John Richard Peacock, 74, passed away at his residence on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Born on April 22, 1949, in Gardiner, he was the beloved son of Richard Arthur and Elsie Marion (Chase) Peacock. John graduated from Gardiner High School as part of the class of 1967 before being drafted into the US Army to serve in the Vietnam War. As a member of the first infantry, he bravely faced the front lines of combat, enduring midnight ambushes and the harrowing challenges of war. Although he mostly kept these experiences to himself, he occasionally shared stories that highlighted the courage demanded of he and his fellow soldiers during that time. Upon his return, John met and married Brenda Hoak of Pittston in September 1972. In 1973, they welcomed their daughter, Wendy, into the world. Tragically, John experienced the untimely loss of his wife Brenda in 1976. Seeking solace and embarking on a long-held childhood dream, he purchased a charming turn-of-the-century farmhouse in Chelsea, ME. This property enabled him to fulfill his passion for raising a variety of animals, including horses, cows, ducks, and cats. Alongside his carpentry skills, John also dedicated his talents to the State of Maine Forestry Department for a short time. However, it was his profound love for horses that ultimately captivated his heart. He began working for different stables as a trainer, nurturing not only his own racehorses but also becoming an advocate for these magnificent creatures. For John, horses were not merely a source of income; they were cherished companions and lifelong pets, even in their retirement. His daughter had a knack for turning them into riding horses. John is predeceased by his wife Brenda, his father, Richard; his mother, Elsie; his sister, Carol; and his son, Michael. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Wendy (Peacock) Tate, her husband Darrell Tate, and John's two grandsons, Brendan and Mason Tate, all residing in New Hampshire. John is also survived by his siblings: Jane Grotton of Augusta, Linda Swanson of W. Gardiner, Steven Peacock of Portland, and Doug Peacock of Gardiner. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the local area. We invite John's family and friends to gather in remembrance and celebration of his years of dedicated service and the life he lived in "his own way". A graveside service will take place at Central Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, located at 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, ME, on Monday June 26th at 9 am, where the Military Honor Guard will pay tribute to him. Following the service, friends and family are welcome to join us in commemorating John's life by sharing stories, photographs, and cherished memories, location TBD.