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Post by Gren Perry on Mar 5, 2008 23:17:55 GMT
It is my sad duty to advise you all that, after a short illness, Peter Neal has died suddenly at the University Hospital Coventry during the early hours of Wednesday 5th March 2008 aged 70 years.
Pete served the club as an excellent prop forward for many years from the mid 1950's onwards and went on to run the touch line for even more years after his retirement as a player.
I am sure that those of you who knew him will be totally shocked and saddened by the news of his death and will be looking for further information which I will provide as it becomes available.
On a personal note I remember Pete with great affection from 60 years ago when we started at King Edwards together in 1948. I shared a desk with him on the basis that forms were initially organised in alphabetical order. We have been good friends ever since.
Our thoughts are with his widow Maureen and the rest of his family at this difficult time.
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Post by MDP on Mar 6, 2008 9:14:50 GMT
Sad News indeed
He was an asset to the second xv for a long time - since he appeared to be the only one prepared to "run the touch" ..... week on week.
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Post by Nick Downes on Mar 7, 2008 18:09:44 GMT
Gren
Pete's funeral is on Tuesday 11th March 3.45 pm at the Crematorium
It would be nice to see as many members as possible that can get to the service
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Post by Gren Perry on Mar 7, 2008 20:56:05 GMT
Funeral Arrangements From a 1959-60 Team Photograph Venue: The Heart of England Crematorium Time: Tuesday 11th March 2008 at 3.45pm. Flowers: Family flowers only please. Donations: Mary Ann Evans Hospice. These may be sent c/o: D B Devall Funeral Directors The Green Attleborough Nuneaton Tel 02476 375665 All welcome to come along to Stockingford Pavillion ( the piv ) afterwards. |
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Post by tich on Mar 12, 2008 9:52:48 GMT
Hi Gren, As my e-mail has been down for a long time I did not know of Pete Ne3al,s death. I am sorry to hear of this very sad news. Could you please give regards and condolences to Maureen and the family. Once again sad news and he was a good friend and we had many laugh and p*ss up.
Regards, Tich.
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Post by Gren Perry on Mar 12, 2008 22:29:31 GMT
Yesterday was Pete's funeral and it was good to be amongst so many contemporaries who had turned up to say there last goodbyes to to such a good team mate and dear friend. For those who could not make it I have written this list of those who were there. I have done this from memory which is not what it used to be so if I have missed anyone out please let me know. | Betney, Tony | Haywood, Roy & Shirley | Siers, Roger | | Burdett, John | Jackson, Les | Ward, Alan | | Charles, Don | Jones, Roy | Webb, Paul | | Clue, Gerald | King, Bob | Wood, Roger | | Collins, Brian | Ormerod, Bill | Wright, Sid & Margaret | | Cooke, Dennis & Betty | Owen, Ray | Wykes, Bob | | Downes, Nick | Perry, Gren | Yeomans, Peter | | Evans, Trevor & Jean | Pettifor, David | | | Harris, Reg | Savage, Terry | |
Terry Pittam was also there as a family mourner. Mick Farn and Vera sent there condolences but were unable to attend as they were away and as you can see from the previous posting Tich Wilson got his email too late Maureen and the family were very appreciative of the Eds presence and took great comfort from it. Pete was a prop forward and it is interesting to note that approximately half of the ex players present were front row players. No wonder that FRUMAS (Front Rows Mutual Appreciation Society) which was founded in this club was such a strong influence in it's heyday. Brian Collins who travelled up from Bristol wrote this in an email to me. "Pete was my loose head prop '61-63 when, together with Don Charles, the front row were the leading try scorers in the Ed's 1st team for a season!"Brian went on to play for Leicester Tigers, Bath and got into the England B trials. The overwhelming comments from all contemporaries reflected that Pete was a quiet gentleman and a staunch friend. We will not forget you old friend. |
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Post by Gren Perry on Jun 16, 2008 17:49:07 GMT
I have just received this email from Gary Dodd who is Pete's son-in-law.
Dear Gren,
I am writing on behalf of Maureen and family to thank you for your kind help and support during our time of sadness following the loss of Peter. The last two months have been a time for reflection and adjustment.
Peter always spoke fondly of his School days and your long close friendship, especially when referring to your nickname Monk. I have heard the story many times over the years.
Peter's passion for the game of Rugby and Nuneaton Old Edwardians goes without saying as does the wealth of friendship found amongst his fellow players, many from his School Days, as well as those forged whilst playing for N.O.E. I always enjoyed Peter's recollection of his playing years and the many tours undertaken with N.O.E, (wild days indeed). Maureen always said N.O.E was Peters first home and Wiclif way his second.
It was very comforting to both Maureen and the family to see so many of Peter's friends at his funeral; it was uplifting to hear so many in such good voice. If a man is judged by the company he keeps and wealth of friendship, Peter was a very rich man indeed.
The donations collected for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, a charity very close to Peter's heart, amounted to over £700.00 and was passed on with grateful thanks. We would like to thank all who attended Peter's funeral and for the generous donations received.
I would like to add my personal thanks to you for your help during such a sad and difficult time for both Maureen and her family.
Kind regards,
Gary Dodd
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