Former San Antonio Mayor Howard W. Peak, who championed creation of the city’s the extensive city greenway trail system that bears has name, has died at age 75.
In a retweet of an Express-News article on Peak’s passing, current San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg called the late politician and urban planner a friend and advisor “whose mission continues to influence our work.”
“Howard Peak was a visionary mayor, a steward of our city, whose kindness and gentle style belied an intense focus that leaves a permanent legacy in San Antonio,” Nirenberg said.
“He understood our community in ways that escape lesser politicians, helping to usher in a modern sensibility while holding fast to the kind of neighbor-centered spirit that makes San Antonio unique among major cities.”
Known for his mild-mannered leadership style, casual demeanor and thick mustache, Peak served two terms as mayor, holding the office from 1997-2001. He’d previously represented District 9 on City Council and served as a planner for the city from 1975-1984, according to the Express-News.
While Peak took important steps to shield the Edwards Aquifer, he’s best known for his work creating the 100 miles of walking, running and biking trails that loop the Alamo City. The network, funded by a sales tax increase he championed as mayor, was christened the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System in 2013.
During his career, Peak also taught urban administration at Trinity University. After his stint as mayor he served in two executive director-level jobs with telecom firm AT&T, then called SBC Communications Inc.
Peak was a long-distance runner who also had a passion for collecting muscle cars. The antithesis of “flashy” during his time in elected office, he was often observed driving to meetings in a pickup truck.
Peak graduated from Alamo Heights High School, then earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1974. He also obtained a master’s in urban studies and environmental management from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Peak, who suffered from dementia in recent years, is survived by his wife Margie Bratten Peak. Funeral arrangements are pending, the Express-News reports.
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This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 10, 2024.