From teaching, to a love of sport and from music-making to being an ardent admirer of the works of our national bard, William Peat, who died 10 days short of his 89th birthday, led a full and active life.
Bill Peat was born in Peterhead on October 13, 1932, and packed in an amazing cross-section of interests, and taught for more than 30 years.
An accomplished all-round sportsman in his younger days, he played tennis at a high level and turned out as a midfielder with Peterhead FC in the Highland League in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Respect
In his career as an educationalist he was highly regarded and greatly loved and respected by generations of youngsters.
The Edinburgh University graduate returned to his home town to teach at the Central School before moving to Kemnay and later Mile End primary in Aberdeen.
He returned to the Central School as deputy head before taking over in 1972 at Peterhead North School as headteacher.
Clerkhill
Bill became headteacher of Clerkhill School in Peterhead in 1974 where he remained until his retirement in 1990.
He had a lifelong interest in music as a trombone player, guitarist, and a chorister blessed with a rich bass voice.
Bill was a keen hillwalker on Deeside and a former chairman of Peterhead Round Table.
Burns Club
He had a long association with Peterhead Burns Club, one of the oldest in the world, as a committee member, after-dinner speaker and, until the age of 80, as master of ceremonies.
Bill was made an honorary club president and played a leading role in arranging their 150th Burns supper in the Palace Hotel in 1976 where, as the Press and Journal’s assistant news editor, I joined a line-up of special guests to mark the historic event.
Skene Singers
Bill and his wife Kathleen moved to Westhill 20 years ago where he joined Skene Singers. The couple were members of Skene Parish Church.
Bill and Kathleen, also a teacher, had known each other for 65 years and were married for 62 years.
In addition to Kevin, they had a daughter, Nicky, and son Graeme.
There are six grandchildren and the couple were great-grandparents to nine “little treasures”.