It’s almost impossible to stand here before you today and tell you about Peter and his life in just a few minutes. It’s a unique story for quite simply a unique and extraordinary man. Some of you called him PBA, some Peter or uncle Peter. I called him Dad. Peter was born on 7th January 1949 in Hounslow, London. He attended both Vine Hall Boarding School in Hastings and Malvern College in Worcestershire but quickly realised that academia was not for him. He often recalled stories of a naughty pupil always getting into trouble, although it is clear to us that his personality and creativity was simply just too large to be confined to a classroom or measured by exams or anyone else's standards for that matter. He wrote his own rules even as a boy and continued to do so throughout his life. He was fiercely independent and determined young man who always preferred to go his own way. At the tender age of 17 he started his career as the youngest Commercial Property Negotiator in London. He was a true entrepreneur and singular in his drive to succeed so it’s no surprise that it was through his own businesses that he started to thrive. He was a thrill-seeker and a born competitor: he raced catamarans, flew planes and as many of you know had a deep love for fast cars. His passion for Motorsport started in the late 60s and early 70s racing saloon and single seater cars. In 1973 he was the top race engine builder with Racing Services as well as competing himself in Formula 3. He liked to think of himself as a butterfly, fluttering elegantly from one thing to the next. He always strived to be the best he could be in anything he did and always knew when it was time to move on to the next new challenge. In 1991 he set up his main business, Wessex Forum. He described his role as a business development consultant, adviser, coach, bid and tender developer and independent board member. He served an eclectic range of private and public sector organisations and acted as a mentor to senior corporate executives. It’s hard find the right words to convey just how charismatic and unique Peter was. He had a certain presence, he was not loud or attention-seeking but his aura always lit up the room you were in, his gentle voice always managed to captivate those around him. He was always full of ideas and committed to helping those that wanted to reach their potential but didn’t know quite how. He knew how to get the best in people but more importantly made them feel special and inspired in the process. Of course, that’s only if you passed the appearance test - matching shoes, belt and watch was a must! Perhaps his most enjoyable work was in the last few years with The Leonardo Project that he helped bring to young people in Wiltshire to offer an opportunity for those who were keen to develop their employability and life skills through a work placement program in Italy. But neither work or play came close to what he loved the most: his three girls. They were his world. He was a true rock to his wife and a hero to his daughters. He adored Mum, or his Rozzie as he affectionately called her, his soul mate, companion and best friend. Together they showed Kate and Libby and all those around them what true love was like. He always went above and beyond what was expected of him as a Husband and a Father. He was immensely proud of his family. He was keen that the girls experienced everything the world had to offer, taking them to lots of different countries and teaching them about different cultures, always making sure everyone had packed their trainers for an early morning run. Thanks to Dad they saw the Pyramids, went on safaris, swam in the great barrier reef and had an infamous astronomy lecture in Kenya about the stars and the moon after Dad had one to many glasses of wine. The girls recall that they had never seen a smile as big on dads face as when they were on the tea cups at Disney Land, even that had become a hilarious competition, much to their amusement. Dad had to be the best teacup spinner. He had a passion for sport, most notably triathlon. He founded the Frome Triathlon Club and competed in countless races, always bringing along his little fan club, his girls, to support him. Sundays in the Beech-Allen household often involved getting up at the crack of dawn to travel the country to reach a different triathlon start line. No need to set an alarm as Dad would always find a way to get everyone out of bed, whether it be with a rendition of ‘lazy bones’ or the ‘tip tapping’ of his cycling shoes on the wooden floor boards. “No Scusa” - is an italian phrase which became Dad’s way of expressing how we should all embrace life. It means ‘No excuses’. He was most happy when surrounded by his family and after a few stern words and, of course, some warnings, he generously welcomed myself and Libby’s fiancé Dave into this closely knit unit. For that, I am forever grateful. He was self-less with us all. He always wanted for us to have fun, even during the last few weeks of his life visiting him in the hospital, he would say “Go out to the park, it’s a beautiful day”. He loved to know that we were living life to the full, just as he did. Even in his last moments with us, Dad was able to find strength, from the seemingly impossible, to express his love and affection for us. A fluttering playful wave, endless I love you’s and kisses blown our way and a cheeky little smile that we shall forever hold dear to us. Peter was a self-made man and a true gentleman. He enjoyed his life to the full, and made the most possible out of every single precious moment. He did so much in a lifetime and had so many stories of his past adventures they often seemed like fiction rather than fact. One life that seemed to live the lives of many. It was hard not to love him, the twinkle in his eyes, his warm hands and upside down smiles. You will forever be in our hearts. Each of us will carry a part of you wherever we go and in whatever we do. There’s just one thing left to do - to say goodbye. So farewell for now, know that we love you and appreciate everything you did.