PETER DOYLE BROWN
Born 24th September, 1929, passed away peacefully at Aldersmead Care Home, on 7th April, 2019. Beloved Husband of Anne, loved Father of Sue and David, Granddad to Lee, Mark, Kerrie and Peter and Great Granddad to Alice, Miles and Edward.
Peter was born in Belper, Derbyshire and grew up with his sisters Susan and Judith. In October, 1947, aged 18, he was called up to do two years national service in the army, training as a wireless operator in the Royal Signals.
In 1949, Peter returned to civilian life, working in Planning and moved to the North Derbyshire office in Chesterfield. It was here that he was to take up an interest in Chesterfield Football Club. The progress of midweek afternoon games could be followed from his office, by listening to the sound of the crowd’s reaction, which drifted across the town. Home goals were accompanied by the ‘Saltergate roar’ and so he could follow the score. The family ‘curse’ of following this lowly team, has been passed by ‘Granddad’ through the generations and the ‘Bognor Regis Supporters Club’ still lives on, in the hands of grandson Peter!
In 1951, Peter applied for a job with West Sussex County Council and was appointed to work in the Planning Department. He enjoyed playing tennis and table tennis in the County Council sports club. It was while working at County Hall in Chichester that he met an attractive short hand typist, Anne Smith. He and Anne were married in 1955.
Peter worked in the countryside section of the Planning Department. Colleagues became great friends and he became mentor to students, who came on work placement. Peter ‘trees’ Brown, as he became known, was always eager that everyone should be included in a group and was adept at ‘chatting up’ those who might otherwise be excluded. His techniques were his own, but they certainly made people smile!
His children, Sue and David, have many fond memories of childhood family holidays, taken with the families of his sisters, Susan and Judith, in Derbyshire and North Yorkshire. These ‘family reunions’ were always marked by much fun and laughter. Peter had a great affection for his sisters and they likewise for him.
Peter enjoyed an active retirement, walking the South Downs Way and taking part in the Chichester Royal Military Police March many times. He loved every second of the time spent walking with his great friends and son. He became a member of a group of retired, like minded gents, interested in the outdoors, called the Crumblies. Their mission was to carry out traditional hedge laying in the ‘West Sussex style,’ offering their services to worthy recipients. Peter loved his days spent with his Crumbly pals, enjoying frequent rests and large bonfires! Peter was also to develop a special interest in the butterflies of the South Downs and completed a weekly count on Levin Down nature reserve for many years, providing data on the local butterfly populations. Peter also loved music, playing the electronic organ, as well as holidays on a friend’s narrow boat. For Peter, waking up early in the morning, when tied up alongside the canal and experiencing the early morning mist and bird song, was like heaven.
In later years, Peter developed macular degeneration, which robbed him of his eyesight and then a lung condition, that was eventually to become a life limiting condition. Peter was admitted to Aldersmead care home in March and enjoyed their excellent care. The nursing staff enjoyed his cheeky charm and chat up lines, until he became too ill. Peter’s immediate family spent his last day with him and he passed away on the 7th April.
Anne, Sue and David would like to thank all family and friends who have sent messages of sympathy and condolence, but more importantly, recalling the times they spent enjoying Peter’s company. They would especially like to thank the staff of Aldersmead Care Home, who cared for him with such compassion in his time of need.
A celebration of Peter’s life will take place at Chichester Crematorium, on the 29th April, at 11:45. The family request no flowers, but donations would be appreciated, to the charity Kidney Care UK, formerly the British Kidney Patient Association, from whom his sister Susan received help. They also would encourage the wearing of a butterfly themed accessory at the celebration, in honour of Peter’s interest.
