Peter was Head of Department when I applied to teach Chemistry at Clifton in 1979. The interview involved lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant and a chat about the symphonies of Vaughan Williams! He was a highly respected and competent HoD. His knowledge of his subject was legendary but he was also masterful in all the admin - timetables, assessment, exam board requirements, syllabuses, health and safety, lab design, budgets and the rest of it. Above all he trusted his staff to teach in their own ways and did not seek to interfere. He was ever breezy and affable. There must have been times when he was not cheerful but I can't remember them. I have much for which to be grateful to Peter.

Peter took time to befriend his colleagues and pupils, and they were a confident and youthful group under his guidance. Term-time enthusiasms continued into the holidays because Peter embraced knowledge and fun and wide horizons. His inner strength was evident: a life of attentiveness to others and many kindnesses.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.