Peter’s story
After a short but intense battle with brain cancer Pete passed away peacefully with his close family around him at Frimley Park Hospital on 21st October 2015 Aged 59.
Pete’s passion in life was his love of American cars and bikes, from his first motorbike as a teenager to his own company importing them from all over the world. Through this passion over many years, Pete developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things American Automotive, beginning when he purchased a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner in the early 1980’s whilst working as a Garage Manager. It was during this period Pete oversaw the sale of a 1970 Hemi Cuda Convertible. Pete then started to import cars from the US to sell from his home – This became the beginning of owning his own company.
“Pete was a true gentleman, fun loving and a wonderfully caring man who will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.”
Pete continued working even after his diagnosis in April 2015 and decided it was time to buy his two dream cars – a beautiful Hemi Dodge Daytona and a supercharged Model A hot rod. Sadly, as his illness progressed Pete was no longer allowed to drive so his sons, Kevin and Steve, took over the chauffeuring duties taking the cars to a few shows during the summer. This was precious time for Pete spending time with loving family, meeting up with old friends and just spending time around the cars.
Pete’s strength of character was forged when he tragically lost a leg in a motorcycle accident when he was 17 years old. He was determined to overcome this setback and set about building up his strength, eventually comfortably swimming 50 lengths of an Olympic sized pool. He became a proficient water skier setting a world record for crossing the Solent on a single ski – he never did consider himself disabled. Pete was always cheerful, upbeat and positive even faced with the worst possible news.
The funeral took place at a packed Guildford Crematorium on the 9th November 2015 and the hearse carrying Pete was followed by his Daytona, his Hot Rod and a cortege of American cars and rods, this was quite a sight and a fitting tribute. Pete was a true gentleman, fun loving and a wonderfully caring man who will be sadly missed by all those who knew him but mostly his wife Janice, 3 sons, 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren.