Keen sportsman and researcher

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Author: OBITUARY On behalf of his four sisters: Anne, Barbara, Kathy and Julie, with assistance from Peter Head
• Publication title: Whanganui Midweek

2/2/1936 — 27/3/2024

Peter left school at 15, and joined the post office as a telegraph boy.

He rose to become head draftsman, at the Post and Telegraph head office in Wellington, on his retirement.

Peter was a keen sportsman and enthusiastic rugby player, coach, referee, and administrator.

He not only played for Kaierau and Whanganui, but was active in club rugby in Invercargill where he coached and refereed, and also for many years in Christchurch when on transfer for the Post Office.

When he retired in Wellington, he moved back to his home town Whanganui and worked in the rugby headquarters, here in Whanganui. He also worked on the tram restoration and walking tours of the city.

Peter was a researcher, historian and writer and collated many reunion books for school, sports and other activities he was involved in. His particular interest was family history and the two world wars.

He collated a database of soldiers featured on war memorials from the wider Whanganui and Waimarino districts.

He researched and compiled family records of the pioneer families from which he was descended.

He was proud of his Swedish and Shetland heritage.

Ever a leader from a very young age, Peter was active in rugby, softball, swimming and lawn bowls, participating on committees and taking...