May we find comfort in the treasured memories of those no longer with us.
Obituary
Peter Leonard Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on 10 August 2024 at the age of 79. Peter leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and remarkable achievements in both his professional and personal lives.
Peter was a beloved husband to his devoted wife, Gay Taylor, with whom he shared 55 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised three children, who, alongside their own families, remain a testament to Peter's nurturing and generous spirit. He adored his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them.
Born on 1 March 1945, Peter exhibited a profound passion for music early in life where his angelic soprano voice eventually blossomed into a rich tenor. This musical journey saw him become an esteemed member of a madrigal group at Newcastle University, guided by the revered Brin Newton John. His love for music was a lifelong affair, one that filled his home with enchanting melodies, and some of his most treasured moments were spent singing while Gay played the piano.
Hailing from an academically inclined and athletically gifted background
Peter's early years were marked by an extraordinary versatility, both academically and in his extracurricular pursuits. He excelled in sports, transitioning from school rugby captain to playing for the University of Newcastle's rugby team. Academically, Peter proved outstanding, achieving the title of "dux of the boys" in high school, narrowly bested by his close friend Michelle Ackee. Peter's academic diligence culminated in a thesis on re-entrant jets, developed under the tutelage of Neil Molloy. This significant work led to their joint publication in the prestigious journal 'Nature.'
Though accepted into both Veterinary Science and Metallurgy. He ultimately pursued a career in Metallurgy, fueled by a traineeship with Stewart Lloyds in Newcastle, a company where Peter devoted 37 years of his life. His career took him from Newcastle to Wollongong, Adelaide, and even Jakarta. It was in Jakarta where he nurtured his love for theater, forming lifelong friendships through his involvement with the Jakarta Players. He both produced and starred in notable productions such as ‘South Pacific,’ ‘Babes in the Woods,’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest.’ His rendition of "Younger Than Springtime" remains a fond memory for those who heard him sing.
After Jakarta, Peter moved to Ballarat to manage a foundry for Tubemakers of Australia. Under his leadership, the previously struggling Foundry at Currumbin transformed into a profitable venture, ultimately taken over by BHP. Unconvinced by the corporate culture at BHP, Peter resigned to work for ASMF in Wollongong, before returning to the Gold Coast to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a family business. By 2004, all three of his children had joined the family venture, creating a thriving business with an emphasis on growth and culture. Peter relished working alongside his children, marking one of his great personal achievements.
Peter was most cherished for his unique management style that focused on team orientation and the development of individual strengths. His profound impact in the professional world was echoed by those who worked alongside him, who held him in high esteem for his wisdom, leadership, and ability to bring out the best in everyone.
In 2012, Peter and Gay embarked on a series of memorable travels around the globe, exploring New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, a cruise from Miami to Dover, and a river cruise from Copenhagen to Budapest. Their adventures also took them through Estonia, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, not to mention extensive travel throughout Australia. These experiences enriched their lives and created enduring memories.
In recent years, they enjoyed a quieter life closer to home due to health concerns but remained surrounded by the love of their expanding family. Peter will forever be remembered for his generous nature, his love for a good red wine, rum and Coke, his passion for singing and the unparalleled respect within his professional circles.
Peter Leonard Taylor's life was one well-lived, marked by professional success, personal fulfillment, and a generous spirit. He touched many lives and leaves behind a family who will carry forward his values and legacy. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife Gay, their three children, their six grandchildren, and his two great-grandchildren, along with the many friends and loved ones who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we raise a glass in his honour, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man profoundly loved. Rest in peace, Peter. Your life remains a testament to love, dedication, and the importance of family.
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Whenever we saw each other at events after that, he would always wonder over and say hi. Then introduce me to others.
He was so generous with his time.
When my family moved to the Gold Coast in 2018 he invited me for coffee and told me who to meet and chat with.
My thoughts and prayers are with Gay, Justin, Brendan, Natasha and the children.
Thank you Peter for being a true friend.
Much love, Kylie xx
In 1987 he became my first client when I went into consulting.
He ran both the Amcast Factory in Ballarat and the Coastline Foundry In Currumbin.
He was very successful as both a leader and a manager and I learned as much from him as he learnt from me. But I charged him anyway !!
Over the next 37 years of consulting I have never met a better organisational leader and I continued to work with him right up until he founded the family business TBS.
We became very good friends over all these years and he will be greatly missed by me and my family.
Peter, Diana Sedgewick and I used to ride home together from Casino High School, over the Irving Bridge, and wheel our bikes up the hill of Stapleton Avenue. My father taught Peter Geography and he used to top the subject. Hopefully this encouraged his and Gay's many travels.
Peter and Gay visited me in Perth when they were passing through WA, often on wildflower tours. My father was delighted to see him too.
I always thought highly of Peter. He was personable, generous, and entertaining.
I will really miss my old schoolfriend.
Joining TBS in early 2023, I was immediately impressed by the workplace culture and the family oriented atmosphere, and upon meeting Peter I could quickly tell that he played a big part in establishing those elements within the organisation.
Peter was extremely generous with his time, and he was exceptionally gifted at making people feel like a valuable part of the team. Whenever Peter popped into the office, he would make a point of coming in and having a chat. He was genuinely interested in hearing about how I was doing in my role and what projects I was working on. And he did that with the entire team, making everyone feel seen and appreciated.
As his health deteriorated, we saw less of Peter in the office and it was obvious that everyone missed seeing him just as much as I am sure he missed spending time here.
In early May, I received a phone call from Pete on a Saturday to say that he had received a letter that was addressed to me. As I live close by, and knowing that he wasn’t physically up to taking it into the office, I told him that I could pop around and grab it. When I arrived, Pete was standing at his front gate with letter in hand. I was ready to wind the window down so he could pass the letter to me but he stayed standing at the front gate. So I got out of the car and shook his hand. Even though it was obvious that he was struggling with his health he still greeted me warmly. He then turned, letter in hand, and headed for his front door. “Looks like I’m going inside,” I thought to myself with a smile as I followed him. He took me in and he, Gay, and myself sat talking for the next hour. They made me feel like family and I left with that same sense of being a valuable part of the team that I got whenever Pete popped by the office.
I am deeply saddened that we will no longer get to spend time with this lovely man but am confident that everyone who has ever had the pleasure of getting to know Peter will hold his memory fondly in their hearts.
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You are welcome to stay as long as you like and share your stories of Peter just let our MC know
Drinks provided & food from 4PM
We would like everyone to dress smartly and add colour
If possible for catering purposes please let us know if you are able to attend and how many
5 Boomerang Rd, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
