This site is a tribute to Peter Roberts, who was born in Lancashire on May 03, 1965. He is much loved and will always be remembered - he will live on in us.

Peter was so very proud of his children and family - and we are so very proud to call him our dad and our best friend.

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Eulogy

Due to powers out of our control, many friends and family were unable to attend Peter's service, which is why his Eulogy can be found here - we hope when you read it, you will remember him with a  smile, as he would have liked and so very much deserved.  

'We want to say thank you for Peter’s life and on Wednesday, we have to say a final farewell to him. We will all have much sadness in our hearts as we say goodbye to such a special, kind and loving man, who can never be replaced. His family want everyone to celebrate his life, but understand that the reality isn’t so straight forward.

In everyone’s hearts is a deep sorrow that Peter is no longer here. Of course, adding to our sense of loss is the fact that his service has been shaped by forces beyond our control and sadness that many people who should have been there, can’t be there. On Wednesday at 10 o’clock, please press pause on the chaos of the world outside, hold Peter in your hearts and focus for a while on what is truly important in life.

Peter’s family have together composed all their thoughts and memories of Peter, and these happy memories, kind words and love are shared here. Although we are far apart from each other right now, the invisible bonds that cross the space between us, draw us close together.

As a child and teenager growing up in Euxton, Peter had so much fun trekking up Car Beck, playing in the woods and the stream with friends, they spent long days doing this. Later in life, he would take his own children there and they had so much fun building dams in the stream and eating picnics. He was such a selfless young man and he would help his mum to do her hair and paint her nails because she was unable to do them herself. His brothers used to come to him for advice on girlfriends and he would happily help and point them in the right direction. Peter’s brother, Val, fondly recalls them sharing a bedroom and having the nicknames, ‘Snap, Crackle and Pop.’

Peter met Trish at Euxton rec when he was just ten years old. Trish thought he was a girl at first because of his long hair! They have been best friends ever since. Trish wants Barry to know that: “Their lives are a moment in time for them to share, and to say thank you to him for all the years he shared with her and for their beautiful children. She wants him to know that we are here with him today and always, and that our love for him will stay in our hearts, with all the happy memories, making us smile each day.”

Peter very much enjoyed watching and playing tennis while married to Trish – he avidly followed matches during Wimbledon and loved playing tennis on Devonshire rec with her. He had the patience of a saint when shopping with Trish as she can loop the Trafford Centre umpteen times! What flabbergasted Trish the most was that she could spend hours and hundreds of pounds and still not find the right outfit, whereas Peter could spend very little and look a million dollars! He wore clothes so well and had a great taste in fashion. The family loved his hats and brightly coloured shirts and t-shirts, and he always looked great in a suit. While growing up, his children used to groan at his fashion fads (there was a pony tail phase, an eyebrow ring phase and a leather jacket phase amongst others) but now they are older, they love that he wore what he liked, and what made him happy, and that he had the confidence to do that and to be proud to be himself. Peter has taught his children to live life in the same way.

Peter loved and lived for being with his children on holidays - he loved Cornwall and this was one of his very favourite places. They had many happy caravan holidays, with funny long car journeys there - with duvets in the back and so much luggage they could barely get in the car. Peter always thought of games to play to make the journey not as long. They all loved watching and joining in with the evening entertainment (Star Trekking is a song and dance routine they will never forget!) At the end of the evening, Peter would take them all to the chippy and they would eat together back at the caravan. He never stopped trying to make it the most fun and happiest time it could be. One evening he even organised a sock puppet show… Mr Tuna Man and his voices and impressions still make them all laugh to this day.

Peter loved to take his children for walks - they were always up Rivington and Anglezarke on adventures for hours. He would be loaded up with all the coats and bags but was more than happy to carry it all so they could run around and explore. His children recall how one of the best evenings was when they had bottles and bottles of Rola Cola and were running wild on the grass. Peter recorded them from the car and you can hear him laughing at Sean, as he did his vampire routine. It brought him so much joy to watch his children having fun.

Peter never failed to keep his children busy during holidays and took them on so many days out, such as the doll’s house and Victorian museums, botanical gardens and trips to Blackpool – they were always filled with fun (apart from Mr Blobby Land!) And no day out was complete without the Roberts’ Family Tradition of getting stranded on a sinking boat or pedalo! One time, Peter had to roll his jeans up, get in the water and pull them back!

Every Friday night, Peter took them to the local shop in Astley Village for ‘Friday Sweet Night.’ They loved selecting what they could get with their pound coin. They were always allowed a big bottle of Rola Cola too! Then they would go back home and play lots of games and watch Friday night telly. Over the years, Peter tolerated many ‘shows’ put on by his children. They would dress up and adopt different characters and perform mini shows for him and Trish. He must have been shattered after a long week at work but he always completely indulged his children and actually quite liked joining in! Some of the funniest were our Jerry Springer shows! Peter did a great trailer trash accent!

