Haslemere mayor Cllr Simon Dear and town clerk Lisa O’Sullivan lowered the Union Flag in the town to half mast on Tuesday morning (April 5).
Cllr Dear said: “Peter had served his ward of Hindhead for more than 20 years with great energy and commitment, with only the best interests of his community and residents in mind. A former RAF officer and later commercial pilot, Peter had a practical approach to life which he combined with great common sense and good humour.
“Tributes have been paid to Peter both in private and on social media and are a testament to the affection in which he was held by so many local people and councillors of all political persuasions.
“The council offers its condolences to his wife Diana and other members of the family.”
Town councillor Melanie Odell said: “I always admired Peter’s commitment, not only to the council but community organisations as well.
“He was a founder member of the Haslemere Initiative and fully supportive of the whole town area, especially passionate about Hindhead and Beacon Hill. He was chair of governors at Beacon Hill Primary School and a leading light on the committee for the SEEDA project, which saw the regeneration of the village.
“He was happy not only to manage but to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in on the ground and we were always grateful for his offer to volunteer as a steward at the Christmas Market.
“He was a generous friend, neighbour and colleague whose energy and enthusiasm were an example to all who were fortunate enough to meet him. He had a wicked sense of humour and a moral compass that went with it. The love for Diana and his family shone through at all times.”
Waverley Borough Council Conservative group leader Cllr Stephen Mulliner said: “Peter was widely considered to be one of life’s true gentlemen who worked hard for residents.
“With the late Cllr Michael Dover, Peter founded the Beacon Hill Heavy Brigade which cleaned up parts of Hindhead which council contractors did not reach. He could also be found up a ladder in aid of the Beacon Hill Light Brigade.
“Peter chaired the Haslemere Town Council and the Waverley Southern Area planning committees for many years. These were roles in which he displayed great diligence. He also played a large part in the formation of the Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted in 2021.
“Peter’s death leaves a huge void on both the borough and town councils. He combined experience, intellect and community dedication which meant people listened when he spoke and valued his opinion.
“He will be greatly missed not only by the two councils but by the wider community.”