The obituary notice of Peter Ralph BURCH

An Ode to Peter

That old adage, the end of an era, becomes true with your passing. You have been a huge part of our lives for forty years.
Our initial meeting came about through the friendship of our sons. We well remember the first time we had dinner together with wonderful Vanessa and yourself to discuss our son accompanying you on a proposed holiday to Spain.
Things developed quickly and the following year we were renting your time share in La Noria.
Holidays in Andalucia in May each year became the norm and we travelled the length and depth of Spain with you doing all the planning!! Your attention to detail was meticulous, all those lists of what to take.
We were soon convinced that Nerja should be our holiday home rather than Northumberland and it was you and Vanessa who found our first villa ………on the same street as yourselves in San Juan de Capistrano.

After you caught the bug for travel further afield, we joined you on wonderfully planned tours as diverse as the far East and Cuba, including participation in the May 1st parades!

Our children’s weddings, holidays BBQ’s, dinners, picnics, murder mystery parties, dinner dances, Pétanque group, Nerja Players, Ceilidhs, the list goes on and on. Our lives were entwined in so many ways. So very talented, we will never forget your production of “The Poetry of War” at the Casa Cultural in Nerja.

When Vanessa passed away you were distraught and life was bleak. Thankfully, Sandra came into your life to enrich your later years.

We thank you for your friendship, your tremendous sense of fun, the joy you brought into our lives.

We miss you

Trish and Geoff Hall

Peter was always fun to be with! He was a dedicated member of the Nerja Players, a committed committee member, a skilful and enthusiastic producer and director and, of course, half of the infamous 2 Bees! With a sense of childlike humour, he enjoyed and often occasioned a good laugh but he also had a serious side and I will long remember our Saturday morning coffee and cakes (thankyou Sandra!) when current politics were often discussed. He became my best friend in Nerja, his advice being always welcome and he was sorely missed when ill health forced his return to the UK. His passing leaves a big hole in our lives but an even bigger star in the night sky.

We first met Peter and Vanessa at the Nerja Players, when first on holiday in Spain. He and Vanessa welcomed us warmly to the group, and as we spent more time in Nerja, over many years, our friendship grew, and we enjoyed trips out and Sunday lunches together along the coast. During the winter, we often attended evening balls together; dancing being another enjoyment of Peter's. Peter also visited us in our home in France several times, and we will always remember his irrepressible energy and sense of adventure and fun. Peter's love of the theatre shone brightly through, whether he was centre stage or working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure each production ran smoothly. We send our sincere condolences to all Peter's family and friends. He leaves timeless memories. Sending love, Rob and Karen Cleary

In 1976 who would have guessed that 50 years later we would still be friends. After all, you and Vanessa were my first theatre landlord and landlady in Derby - for just 5 days! However, from trying to force-feed me real ale, there was something about you, that compelled me to stay in touch. Not only that, but to welcome you & Vanessa on many occasions to stay at my home and me at yours in Nerja, latterly meeting the lovely Sandra.
Your uniqueness will remain with me and our lives will not be the same without you. Xx

In memory of a dear friend of 50 years. Rest in Peace, Peter