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Peter Taylor 1960–2014

 

Team East Haddon President and Founder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team East Haddon are sad to report the death on 5th March 2014 of their President Peter Taylor. Peter was the founder of the club in 2002 and had been the driving force behind it ever since. He inspired many others to take up running regardless of ability and was hugely encouraging to all. An exceptional runner himself Peter competed in numerous events on all terrains and at every distance up to and including ultra marathon. His favourite was the marathon because: “the build up, the atmosphere and the challenge is like no other” at which his best time was 2hrs 42mins and he ran numerous marathons all over the world.Peter’s talents were not confined to running, at work he was a partner in a global law firm and as a leading planning lawyer had been elected as a member of the Law Society's planning panel. Socially Peter was also a bon viveur, Status Quo fanatic and air guitar player extraordinaire. We will all miss Peter immensely and extend our deepest sympathy to his parents, wife and sons.

Bill

 

 

Still in total shock at this news. Peter was the driving force behind Team East Haddon whether organising the cross country or a curry night or just a large glass of red. I will miss our chats about cricket, his never-ending enthusiasm for running and socialising and ending up in Morrisons car park instead of the race HQ!! TEH will not be the same without you Peter and I will miss you very much.

Kate

 

 

Life is so fragile and it is hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful person and friend. Peter sent me an email from the hospital recently saying how much he was looking forward to long Spring and Summer running with ‘lots of hydration’ afterwards – lol. I liked the ‘hydration’ part a lot. I will also miss comparing notes on our international travels and general chats. Peter – we will miss your wit, your poetry and great personality. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanna Szymborska

 

Peter's in my thoughts at all times. I can't imagine the pain Peter's family is suffering.

Sam

 

I have known Peter for around 4 years through Team East Haddon and can't believe this has happened. Peter has always been very supportive of all our runners and shown a keen interest in what people have achieved. He was one of the most genuine, nicest and generous people I have known. He was always positive and enthusiastic, a great person to have leading a club like ours. My thoughts and best wishes go out to all his family and friends.

Andy

 

I am so sad to hear the news about Peter, it doesn't seem possible as we were only running with him a few weeks ago.  

Sharron

 

Please pass on my deepest sympathies to everyone - although I only met Peter a few times, I would like to echo your choice of words - such a feeling of great sadness that he did not get to win his fight with leukemia. Also such a shock when compared with his own very upbeat email to everyone so very recently sharing the news of his illness.My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends

Val

 

Such sad, sad shocking news. Peter, such a lovely man in so many ways. He inspired me to do things I thought beyond me. So many happy times.    

Debbie

 

I was so very very sorry to hear about Peter, it just seems unbelievable. He was such a lovely man and will be a big loss not only to his family and close friends but to East Haddon as a whole.

Amanda

 

It is with great sadness that I read you e-mail re the unexpected death of Peter. As you say a complete gentleman who was in the prime of his life and had so much yet to give. As soon as I heard of his illness I sent him an e-mail and he was so positive that he would get over it, what a tragic loss.

Ian

 

"I'm totally shocked and saddened for Peter and his family. I was only thinking of him yesterday day and was going to email him over the weekend ! Peter was a lovely chap and will be missed by many."

Mary

 

I was shocked when I heard the sad news yesterday afternoon. Really unbelievable that he should pass away so suddenly. I shall miss him a great deal too - he was one of the first people I met upon moving to EH 4 1/2 years ago. He was always the most courteous of people you could meet and full of enthusiasm and motivation. A true Gent - and a loyal friend and genuine follower of all sports.

Jon

 

It is very very sad indeed and I know that we will all feel the loss of a great friend and fellow runner. He was so endlessly enthusiastic and encouraging of other runners and I so enjoyed his company. I would like to join you on Sunday but I am giving careful thought to a Half Marathon in Milton Keynes. Peter's death has focused me more sharply than ever on achieving a good time at the London Marathon. I really want to do him proud. I was really fond of him and want to do my best so the Half Mara is a warm up for the main event on 13th April.

