Corfe Castle at sunrise
JOY EDKINS (59) West Parley, Torchbearer on the Olympic Torch route in Hamworthy writes about the late PETER COWLES:
A tribute to our father, Peter Cowles (86) from Milford on Sea, Lymington, who sadly passed away 4th April 2012 just two weeks after being selected as one of the Olympic torch bearers for carrying the flame through HAMWORTHY near Poole on Friday 13th July:
As a long standing member of Milford Tennis & Squash Club, Peter typically told few people about his honour of being selected to participate in carrying the flame, however one of his close friends Jim Bays said “We have known each other for 14 years through the tennis club, playing tennis, fishing, social events and the occasional game of snooker together. He was a wonderful friend, a true gentleman, kind, generous and extremely hard working.”
Peter was very excited about being selected as torch bearer and absolutely delighted and proud to have been chosen after being nominated by his grandson, Paul for Peter’s incredible fitness at his age and the fact that he continued to play sport regularly right up to the last couple of weeks prior to his death.
Peter joined Milford Tennis and Squash Club shortly after he and his wife moved to Milford in 1985. He was a skilled and enthusiastic player and his hard work and dedication is credited with the small club becoming the successful venue it is today. Peter was just one of nature’s good people and even after his wife Vera died in 2001, he continued his work for the tennis club, particularly on the subcommittee formed to plan the rebuilding and refurbishing of the clubhouse following the disastrous fire on Boxing Day 2009. After 14 months of repair work, the club was officially opened by former Great Britain Davis Cup player Mark Cox, who played a celebratory doubles match partnered with club accountant John Richards against Peter Cowles and his partner Peter Blass.
Just after Peter’s death, the club chairman, Ken Burbidge said “Peter was one of the most treasured members who was capable of anything and he spent hundreds of hours fixing and making things: cupboards, furniture, even the umpire chairs used at tournaments. He was a very talented man and I can’t tell you how much he will be missed. He was exceptional, loyal and respected.” He added that Peter’s selection as an Olympic torch bearer was a true indication of the sort of man he was.
Peter is survived by his two daughters, Joy (59) and Ann (55), three grandsons, one granddaughter and great-granddaughter. His two daughters, family and friends are all very proud of his past achievements and miss him dearly, however the London Olympic 2012 celebrations are a fitting tribute to celebrate his life and upcoming birthday 25th July. Not forgotten and always loved. R.I.P.
