River’s Interim Executive Director and was later appointed as Executive Director in August 2018, serving until December 2024. His passion for Save The River’s mission to “preserve, protect, and restore the Upper St. Lawrence River now and for generations to come” was contagious. John launched the Trash Free River Cleanup Program in 2020, initiated PFAS testing in the River, and was vigilant in expanding the Riverkeeper Training Program and the Education Program – specifically the On The Water field trips to inspire the next generation of River Stewards. In 2021, when Customs and Border Protection announced plans to build a new facility on sensitive wetland, John was instrumental in forming a coalition to Save Blind Bay. For his decades of advocacy work, he received the Empire Award in 2023 and was named the 2025 Friend of the River. 

Save The River is profoundly grateful for the past twenty-five years that “–Thumper–” has stood as a true ally of the River. He saw more than a beautiful body of water; he saw a lifelong companion that needed a voice. He was that voice. He taught us that we don’t just live on the River, we are responsible for it.