A Eulogy for Peter Walls Hargreaves from Chris Hargreaves - June 2018

Dad was born in Dec 1932 in Cliviger, a village near Burnley, to Harold and Lilian. After the war the Family moved down to Derby and lived on Reginald Road, Chaddesden. Harold worked for Celanese until his untimely death in 1950 at the age of 53. Dad was just 18 at the time and was shortly to go off to do National Service in Egypt and Tripoli.

Dad joined Derby Operatic Society in 1960 with the aim of broadening his social circle. This certainly happened as this is where he met Mum and was the start of their love of singing together. After Mum's retirement in 1994 they began a double act entertaining people in the community, local churches and nursing homes. After Mum's death in 2010 Dad bravely continued performing with others and sometimes alone. A number of people have told me of their fond memories of him bursting unexpectedly into song. He enjoyed bringing pleasure to others via music. Dad was an active member of a number of local Choirs and singing groups over the years. A good number of his singing friends are with us here today.

Dad had an almost lifelong enjoyment of Tennis. He was always keen to encourage younger players. He ran two sessions of Tennis coaching for youngsters for many years on a Saturday morning. When his first born came along Dad was convinced that if he started teaching me early enough then I could make it to Wimbledon. Despite his best coaching efforts, I did not take to the game. During his time at Rolls-Royce he would play almost every lunchtime. Dad was very proud to hold the post of President of Little Eaton Tennis club for many years.

Dad embraced being part of the local community. He served two terms as the local councillor for Little Eaton on Erewash Borough Council, rising to be vice-chairman of the Finance Committee. He was Chairman of Little Eaton school governors for over five years. As part of Mum's ancestor studies hobby, the pair of them set about clearing a load of undergrowth from the Church graveyard. They also enjoyed running the Carnival bookstall together for many years. And less seriously in recent years they both enjoyed taking part in many productions of the village Christmas panto.

My Grandfather, Harold, holds a number of patents and could lay claim to being an inventor. Dad inherited this skill very strongly and worked in Engineering for over 40 years at Rolls-Royce. Mum was noted as saying that one time he had repaired her moped using only a hairgrip. I am pleased to say that Robert and I, have both inherited this ability. We were both born to be Engineers.

Dad enjoyed the outdoors. Until his very last days he would walk every day. He would do a circuit of Darley Park most days, sometimes twice a day. After he received his second artificial knee in January he had started to lengthen his stride and would do longer walks in Shipley Park and on the High Peak trail.

I will remember him for being a great Dad. We will all remember him for his singing, tennis, community, rambling and his love of people. He will live on in our thoughts.