Peter Douglas Langdon Latham

Obituary

Peter Latham (6.2.1951 to 31.7.2026) was much loved and will be sorely missed by his wife Alison, sons Simon and Martin, stepson Ian, sister Caroline, brother Rob, grandchildren Charlie and Flo and many other friends, colleagues and wider family members.

Peter was a keen sportsman who enjoyed many sports, particularly tennis, and was a recent convert to padel which he enjoyed
playing until very recently. In his earlier life, he was also a keen climber, skier and squash player. He also loved the arts, often sharing trips to the theatre or opera with family and friends. Retirement allowed him more time to spend on these interests, as well as travelling widely with Alison and completing a Masters degree in English Literature. He was very fond of his dog Megan but later in life developed a bond with his cats Smokey Robinson and Martha. His optimism, quietly generous spirit and desire to make the most of every day meant that he led a full life, with many outside his immediate family and friends remembering him fondly as a colleague or mentor.   

Peter joined James Latham PLC in 1973 as the seventh generation of his family to enter the business. As Chairman from 2006 to 2017, he led a period of modernisation, sustainability-focused initiatives, and expansion into panel products and specialist materials.
Over his 44-year career, he became one of the most influential figures in the UK timber trade.

Peter was widely liked and highly respected across the timber industry. In 2012 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the UK wood industry. Beyond James Latham, he held senior roles in forestry organisations, including Chairman of PEFC, and in 2019, he was proud to be appointed as a Forestry Commissioner. Peter received the Timber Trade Journal Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long-standing leadership in timber distribution and environmental stewardship. He was also a Trustee of the Gravetye charity where he continued to follow his passion for the natural environment. 

We know the news of his passing will be felt deeply by many.

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