It is with much regret that I have to announce the passing of Peter Bookey. A very popular member, the former funeral director had suffered with a long term illness. He will be greatly missed by the club. Our condolences go out to his wife, Margaret and their family.
Tribute to Peter
Peter was born in Prestatyn in Denbighshire, Wales where his family had been evacuated to, during the war. The family soon returned to their home in Liverpool where he was brought up in the school of hard knocks and he soon became an ardent supporter of Liverpool FC. He was fortunate to support them through all of their glory years.
The family moved south in the late 1950’s and Peter began his working career in various offices in London but he found the travelling to be a burden and decided then to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a funeral director. This was the start of a long career where he became a highly respected and well liked person because of his calmness, his respect for other people and his thoroughness in attending to the details required of his role.
He met Margaret in the early 1960’s and they married in 1965, they were soon the proud and devoted parents of two children, first Helen and then Stuart.
Peter was always a very fit person and was a very active member of Thurrock Harriers where he set a great example to all around him by the efforts he put into his training and by the great encouragement he gave to others.
This training stood him in great stead when he decided to become a football referee when he was in his early 30’s. In the next 30 years he became a stern, but well respected referee, at quite a high level.
Peter joined Grays Thurrock Rotary in 2005 and was fully involved in all activities even chairing the International Committee.
We mourn the sad loss of a true gentlemen.
Mr Peter Warren Bookey 22nd June 1941 - 5th September 2016