Peter Sullivan (1956)

Peter John Sullivan passed away on 8th May 2024 in Waverly Grange Care Home in Farnham at the age of 88. Peter, the youngest of 7 children, was born on 26th July 1935 in Kent, 2 months prematurely, resulting in numerous medical issues over his lifetime but that never stopped him! Whilst having to wait until the age of 7 for a school place, Peter’s remarkable intellect won him scholarships firstly at Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School in Rochester and, secondly, following National Service with RAF Technical Command in Wiltshire, at Queen’s College Cambridge where he gained his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Peter began his career as a graduate apprentice in mechanical engineering in London, intending to work in industry, however, his company spotted his potential in a different area and he soon moved into Human Resources within English Electric. During the early part of his HR career, he was PA to CP Snow who was a non-executive director of the company at that time, later also working with Sir William Barlow in union negotiations on Merseyside. Peter travelled extensively for his work, managing company reorganisations in both Europe and North America, learning to speak French fluently as well as passable German. Over a long and distinguished career involving multiple house moves up and down the country, he took early retirement from his final role as Personnel Director for ICL in London in 1991.

Having first met his beloved wife Brenda on a blind date at Leeds railway station, they married in November 1959 and had their two daughters, Lucy in 1963 and Sara in 1966. Peter worked very hard during the week but his weekends were devoted to the family, DIY and gardening. He enjoyed walking with the dogs and, in his younger years, playing squash and sailing, racing his 14-foot yacht around Anglesey.

Peter and Brenda were devoted to each other and spent many happy years together, holding a wonderful celebration party for their Golden wedding anniversary in 2009. Having enjoyed many family holidays around the UK and in France – helping to develop his incredible wine palate - following Peter’s retirement they ventured farther afield, travelling the world - often on cruises - until Brenda’s passing in July 2013. Peter was very independent and wanted to remain at the house he had shared with Brenda since 1984, managing to do so until only a few weeks before his death.

Peter was a truly remarkable, intelligent and kind man who will be sorely missed by his daughters, Lucy and Sara and granddaughters Imogen and Aimee.