Once in a while we are lucky enough to meet someone with an exceptional presence and ability to make an impact on our lives; such was Pete. I met Pete in the very early Eighties,
Once in a while we are lucky enough to meet someone with an exceptional presence and ability to make an impact on our lives; such was Pete.
I met Pete in the very early Eighties, way before the Polo took off for him and Viking. In fact he sought me out, to make a visit and talk to the Unit about Expedition paddling. Such was his enquiring nature and constant search for ways of inspiring the members of the venture unit. He had discovered I lived not too far away and was therefore a likely target to tap into.
Somehow, I got invited back a few times and also then ended up helping to organise sessions that were aimed at furthering skills and moving paddlers on to the coaching scheme.
This was all done with Pete’s usual cajoling style to gain my help, support and advice. You felt you couldn’t say no, especially when he offered that smile with a glint in his eye which betrayed the fact that you were part of a greater plan that he was hatching.
It was all done in a courteous way but was underpinned by a focussed effort to start many youngsters off on a lifetime of potential adventure and responsibility.
Pete spent his life broadening people’s horizons, always looking to inspire whilst never seeking power, acclaim or fame – he just wanted continual improvement in all around him and he maintained that constant search to do it better, throughout his life.
I can’t ever remember him boasting or talking about any of his achievements – Pete’s style was to share in peoples successes around him with a controlled smile and a quiet word or two of encouragement and then to step back from the scene and plan the next stage.
His loyalty to those around him, striving to make things better, was unconditional.
However, it is also true that he didn’t suffer some people in silence, if he felt they were or may be, responsible for de-railing a project, or in his opinion taking it off course or backwards. He would openly voice his contempt and concerns about these worries, to those he trusted.
When Pete suffered his first brain haemorrhage it impaired his ability to function as efficiently as he and we were accustomed to. This must have been so frustrating for such an accomplished organiser, even so, for those that were prepared to give him the time and ear, he continued to be a valued source of support, advice and guidance.
He didn’t work at today’s modern pace, but it made him no less worthy to listen to. Pete was a jewel in that respect.
Pete lived in the future by always looking ahead, immersed in solving the next problem or issue, or attending to a detail that needed consideration, or supporting a project in its conception or infancy.
Sadly in very recent times Pete confided that he regretted that he had never married and that he felt he shouldn’t have spent so much time and effort on his interests in sport over the years. It was difficult for us to understand this comment when you consider the gratitude of thousands of people, lucky enough to have benefitted from his efforts.
Over the years, Pete has been instrumental in so many areas and for so many people. It was a natural step that we entrusted Pete to develop our own sons’ Canoe Polo careers, but we got more than that, they were given a wealth of exposure to core values and life skills too.
The majority of us won’t ever reach the levels of inspiration and encouragement that he offered freely and unconditionally to all he came into contact with.
He is and will always be irreplaceable and as such, he leaves a void that will only ever be partially filled.