PETER Francis Mead was born in 1928 and grew up in North London. As a child he was evacuated to Somerset, and after the war trained as a window dresser.
Following a spell in the Army he then met his Austrian wife-to-be, Rita, who was working as an au-pair in London.
In 1957 they married and honeymooned in Austria, a country he grew to love and frequently visited.
In 1961 Peter moved his young f
amily to Hayling where they bought the Old Mill House with Hayling Kennels attached - just in time for the birth of their fourth child.
He then went on to build a bungalow next door and moved his aging parents down from London.
Peter loved being involved with the Territorial Army, fishing, history, driving, and reading and was at one time the West Sussex archery champion.
Many readers might remember him frequenting the Maypole pub in the '70s and the Yew Tree in the '80s.
With his passion for Austrian hats and bright waist coats he loved to be the centre of attention - he was the life and soul of many a party.
After suffering a heart attack Peter sadly had to take early retirement but still managed to enjoy good wine, picture framing and tinkering with boats even though he couldn't swim!
Peter enjoyed family occasions surrounded by his wife, children - their partners and eight wonderful grandchildren.
In the last few years he became more housebound but Peter still was a good companion to Rita. In 2007 the couple were able to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary and renew their wedding vows surrounded by their family.
Peter was laid to rest at St Patrick's cemetery on September 22 after a very family- orientated funeral mass conducted by Father Andrew.
The grandchildren undertook all the readings and bidding prayers while Peter's eldest daughter gave a wonderful eulogy.
The family would like to say a heartfelt thanks to Dr Turner, who cared for him over the years, and who always managed to cheer Peter up with his witty comments, and to Father Andrew, who has become over the past three years a family friend, and who made the service so very personal.
Lastly, the family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all those people who sent cards and donations and accompanied Peter to his resting place.
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