petef RIP
Early this morning Bristol Wireless received the sad news that Peter Ferne had passed away. š Pete had been the Chair of Bristol Wireless since its inception until ill health forced him to retire recently.
Early this morning, Pete’s old friend and Bristol Wireless stalwart Rich received the following email from Pete’s wife Deb.
Pete died this morning. I don’t know when the funeral will be yet, but probably late next week. I will email you again to let you know.
Please can you tell everyone you know who knew him, in case I have forgotten to include anyone on the list.
Since then we’ve heard that the funeral will be taking place at the Memorial Woodlands at Alveston, Gloucestershire, but have yet to receive confirmation of the exact time.
Bristol Wireless would like to thank Pete for all his hard work for the co-operative over the years and will miss him greatly, along with, inter alia, his taste in fine headgear, hair and love of cider (the above picture was snapped at The Cube in 2007 during the Bristol Wireless AGM. Ed.).
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Deb and Pete’s family at this difficult time; you’re in our thoughts. š
Please feel free to comment if you’d like to record your memories below.
Something about Steve Woods
Chief scribe
I’m so very sad to hear both that Pete was ill and that he has died. He was a lovely bloke. Very clever, knowledgeable and principled too. Whenever I arranged to meet up with him, as well as anticipating what his point of view on a particular thing was going to be, I was always wondering what his hair was going to look like.
Sorry to see you go so soon Pete
Dan
I only met Pete two or three times at various events – every time he was friendly and interesting and just a nice guy to hang out with. I particularly remember walking through Copenhagen with him one evening, between Reboot and a restaurant, having a nice chat about Bristol and the internet and work, etc. I’m so sorry to hear this news.
Deepest sympathies to Pete’s family at this sad time. Pete and I didn’t always see eye to eye, but we always had great fun discussing our differences! He made a tremendous personal contribution to Bristol Wireless over the years and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Jules.
Pete was on the interview panel for a role I went for at Futurelab in 2006 (even though he’d long since left himself! – I guess his input was valued highly enough for them to beg him back in when they could).
Of the four different people who interviewed me throughout the morning, he was the one I most connected with. I felt at the time it was as though he saw in me a potential that the others overlooked, and that he would champion me in the debrief.
I got the job, and Futurelab went on to shape and change me, professionally and personally, in all manner of happy and long-lasting ways.
I’ll never forget Pete’s part in getting me there.
RIP, dude.
T
petef, truly one of the good guys in this world. bon voyage…
I don’t know what to say. Iām both shocked and saddened.
You’re in my thoughts Pete. Rest in peace mate.
Yesterday evening I learnt from Ed Mitchell that Pete’s daughter Maisie has put a page up for people to add their memories, stories, anecdotes about Pete. You can also upload photos of Pete too.
I had the good fortune to meet Pete on a number of occasions at events at Watershed and elsewhere before he worked with our group at HP Labs. Pete was smart, thoughtful and always fun to work with. He was a significant presence in Bristol’s media and technology communities and a lovely, lovely man.
You will be missed, Pete.
Phil
For those planning to attend Pete’s funeral – refer to this page for info re lift sharing and possible coach from Bristol to Alveston:
http://peteferne.wikispaces.com/