Obituary: Keen sportsman Peter Whitaker of Grassington (From Craven Herald)

Obituary: Keen sportsman Peter Whitaker of Grassington

10:00am Thursday 28th February 2013 in News

Keen sportsman Peter Whitaker has died at the age of 78.

Peter, who lived in Grassington, was born in Colne, the son of Jack and Sheila. He went to Gisburn Road Primary School and then to Ermysted's Grammar school, first as a day boy and then, when his parents went to live in Nigeria, as a boarder.

He was head of School House and loved his time there. In later years he became a foundation governor.

He won a place at Lincoln College Oxford to read English but first had to do National Service where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.

Being a keen sportsman he played rugby for the Army and then rugby and tennis for his college. Both these sports he played to a high standard and he joined several rugby clubs, including Skipton and Craven Lawn Tennis Club. It was at a mixed hockey match at Skipton Rugby Club that he met his wife, Joan.

They married in 1964 and had two daughters, Esme and Eloise.

Most of his working life was in textiles, starting with Courtaulds, then Dupont and ending at Greens in Silsden. He had a great interest in the industry and became a member of the Textile Institute.

As well as sport his other great interest was the amateur stage and he was a member of Skipton Players, Skipton Operatic Society, Bradley Empire Players as well as “guesting” at Sutton, Gargrave, Colne and Embsay.

He also enjoyed singing with Airedale Opera, Skipton Choral Society and Barnoldswick Glee Union. When Joan and Peter moved to Grassington they both joined Grassington Players and Singers.

Unfortunately his latter years were marred by Parkinsons and he was unable to do many of the things he enjoyed most. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

A funeral service was held at the Tarn Moor woodland site in weather befitting someone who loved to entertain.