Pete (William) McKenzie 'Pete the Feet' (29 May 1945 - 15 Jan 2019)
Pete was born on May 29th, 1945 on Walney Island, near Barrow in Furness. His father, being Scottish wanted him to have a Scottish name, but it was his English mother who always called him by his middle name Pete, and so it stuck.
Pete left home at 15 and traveled the country and the world, care of the merchant navy, living in many different towns and trying various jobs. He was in his early twenties when he found himself in Birmingham and got someone to put him up in Moseley. And this is where the roaming stops and he, as he said, had found himself. Moseley was his homecoming, where he felt comfortable in the bohemian, irreverent culture, where everyone knew and cared for everyone else.
Pete and Jen met in the Bulls Head and were married in 1970 in St Mary’s church. In 1971, Lisa was born making the family unit complete.
Here Pete’s story involves him suffering mental breakdown, with many years in the care of The John Connolly hospital, but all the time maintaining his presence in the Moseley community being gregarious and as apparently, carefree as ever.
He eventually emerged from this dark period and, by taking up his hand-crafted leather-work, he had finally found the occupation he had always craved. He felt useful.
Pete became renowned for his leather items and he took great pride and pleasure in knowing that they could be found all over the world.
In recent years, Pete’s health has suffered many setbacks leading to him needing a mobility scooter to get around. He loved the freedom his scooter gave him and enjoyed nothing more than taking himself off around the parks and streets of Birmingham and getting lost! Likewise, when out for weekend drives, he always wanted to avoid motorways and A roads and get lost down country lanes while searching for a new pub to visit.
It was Pete’s wish to end his days at his home in Moseley and so he did, on 15 January 2019 after a few months of deteriorating health.
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he was my uncle brother of my dad james unfortunately last time i saw him was at his dads funeral in 1975 but i have happy memories of him messing about with him when i was a kid ,what a great guy. much love to all family
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Dear Jenny. Sending my love at this sad time. I was on my way to be there for the service, but wa not able to travel. I remember Sunday nights, in the back room of the Traf. All those years ago. You and Pete were courting. We always caught the last Midland Red bus, back to Redditch together. I thought you very special then. And through the years you have been a rock, through Pete's illness and beyond. Thinking of you on this day. Love. Rob Ollis x
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I grew up in Moseley. Moseley was and will always be a place everyone looks out for each other. It's a close community and Pete The Feet was the heart of the Moseley Community. His presence was always loved and welcomed. I always remember seeing him outside the prince of Wales or the bulls head. Walking around the village in his hat and leather jacket. He was a huge part of moseley village and everyone knew who he was even if they didn't know him personally. He will be sadly missed but his soul will live on in the hearts of people living in and around Moseley. Rest in Peace Pete! Your legacy lives on....
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Rest peacefully Pete,. Thanks for the great conversations all those years ago... X X
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I used to live below this wonderful man. A good father, I remember hearing him playing with his daughter. Lovely man Mosley is gonna miss him.
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I used to live below this wonderful man. A good father, I remember hearing him playing with his daughter. Lovely man Mosley is gonna miss him.
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I used to live below this wonderful man. A good father, I remember hearing him playing with his daughter. Lovely man Mosley is gonna miss him.
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I had the pleasure of your company when you visited the Longbridge pub from John Conolly, you were a kind and gentleman, god bless you Pete
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Pete, you were a lovely smiley gentleman
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Pete, farewell brother. It was a pleasure to have known you. Moseley will never be the same again.
Jen, Lisa my thoughts are with you
Biker Steve
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One of life's most interesting characters. Pleased to have known him 👣👣👣
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I remember him from Moseley. Always a unique person. Will be remembered by many. Love Lisa & family. X
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