Peter used to love watching Dallas. He watched it religiously growing up and then again with his children when he bought the box set. His daughter Kaye loved their weekly Dallas nights, when they would watch one old episode and then a new one. He did a great Sue Ellen impression – “Sue Ellen, you’re a drunk, a tramp and an unfit mother!” His daughter Leanne even has a box set in Australia too. And Sunday mornings weren’t complete without sitting with ‘pops’ to watch Little House on the Prairie.

Peter loved organising quizzes for the family to join in on special occasions – it started off as just a Christmas tradition but soon there was one for other times, like Easter too. He even bought trophies and medals for the winners! He took them very seriously and didn’t allow any silly business during the questions!

There were always lots of games growing up – each child would always get a board game for Christmas. One year they received Hungry Hippos and Bizzy Buzzy Bumblebees and it turned out that actually Peter enjoyed playing the games just as much as the children did and all the adults got very competitive! They even have it on tape. Sean loved the ‘Raptor' game that he played with his dad - upstairs was safe zone, downstairs was terrifying! Peter encouraged them all to be imaginative, creative and fun. Even as adults, the games didn’t stop. When Leanne lived with him at Moor Road, every time one of them used to head to the kitchen, they would pretend they were walking up and downstairs at the back of the sofa.

Peter was very dear about the Roberts’ Family Christmas traditions – and now his family wouldn’t have Christmas any other way. He loved to cook Christmas dinner and wouldn’t stop there – for a whole week he put on a special meal. His roasts are still the best they’ve ever had – as the famous family line goes: “it just melts in your mouth!” He loved selecting and setting out the perfect Christmas table and always wore his famous bauble earring – the family have it with them now and it will always be at the Christmas table with them each year. Peter also wore his smartest outfit for the dinner table and paper hats were obligatory! The children used to jump on their mum and dad’s bed to open stockings while Peter brought them all a cup of tea and then he would wait in the lounge and take a photo of them entering to find their presents – they have a photo for every year.

Peter always had a video camera in hand while they were growing up. The older they got, the more they moaned about it but they are so, so glad he did that now because they have so many happy times to watch and cherish. His family meant everything to him and he wanted to record as much of them as he could - they are so thankful and grateful to their dad.

Peter loved to read, especially Stephen King books – he made, The Stand, a family favourite. His son Sean remembers so well watching the movie with his dad – a precious memory. He has passed on his love of reading to Sean. He has also passed on his love and aptitude for drama and acting. At school, Peter proudly performed in plays and Sean has followed in his footsteps, completing a degree in Contemporary Theatre and Performance. Peter also loved musicals. He wasn’t impressed when he fell asleep during the King and I at Kaye’s house (but thankfully he had watched it a million times before!) And none of the family can watch Mrs Doubtfire without thinking of ‘pops’ – his ‘Eufegenia Doubtfire Dear’ was the best! He had such a great sense of humour. Trish remembers how much he enjoyed Kenny Everett’s sketch and can just imagine Peter watching his funeral with the current situation and saying: “Anyway, it’s all done in the best possible taste!” It was so his sense of humour - he loved to laugh and be silly. Leanne has definitely inherited her dad’s nutty sense of humour – they were always doing silly things together, like the ‘gimpy eye routine.’ Besides his humour, Leanne has also inherited her dad’s compassion and kind-heart, putting it into good use as a nurse. She feels this is the part of her dad that will always live on in her.

He used to also write fantastic poems, even being asked to write framed poems for friends’ special occasions. Kaye has inherited her dad’s skill of poetry writing and his love for learning. Peter used to love discussing new vocabulary with her, he was a very clever and articulate man. 

In recent years, Peter has loved to collect indoor water features – his home was filled with lit-up ornaments, water features and Swarovski figurines. He was always on Ebay buying another one. And being the such generous person he was, he also bought others similar ornaments so they could get the same enjoyment. Emma has the fish and bubbles tower in her bedroom now. And Kaye holds the countless Swarovski keepsakes he lovingly gave to her - in particular, she holds the Forget-Me-Nots close to her heart and thinks of wants you to know that she thinks of you whenever she looks at them. Kaye promises she will buy that display cabinet you both kept talking about!  

Peter absolutely loved karaoke and just recently spent an afternoon with family, when he brought around his new karaoke set. Leanne used to love his ‘pub singing’ just like Reeves and Mortimer used to do on Shooting Stars. He enjoyed watching Stars In Their Eyes and would often quote: “Tonight Matthew, I’m going to be…” before saying something silly to make them laugh. He loved his music and listened to it for endless hours, often singing at the top of his voice. There are many songs that will always remind his family of their dad and make them feel like he is right there with them, especially those by Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli and Abba. His brother Val fondly recalls being forced to listen to Abba on constant repeat when they were growing up – he was often told to turn it down! Peter and his best friend Tracy attended an Enrique Iglesias concert together. They laughed so much when Peter’s Primark bag split open across the train platform, with all of his newly bought undies on show for all to see. Peter loved to collect designer underwear. Leanne also remembers her mum and dad rolling around in fits of laughter while listening to, River Deep, Mountain High at maximum volume. His children can also still vividly remember him dancing and singing along to Christina Aguilera’s Candyman, and his in-car dance routines on the way to school each morning. Every day, Peter would spend his lunchbreak collecting his children from school and taking them home, before returning to work. He sacrificed his own break because he preferred that to them having to walk home. On the journeys, he would always be laughing, smiling and arguing with the radio.

