A FORMER businessman who served Bideford tirelessly for many years, not least as a school governor for nearly half a century, has died.

Peter Fletcher (right) passed away peacefully on August 16 in South Africa where he had been living for eight years. He was 84.

He leaves behind his wife of 25 years Christine, three children Carolyn, Andrea and Joanne, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

As well as being involved in the family business in Bideford for many years, he was also active in the life of the town, helping in the raising of thousands of pounds for improvements to Lavington United Reformed Church and devoting 48 years to Bideford College as a governor.

Principal Veronica Matthews said: "Peter received an MBE in recognition of this service and commitment.

"He championed the cause of a new college building many years ago during his time as chairman of governors and was delighted when many years later news of the new building was received.

"It is ironic that he has died at this point of the college's move.

"Since emigrating to South Africa Peter has returned annually to attend the Bideford Boys' Grammar School annual dinner and he visited the college in April this year when he came out of the event.

"We are saddened by this news and our thoughts are with his wife Christine and his family."

Peter was born in Sidcup, Kent, on July 4 1926.

His father was a member of the Royal Flying Corps, 31 Squadron, who served in India in 1916. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery and was mentioned in dispatches.

He encouraged Peter to learn to fly, a hobby he did both with the Air Training Corps and in private aircraft.

Peter's early education was in Wembley.

In 1937 the family moved to North Devon as his father believed their former home would be on the flight path for German bombers.

Their new home was a small bungalow in Yelland overlooking the River Taw and the North Devon Flying Club which later became RAF Chivenor.

In 1939 the family began manufacturing children's and ladies' fabric gloves in Bideford.

The business was known originally as W E Gloves and later H E Fletcher Ltd; the family bought two houses in Bideford to accommodate those who were involved in developing the new business.

Peter went to the local grammar school where he developed a keen interest in sport, particularly rugby. At the same time he joined the Air Training Corps in Bideford.

He also developed an interest in designing, building and flying model aeroplanes and kites, skills passed down from his father.

While working in the family business, Peter met and married his first wife Margaret 'Peggy' Rogers and they had three children.

Peter's brother Roy left the firm in the early 1950s to live in what was then called Rhodesia and from that time until the 1980s Peter and Peggy were company directors.

During the 1950s as the glove market declined Peter's entrepreneurial skills helped the firm to diversify into the production of plastic baby pants.

Steady progress saw them expand into children's clothing, including the manufacture of stretch terry towelling garments.

Showing faith in the future of Bideford, the company was the first to build a new post war factory in the town.

The success of the business resulted in three extensions being built.

In 1973 they formed an associated company, Gemini Fabrics Ltd, which provided knitted fabrics for their own operation as well as other manufacturers.

The factory continued to grow and the family moved home several times to locations in and around Bideford.

Outside work Peter became active in the local life of the town including the Free Masons, Bideford College, Lavington United Reformed Church and Bideford Rotary Club of which he was president in 1968-1969.

He also received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship, rotary's highest award, and was appointed an honorary member before he left to live in South Africa.

A Christian, he was at one time a prison visitor, believing everyone deserved a second chance.

One of his greatest commitments was to Bideford College. He served as a governor from the time when it was Bideford Grammar School, through its merger with the Secondary Modern to it becoming Bideford College.

He was vice chairman for six years and chairman from 1963 to 1980.

As a 'foundation governor' — part of a special group within the governing body — he set up the Peter Fletcher Prize Fund with a special academic prize for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. During his time he served with five different head teachers, was involved in the appointment of Veronica Matthews, and outstayed five education chiefs at county hall.

He also had a music suite named after him at the old Bideford College in 2003.

Doug Bushby, vice chairman of governors, said: "Peter was extremely passionate about the college."

Not only was he chairman of governors at the old secondary modern when Doug was a pupil, he was still involved when Doug became a parent governor many years later.

Peter also gave more than 50 years service to the Bideford Boys' Grammar School Old Boys' Association.

He married Christine in 1985 and after several years of happy retirement they made the big decision to move to South Africa where Peter was reunited with his brother.

● A service of thanksgiving and a celebration of his life will take place on Wednesday September 8 at 11.30am at Lavington Church, Bideford. All are welcome.