Obituary Peter Barry

Peter Barry

I first came across Peter at a LAM Banstead meeting after he had been allocated to me for an observed run. Very pleasant and fully equipped he gave his full attention to what we were going to do and hopefully what he would achieve on the ride.

After a period, I stopped and asked him to describe his ride and thoughts of the past ten minutes.

You can imagine my surprise when after he described the details, I thought we must each have taken a different route and come together by chance. That was Peter.

Possessor of a dogged determination Peter continued with his training, got the green badge and went on to observe. I lost touch with Peter when I decided to stand down from training. I was surprised to see him when attending a health and safety course run by a charity group of which I was a member.

Peter was also a member but from another club. He talked me into joining Bromley Squash club for a game I hadn’t played for fifteen years. I noticed he hadn’t lost any of his cheeky friendliness and due to his introduction I soon became familiar with everyone. Mary who ran the bar at that time hated it when it was Peter’s round. Taking out his little brown purse he would empty the silver and copper contents onto the bar top and while distributing the drinks would leave Mary to count the funds. That was Peter.

His charity work is well known in West Wickham and surrounding areas where he attended his Rotary club. In addition to being president one year, he held other positions when others were not forthcoming. He freely gave his time and vast experience for the aid of others. That was Peter.

The last time I saw Peter was about twelve or so months ago.He had not too long prior suffered a stroke and was really not himself and had what I took to be developing dementia.

He sat in the squash club bar with his wife acting as carer. I approached and asked how he was and although he politely and pleasantly answered me, he had no idea who I was. That wasn’t Peter.

Jovial, polite, caring, clumsy and an altogether good bloke. That’s the Peter I will remember.

Andrew Mearon