Peter Digby (22 Nov 1947 - 15 May 2017)

In loving memory of Peter Terence Digby, who sadly passed away at South Africa Lodge Nursing Home on Monday 15th May 2017, aged 69. Peter was a much-loved husband of Ann (deceased), devoted father to Caroline and Jonathan, and proud Grandpa to Sofia and Anna-Lucia. He will be very deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Peter was born in Romford, Essex on 22nd November 1947, as the only surviving premature twin to parents Jack and Irene. Following a spell in Harlow, Essex, Peter moved with his parents and younger brother Adrian to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where his architect father designed and had built their family home, Matsudana. Peter met Ann whilst working as a Town Planner at Mid Suffolk District Council and they were married on 31st January 1976. Three years later, they had their first child Caroline in January 1979, and their second child Jonathan in December 1980. They lived in Needham Market until Peter’s work as a town planner took them to Hampshire in 1987, and they settled in Stubbington, with Peter starting work at Fareham Borough Council.

After a period of temporary posts at Hastings and Broadland District Council, Peter and Ann moved to Cambridgeshire in 2004 to the small village of Mepal, where he joined East Cambs District Council. Peter was delighted to see both of his children get married, Jonathan to Karen in 2006, and Caroline to Bethryn in 2014. He was thrilled to become a Grandpa to Sofia in 2012 and again to Anna-Lucia in 2014, and spent several holidays abroad and visiting both his children as often as possible.

Peter took early retirement and shortly after was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Ann retired at Easter 2015 to care for Peter, as his needs became ever more demanding. They were both so pleased to be able to move back to Hampshire, to Lee-on-the-Solent, in July 2016 to be close to the seaside, to Jonathan and his young family, and to be able to reconnect with old friends. They spent many happy hours enjoying walking along the seafront at Lee and Peter particularly enjoyed stopping for an ice-cream at the Bluebird Café. Peter was taken into hospital in August 2016, and after Ann died in October 2016, Peter was moved to a nursing home in January 2017. He enjoyed lots of visits from his children and young granddaughters in the months before he passed away.

Peter died peacefully at his nursing home following a brief aspiration pneumonia illness, complicated by his severe Alzheimer’s Disease. He will be remembered as a proud family man, obsessed with trains and sport, particularly Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town FC, who would talk to anyone and everyone about his children or the latest football or cricket match. He was a very supportive father and will be very deeply missed by his children, who have many fond memories of before he became ill.

Please share your memories of our beloved Dad and join us for a celebration of his life at Pebbles Wine Bar on Stokes Bay (http://www.pebblesfishandwinebar.co.uk/contact.htm) from 1530 for a fish & chips and ice-cream reception (Dad's favourites!), after the funeral at Portchester Crematorium at 1430 on Tuesday 23rd May.

Donations: In memory of Dad and in thanks to all that cared for him during his illness, in place of floral tributes, you will be able to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society if you so wish. Please see the link to the Just Giving page on the right.