Peter Fishwick (16 May 1934 - 14 May 2025)

PETER FISHWICK

16th May 1934 - 14th May 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Peter Fishwick on 14th May 2025 in Dartford, just two days before his 91st birthday. Peter passed away surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

FAMILY

Peter leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Gina, his three children Steve, Kim and Martin, six cherished grandchildren Danny, Becky, Liam, Jess, Ethan and Cerys, and three great-grandchildren Anna, Eva and Rory. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Emma, and his siblings Lesley and Robin.

LIFE and CAREER

Born in Reddish, Manchester, Peter was the eldest of three children. His early years were spent in the flat above his parents' fish and chip shop, where he learnt to make the legendary hand-made chips that would become a treasured family tradition for generations.

After completing his national service in Germany, where he served with distinction and assisted with relief efforts following the 1952 Lynmouth flood disaster, Peter joined his father Harold in the bookbinding trade. Together they established H. Fishwick And Son in Crayford, Kent.

Peter's entrepreneurial vision and commitment to excellence transformed the family business. Recognising an opportunity in the wedding market, he co-founded Middlewall Album Company with his son Steven. Under Peter's leadership, the company became the UK's largest wedding album manufacturer, exporting across Europe. A career highlight came when the company was commissioned to create unique, handmade leather-bound photograph albums embossed in gold leaf with the royal crest for Charles and Diana's 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand, with one album personally presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales.

PERSONAL LIFE

In 1961, Peter married the love of his life, Gina, whom he met through a local scooter club. They lived at 12 St Vincent Road, Dartford, before moving to their first home at 17 Hudson Road, Bexleyheath. In 1968, they settled at 33 Northdown Road, Longfield, which became their forever home and where Gina continues to live.

Peter was a devoted Manchester United supporter, maintaining his loyalty to the Red Devils throughout his life despite moving south. He was passionate about snooker, playing competitively for the Old Bexley Ex-Servicemen's Club and winning several local tournament trophies. He never missed the World Championships at the Crucible and was known for his fierce competitive spirit - even his son Martin could never beat him at the game.

Music was another of Peter's passions. He enjoyed listening to Elton John (whom he saw live), Queen, 1960s crooners, and jazz, often playing his vinyl records and CDs at maximum volume when Gina was out, diplomatically switching to headphones upon her return.

In retirement, Peter and Gina embraced an active lifestyle, taking up cycling and regularly riding along the coast before enjoying fish and chips and ice cream. They also became enthusiastic ten-pin bowlers, with Peter regularly scoring over 150 points and maintaining his competitive edge well into his later years.

LEGACY

Peter was renowned for his legendary home-made chips, prepared using skills learnt in his parents' shop and cooked to perfection in an old-fashioned frying pan. His grandchildren particularly treasured these treats during family visits.

As a grandfather, Peter delighted in taking his grandchildren on countless adventures to places like Eagle Heights, travelling on steam trains, days out at the seaside eating fish and chips and having ice creams, and ten-pin bowling.

Peter will be remembered for his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, devotion to family, competitive nature, and his ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. Peter's journey from a chip shop in Manchester to a successful business owner in Kent, surrounded by three generations of family, is a testament to a life lived with purpose, love, and dedication. His legacy lives on through his loving family and the countless memories he created with those he held dear.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 11th June 2025 at 11:00 AM at Thames View Crematorium & Cemetery, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3JH.

A wake will follow from 12:30 PM at The Ship Inn, Red Street, Southfleet, Gravesend DA13 9NS.
No flowers please. Donations, if desired, may be made to Parkinson's UK.

Peter lived a full and extraordinary life, touching many hearts along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.