Torquay rugby club mourns death of stalwart Peter - TopicsExpress

Torquay rugby club mourns death of stalwart Peter Gratton-Davey TORQUAY businessman and rugby club stalwart Peter Gratton-Davey has died, aged 71. Tributes have been paid to the former player and club chairman who has been involved with the club for more than 40 years. He died on Saturday after being diagnosed with a heart condition. Chris Edwards, Torquay Rugby Club chairman, said: Peter was a larger than life character who was not only a committed club member for 40 years but a true friend. He was a major influence in the running of the club and when he stepped down as chairman a few years ago was awarded a life membership to honour his work. People like Peter do not come along very often and members of the Torquay Rugby Club are shocked by the news. All our thoughts are with his wife, Sue, and the family. Peter played as a second row forward and became actively involved with the club committee. He was a founding member of the Pilgrim Fathers, the clubs touring side, and later the no-hopers golf side. Peter was working up until two days before his death at his business, Torbay Blinds in Broomhill Road. His widow Sue will continue to operate the business. The couple have a son Jon and daughters Maria and Emma and eight grandchildren. Sue said: The family all say he was rambunctious, good hearted and a real character. He had a wild side and loved a party. He was well lived. He was a former soldier with the Royal Artillery and set up the business when he moved with his family to Torquay in the 1970s after learning his trade at a London firm. Peter was twice president of the Blind and Shutter Association and was instrumental in setting up exhibitions for the industry. He was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the association. Andrew Chalk, director of operations for the Blind and Shutter Association, said: He was a significant and selfless servant of the association and all voluntary. He was very generous with his time and would happily provide help to anyone who needed it. It is a terrible loss. Peter was president in 1984 and 2000 and served on the management committee for 33 years. He was also chairman of the south west region for many years. For details of the funeral service, Drakes of Torbay funeral directors on 01803 329866.