Pete

I have just learned of the death of an old friend. I met Pete at college many years ago and lthough we were never the closest of buddies, we did spend a lot of time in each other's company, and I am saddened at his early departure stage right.
Pete was a one off, diminutive in stature but enormous in personality and everything he did was noticed. He was a Drama student and one of life's enthusiasts. He had a wicked sense of humour and an infectious laugh and that was accompanied by a sudden and often violent temper. His rages however didn't last long and he was quickly back to himself.

Pete was a gadget sort of guy and he loved his music. He had the latest equipment and we would frequently gather in his flat listening to this and that or playing around with his tape decks. He was a fun person and though we loved to wind him up, we also enjoyed his company.

There are many stories about Pete but I won't go on about them too much. I remember the night of my 21st Birthday when a few of us hit the town drifting from pub to pub. We'd had a few by the time we reached The Still and West down on the hard at Portsmouth. Outside was a cobbled are with various bollards that kept cars out. Being students and being drunk, we vaulted over these on our way in to the bar. Pete was, as i said, short and his legs were never his biggest feature. Attempting to cock his leg over a bollard was not a good idea as his foot made it to the top - just, stuck there, and the other foot followed leaving Pete on his back in the road. Being supportive sort of persons we all scuttled into the pub laughing hysterically. By the time we had got our first round in, the door opened and he crawled into the bar on all fours. I think his words were "You bastards" but I couldn't be sure.

We were driving in his mini estate one day - he was avery aggressive driver, flat out on the motorway heading towards his home in Buckinghamshire. A lorry decided to pull out as we were alongside it and pete of course took evading action. The road was dry, it was dark and the car fully laden. heading towards the central reservation, he applied opposite lock and as he did the tyres lost traction and we began a series of graceful mid motorway spins. The car seemed to go round and round as lights spun all around us, tyres screamed and lives passed in front of our eyes. We came to a halt, sideways on in the centre lane, and without a word, he restarted the stalled engine and set off as if nothing had happened. I think that was the most scared I have ever been.

Pete was a good teacher, musician, husband and father. I haven't seen him for many years and yet is seems only yesterday. He will be remembered by many and no doubt missed a great deal. Farewell Pete.