Tributes have been paid to an Arsenal-mad 90-year-old from Hatfield after he died earlier this month.
Peter Flower, who was looked after in Hatfield by Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, passed away last month and his funeral will take place in early August.
The national charity helps people lead fulfilling lives, and three of its carers who spent years looking after Peter paid tribute to his “kind and easy-going” nature.
Margaret Hill, 69, who cared him for over two decades, said: “He was quite an inspiration because he had so much courage facing all the problems he had to face.
“He was always smiling and he made everyone else smile as well.”
She added she felt very lucky to have known Peter, and his courage has helped her through difficult times in her life.
Peter was a life-long Arsenal fan, and embellished his home with The Gunners memorabilia – ranging from clocks and calendars to scarfs and match programmes.
He still went to games when he could and joyfully watched his team beat rivals Tottenham last year.
Another carer, Fran Higgins, said Peter had a dedicated stone at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium to reflect his life-long love for the club.
She added: “He was a gentleman and a gentle man, he loved having visitors, and was very popular and highly thought of.
“He was also kind, easy-going and enjoyed trips to London.”
Fran also looked back fondly on Peter’s 80th birthday, which saw him go to the capital with friends because “he wanted to see where the Queen lives”.
Originally from Bristol, Peter moved to WGC’s Hazel Grove around 20 years ago, before eventually coming to Hatfield.
Another carer, Jane King, added: “He had a good sense of humour, liked a laugh and a joke and had lots of friends.”
Not much is known about Peter’s background, but he has been looked after by Saint John of God Hospitaller Services for 73 years.
Margaret said she was told Peter passed away peacefully during the early hours of July 12, adding: “I’m told he was laughing and joking right till the end.”
Everyone is welcome at Peter’s funeral, which will be on August 9, at 1.15pm, at Harwood Park Crematorium.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here