Peter Segel Kubiniec

July 21, 2001 – July 22, 2024

Peter, known to many of his friends as PK, died in a rock climbing accident in Colorado. His family and friends are devastated by his death, a beautiful life taken far too early.

Peter, born to parents Ginger Segel and Robert Kubiniec, grew up in Seattle with siblings Sophie, Oscar and Charlie. He was a lively spirit with a mischievous smile and a generous presence. Peter was a tinkerer, he was creative, he was a builder. He built garden beds for his mother, a loft over his bedroom and outfitted his first car with a kitchen and sleeping setup so he could travel during the pandemic. He enjoyed photography, reading and the outdoors.

At Garfield High School he ran cross-country, became a leader in POST 84, an Outdoor Education program and acquired a penchant for the sciences. After a summer program in marine biology and later working on climate change related marine research, his interest turned to understanding the scientific complexity of our world.

Later Peter chose to study biology at the University of Southern California and then at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Peter died while staying in Boulder over the summer of his senior year to complete additional coursework. After college he had intended to study medicine. He doubtlessly would have been a highly capable medical professional, researcher, educator or all three.

Peter became a runner in elementary school, starting with track. He gravitated towards the longer distances early on. The summer before his freshman year, Peter started running with the high school cross-country team, striving to keep up with the varsity runners straight away. As time progressed, his distances increased, competing in half and later full marathons. In college he added trail running and then ultra marathons. Peter was an avid outdoorsman, accomplished climber, capable camper, adequate fisherman and a terrific companion around the campfire. Peter joyfully reveled in activities and the lives of others. He reached out to draw in and encourage others to follow his passions and their own too, and to do so more intensely than they ever believed possible. He led his friends to the mountains, sharing his enthusiasm for difficult backcountry adventures that involved biking, running, hiking, climbing, camping, and sometimes huckleberries.

Peter had a sharp, inquisitive mind. He liked a good debate, enjoyed changing people’s minds, and let his own be exposed to different ideas. Lists of pros & cons guided him through the decisions at hand, a whiteboard always a tool to convince others.

Peter liked helping, teaching, stepping in to support and contribute as he could. First time running a marathon? Peter would run along with you (as an ultra-marathon champion he could reach the finish line twice before you did once). Another challenge? Something confusing, too big or heavy? Peter would help you get it the way you wanted. And he did so in an inclusive, engaging, playful manner.

Peter will be sorely missed and fondly reminisced by his parents, siblings, grandparents Ralph Segel, Joan (Battaglia) and Richard Kubiniec, as well as dozens of cousins, aunts, uncles and dear friends.

The family is in the process of setting up a memorial fund, contact us at pskmemorial2024@gmail.com if you would like further information. You can view Peter’s memorial website here.