Peter John Layzell (5 Dec 1941 - 22 Jan 2026)

Peter John Layzell

5th December 1941 – 22nd January 2026

Peter John Layzell was born on 5th December 1941 and spent his early childhood in Fambridge, on the River Crouch. He was nearly four years old when the Second World War ended. His father, Tom, worked as a butcher in Hockley during the day and served as an air raid warden at night, while his mother, Win, devoted herself to caring for the family.

Peter attended Ashingdon School before moving on to Rayleigh Technical Secondary School (now FitzWimarc), where he distinguished himself academically and became Head Boy at just 16 years old. He completed his sixth form studies at Westcliff High School for Boys, achieving A Levels in Pure and Applied Mathematics and Physics. He went on to Bristol University, graduating with honours in Electrical Engineering.

Beginning his career with the Central Electricity Generating Board as a trainee, Peter went on to qualify as a Chartered Engineer in 1978. Specialising in electrical transmission, he was initially based at Tilbury, where his work involved challenging projects including underground cabling beneath the Thames and through the Dartford Tunnel, often carried out overnight due to road closures. During this time, Tilbury Power Station suffered a major fire, and Peter played a key role in its recommissioning.

His role frequently required night-time emergency callouts, particularly when copper cables were stolen from substations — occasions on which he would often be accompanied by the family dog, Tara.

Later based at Rayleigh Main, Peter continued to contribute to major infrastructure projects, including the commissioning of Sizewell B. His work took him extensively across the country, from Suffolk to the South Coast. It was during this period that Peter and his wife lovingly welcomed Christopher into their family, followed two years later by Elizabeth in 1982, completing their family with the same devotion, care, and unconditional love.

Outside of his professional life, Peter was a keen tennis player and a dedicated member of Hockley Tennis Club in Folly Lane, serving as chairman for several years before family commitments took priority.

Following the privatisation of the electricity supply industry, Peter retired early. Although he briefly considered teaching mathematics, he was advised against it by colleagues. He undertook consultancy work for a time before dedicating himself wholeheartedly to helping raise his grandson, Carlito, for whom the family held kinship guardianship.

Peter was also actively involved with SAFE, a support group for families affected by Asperger’s Syndrome, serving as treasurer for several years until illness intervened.

A devoted family man, Peter was a proud grandfather through Christopher to four grandsons: William, Daniel, Joseph and Noah. Through Elizabeth, he was also grandfather to Carlito and Georgia. He later became a great-grandfather to Layten, Carlito’s son. All of his grandchildren and great-grandson brought him enormous joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

After initially experiencing kidney failure, Peter enjoyed a five-year period of recovery. Sadly, after contracting Covid in 2023, his kidneys failed again, leading to his final illness.

Peter will be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family. He was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.