Peter was one of the best teachers I encountered. I was surprised to discover that his degree was in languages and that he had come to maths purely out of a fascination for the discipline - perhaps that was why he taught it so well. As I was a very unsure prep school pupil, he was one whom I regarded as 'safe' in that he could always be approached, was emotionally controlled and accepted it if you had difficulty understanding something. He quietly stood no nonsense.
Paul Russenberger - Bickley Hall and Carn Brea
25th September 2022
Peter was an exception man and an irreplaceable friend. We are enriched from knowing him.
Jonathan and Caroline xxx
Caroline
10th May 2022
Grandpa in Horsham,
It is sad to contemplate that you’re no longer with us on this Earth. You were a remarkable man, who lived a long and remarkable life. You travelled around the world in 280 days and the tales of your adventures inspired many others to explore. Enough to inspire a whole family to move away to Australia, but still miss you.
It is heart-warming to read the stories of those who knew and loved you. It’s touching, but true, that the things people will miss the most are the little things. Through all the memories that have been shared, what truly stands out is the kindness you showed to all. You tried to include everyone and make people’s lives brighter.
Your compassion and understanding made you an excellent teacher, but your humour and kindness made you an incredible person. You brought excitement to the mundane from betting odds on everyday life to rolling dice on walks to choose which path to take. These are just some of the small things that will never be forgotten.
You made word games and board games, and you shared stories and rhymes. You taught me games like Tantrix that I had to teach my friends, but they were never as good as playing with you. Because you would never let me win, but you would teach me how to the next time.
I will remember how much you loved wordplay. Everyone recalls Fuzzy Wuzzy, but I recall Busy Izzy because you wrote it. I have searched the internet and it exists nowhere except for the memories of those you told it to, until now:
Busy Izzy was a bee
Busy Izzy stopped for tea
Busy Izzy isn’t busy, is he?
The little things that I will never forget are countless. I will miss going for ‘dice’ walks with you and your dogs. I will miss your enthusiasm in explaining the new game you’ve learnt or created, and I will miss your amazing hugs with the little growl at the back of your throat which meant it was even ‘betterer’.
You were a brother, a godfather and a stepfather, but to me you will always be my Grandpa in Horsham. I will miss you. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope you are with Grandma Hazel and all your dogs.
Love from Tahali and all the dogs you inspired me to rescue: Possum, Wombat, Bilby and Karma xoxo
Tahali
10th May 2022