MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Longtime industry executive Keith Hnatiuk, who worked for HLC, Canyon Bicycles USA, and Specialized Bicycle Components, died from stomach cancer. He was 66.
"The greatest lesson I’ve taken from Keith’s life is the importance of cherishing the friends and loved ones who truly matter while we have the gift of time with them,” said Bob Margevicius, Specialized executive vice president. “By showing love, gratitude, and respect — and by being compassionate and caring — we give depth to our relationships and spare ourselves the regrets of words left unsaid or moments missed."
Hnatiuk was born in Michigan and grew to love bikes and racing cars. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1983, studying finance and accounting. He first worked for Pacific Life as an investment manager before moving on to Specialized as USA business executive. He would spend nearly 17 years in the finance department and was known equally for his spreadsheet acumen and dedication to the lunchtime company rides.
“We all loved Keith. He had such a way of being present,” said Mike Sinyard, Specialized CEO and founder. “He always made you feel great. He had a very special smile and laugh. Keith had a special way to communicate without speaking, very warm, kind, and real. Keith, you will be in our hearts forever. Godspeed to you, our dear friend.”
After leaving Specialized in 2017, Hnatiuk joined Canyon as director of finance and operations and then vice president of finance and operations.
“Keith Hanatiuk was a friend and right-hand partner for me for the 10 years when I led Canyon U.S. and Specialized U.S. businesses,” said Blair Clark, former Canyon U.S. president and now head of Two Wheeled Business Development at Spoke Safety. “Keith is best characterized as a quiet force of intellect and grace who lived with relentless curiosity, unmatched discipline, and rare humility. He was a self-taught car racer — he held the BMW track record at Laguna Seca — a health scholar, and a financial genius. He was always kind, never complained about his workload. Keith’s legacy is one of deep thinking, quiet strength, and a life fully driven by purpose, principle, and fun.”
Pat McGinnis, CEO and president at HLC, said, “In the short time Keith was with us (as vice president of finance), he made a meaningful impression — not only as a finance leader, but as a kind and thoughtful colleague. We were looking forward to many great things together, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us at HLC.”
Hnatiuk is survived by his partner Jen Capasso, whom he met in the cycling industry. There will be a memorial hosted by Specialized in the coming weeks.
