PETER Stockley, a lecturer for many years at the former Mid-Essex Technical College, died on Sunday, May 5, at Broomfield Hospital, after a long illness.
He was born the middle child of a Suffolk family from Mildenhall, his grandfather (affectionately known as "WG"), having been a notable figure in the village as headmaster of the school and organist at the parish church.
His mother also taught at the school, while his father, Mr A V Stockley, latterly served in the role of Principal Door Keeper at the Houses of Parliament under Black Rod.
Peter attended Culford School, near Bury St Edmunds, and went on to qualify as a teacher after having completed an apprenticeship at engineering firm, Ransomes & Rapier in Ipswich.
He met and married local nurse Julie Lees and they moved to Chelmsford in 1961, where they settled. Peter took up the post of lecturer in engineering and mathematics at what later became Anglia Ruskin University, progressing to senior lecturer, specialising in the newly developed CAD, until he retired after 36 years' service.
Julie and Peter had four children – Vivienne, Annette, Richard and Elizabeth.
Peter was a competent pianist and enjoyed being part of a piano trio and piano duet, giving recitals at the college, Shire Hall and Chelmsford Cathedral. Julie sang for many seasons in the Chelmsford Singers.
Peter was also a keen hockey player in earlier life, playing for the Hoffmann's hockey team.
Later in life he was involved in voluntary work as a pianist entertaining the patients of Farleigh Hospice, while one of his chief pleasures in retirement was playing bridge with the Danbury Bridge Club.
He will be sadly missed, a devoted husband, father and grandfather and brother to Tony and Anne.
The funeral will take place on Thursday, May 23, at St Michael's Church, Galleywood.
Donations may be made to Essex Air Ambulance.
