Peter was a much loved husband and grandad who became such an important part of our family.
I saw first-hand how happy Peter and Norma were together. After meeting by chance while visiting Calke Abbey, they went on to share so much together, from road trips and days out to lots of coffee. They were very much a team and clearly loved being together.
Peter also developed a really special bond with our three children, Amelia, Freddie and Matilda. Over the years he was always there, whether that meant helping out, picking the grandchildren up from school, baking with the kids, playing the piano or just being someone you could rely on.
He became every bit a grandad to them. Peter would have a go at fixing just about anything, and the kids quickly learned that if they ripped a school bag, tore a coat or damaged something that needed repairing, Grandad was the man to take it to. Somehow, within a very speedy 24-hour turnaround, it would usually come back sewn up, fixed and ready to go again.
He also passed on his love of baking to our daughter Matilda, which will always be a lovely connection between the two of them. Those little things really summed Peter up. He was practical, dependable and always happy to help. The school pick-ups, baking, days out at Calke Abbey, conversations and all those normal family moments are now some of the things we will treasure and miss most.
I still remember when his beloved campervan was stolen and, of everything that had gone with it, Peter seemed most upset that his best toolkit was inside. That was Peter all over.
As Peter became more poorly, Norma cared for him at home through the final weeks of his life and gave him an incredible amount of love and care. Amy was there alongside her, helping to look after Peter and support them both. Peter really valued everything they did for him, and it meant a lot that he was able to stay at home with the people closest to him.
I feel incredibly privileged to have been there for Peter at the end. In his final days he was surrounded by the people who had shared his everyday life, holding his hand, talking to him and making sure he was never alone. His wishes mattered to us, and they were respected right to the very end.
Peter will be remembered for the part he played in all our lives and, above everything else, as someone who meant so much to Norma and to our whole family.
James, Amy, Amelia, Freddie and Matilda x
James Anderson
21/08/2026