Peter loved his days at Leyland Auto, he was very bright and could put his mind to anything. He had a natural aptitude for numbers and loved maths. Although his son, Sean, despaired that whilst he was good with numbers, he was useless with his phone! He worked with his friend for life, Tracy Greenbank. They had a wonderful friendship, which Tracy will treasure forever. Tracy still has the CD and framed lyrics that Peter gave to her and she will never forget the very special evening when Peter gave them to her. Peter was well-respected and very much loved by his colleagues at Leyland Auto and he kept in touch with many over the years. He was a hard worker and deeply conscientious. He took pride in his work - nothing was too much trouble for him and he wouldn’t give up until a problem was solved. Peter would even bring work home with him at times. He saw his boss Danny Doherty as a father figure and very much respected him. Peter will be able to meet up with Danny again now – he will be so pleased as he missed him very much. Peter was always so generous, loved to join in and liked people to have fun. He had nights out with his friends and colleagues and was always someone that people liked to sit next to at a party. He loved to give and to see people happy - many times he would buy a bunch of flowers for someone. When it was one of his work friends’ special birthdays, he would stay behind after work or come in early to decorate their desk. Tracy loved the fun nicknames that dad used to give to his colleagues. Pauline was, ‘Lady Manton,’ and Jacqui was, ‘The Singing Telephone.’ He had such a cheeky sense of humour and often joked with his work friends. Every Halloween, Peter would say to Pauline: “Don’t forget your broomstick!” and when it was her birthday, he hung a broomstick above her desk! Everyone loved Peter’s jokes - he kept everyone in the office cheerful and there was never a dull moment. During his holiday to Tunisia with Leanne, he nicknamed their regular waiter, ‘Mowgli.’ Dad often reminisced with Leanne about Mowgli asking him for her hand in marriage!

In later years, one of Peter’s favourite meals was chilli. His family will definitely be having chilli today to remember him. Kaye will never forget introducing him to hummus either. He couldn’t stop eating it after that! He even told her that he ate it straight from the tub with a spoon!

Peter was the most supportive dad anyone could ask for. His children say that they had the best childhood and he lovingly nurtured them so that they could be their best. He was always there, happy to help with homework and driving them to places they needed to be. Nothing was too much for his family. When Trish worked night shifts, Peter would even let Kaye and Leanne paint his toenails. He enjoyed it really…and later in life, he received Botox, stating, “if Cher can do it, then so can I.” One Halloween, he made them all laugh when he posed wearing his girls’ black lipstick. Kaye remembers looking round universities with her dad and walking up an enormous hill in Lancaster to enjoy a Subway and a cookie. Sean will be forever thankful for his dad’s amazing patience when helping him with his student finances. Peter also taught him the not-so-useful skills in life, like how to roll a cigarette. Peter has taught them so many qualities and important life lessons that they will hold forever. Sean always remembers his dad’s wise words. He often quoted: “If you can’t resolve a conflict with words calmly, then you’re not in control and should walk away.

Finally, the last words come from Kaye, Leanne and Sean. These are words they feel best describe their dad:

Accepting.

Witty (dad often said he didn’t have a filter – but we loved him for it.)Loving and generous - he always wanted to shower family and friends with gifts, and donated regularly to several charities. He would go without rather than see someone else without.

Kind-hearted - once, when we found a stray dog coming out of the cinemas, dad did not have the heart to leave it so we took it to the RSPCA.

Loyal and devoted - he lived for his family. He was a sensitive and gentle man but never hesitated in sticking up for and protecting his family. He was always there for them in any way he could be.

It makes us smile to think that dad is with past friends and family, whom he loved so very much – and also his beloved Priscilla and Meg. We want to give him a huge hug and say goodnight from his best friends, Trish and Tracy, his, ‘favourite eldest daughter,’ ‘favourite middle child,’ and ‘favourite only son.’ Dad always said he was so proud of all of his children but I hope he knows how proud we are that he is our dad. In Leanne and dad’s famous words to one another, it’s now time for him to, “sashay away, sashay away.” We will love you forever.

Now we must say our final farewell to Peter and although this is so difficult, let us be thankful and grateful for Peter’s life, remembering the impact of his life on all of ours.

We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. But the memories we leave behind with our family and friends are a mark of our life’s success.'

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REMEMBER ME 

Speak of me as you have always done.

Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.

Share the happy memories we've made.

Do not let them wither or fade.

I'll be with you in the summer's sun

And when the winter's chill has come.

I'll be the voice that whispers in the breeze.

I'm peaceful now, put your mind at ease.

I've rested my eyes and gone to sleep,

But memories we've shared are yours to keep.

Sometimes our final days may be a test,

But remember me when I was at my best.

Although things may not be the same,

Don't be afraid to use my name.

Let your sorrow last for just a while.

Comfort each other and try to smile.

I've lived a life filled with joy and fun.

Live on now, make me proud of what you'll become.