Jo B

 

That is very sad news and very well summed up, he will be greatly missed, I have just come back from a run myself and wondered how Peter was getting on. I hope he has taken his running shoes with him, that the paths are less muddy and the hills less steep, bless his journey.

Scott

 

I can't believe it. So sorry to hear it.

Angela

 

We missed Peter this morning on the Sunday run. There is nothing he liked better than a run in the countryside around East Haddon with friends. I have known Peter for 15 years and he has been a great friend and true gentleman. He inspired me to take on greater challenges with the Team East Haddon Running club. I have spent many very enjoyable social events and holidays with Peter and his family. He was the driving force behind many memorable afternoons competing and celebrating sporting events. I was really looking forward to watching the world cup with him. I will miss him greatly.

Rob

 

Life is so unfair and there is no understanding why any of us cannot have a good 80 years running, drinking, laughing and enjoying life. Having done some running with Peter in the past and have a beer here and there I obviously know he liked both of those pastimes. He also had an excellent and often daft sense of humour. Mr Taylor may no longer be with us but everything that made him Peter will always be remembered by his family, his friends and all of us that spent time with him. A lovely and decent human being. The next time I am in the pub I will raise a pint of real ale to you Peter. I hope you and all TEH friends and still donning lycra and running shoes.

Andy Pate

 

 

I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family. He was a great guy who welcomed me to TEH with a genuine warmth. He inspired me and others to go the extra mile.....literally. He will be remembered with a warm heart and fond memories A top guy.

Gary Zoboky

 

 

It is with great sadness that we have learned today of the sudden death of your club President Peter Taylor.Although I did not know him personally, it is clear from your website that he was a very active member of Team East Haddon, both as an organiser, competitor and motivator. He will be very sadly missed by you all.Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time for both his family, and his friends at your club.

Kind regards,

Nigel BushChairman Biggleswade AC

 

I heard from a work colleague that Peter Taylor President of Team East Haddon died suddenly on Wednesday night from I believe a Leukaemia related infection. Peter was a regular at the XC events and I am sure many of you may know him. I thought it might be appropriate to send something. Team East Haddon runners only found out last night and I am sure no dates for a funeral are set but I can find out. ( I would be happy to make any arrangements) Mike SmithOlney Runners

 

 

On behalf of Northampton Road Runners can I please pass on our condolences following the sad news of Peter's death.His trainers will take some filling and we send our sympathy and best wishes to his family and all at Team East Haddon.

Mark Garrett, on behalf of Committee, Northampton Road Runners

 

 

Although I had not known Peter for long his warmth and enthusiasm made me feel very welcome and determined on those cold Winter runs. I can't believe he has gone considering he was out running only a few weeks ago. The whole village will be mourning as he was such a large character who meant so much to so many. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends who will all miss him dearly.

Jif

 

Dear Team East Haddon I’ve been looking at your web site in the past week or so following the sad news about Peter who I had known through work for almost 15 years. His enthusiasm for running was unsurpassed and he was one of the best advocates for taking up the sport that I have had the privilege to I met – even to the point of telling me on a number of occasions when we were at client meetings that it was about time I had a go - and of course I’d enjoy it. Sadly I never found time to but I do hope that the East Haddon running club keeps going having lost its president – it is such a fitting tribute to such a genuine man who not only had a lovely personality but also a real enthusiasm for running without being one of those ‘sports bores’ we all know so well. Peter will be sadly missed and my condolences go to his family and his running mates.

Yours sincerely Karen Tate

 

Dear all at East Haddon running club.I have just heard the sad news about Peter .I run for Rugby & Northampton. (Was Northampton Phoenix) I Used to train and race with Pete , I know he supported Mansfield fc and I support the cobblers , so we talked football and running.I have had a drink or two with Pete after the London marathon in the Clarence pub. Pete was such a nice friendly and honest guy. He will be sadly missed . I give my condolences to Peters family. From Alan Mould from Creaton.