RIP Peter Freebody

[fisherman]

I understand that Peter Freebody, of the Hurley boatyard died on the Saturday before Christmas. I only knew him because I bought his old car. It would be fair to say he was a terrible driver, the car was a technical write off when I got it, just from cosmetic damage. He contacted me to say he was preparing another cheap Volvo for me, I think he changed it recently before I could see it.

 

[Marine Reflections]

A huge loss to the Thames.

May he rest in peace.


Peter's legacy will live on through the continuation of the family business under the stewardship of Richard, his sisters and family, and the team at the boatyard.


Peter freebody & Co

 

[TrueBlue]

An Eccentric.

I only met him once to talk to and again on the water to exchange badinage.

He was charging about in a fleet of Gentlemens' slipper launches. One of which had a very large BMW V8 petrol. Boy! - did it go.

Eccentric because he was of the old school; restoring classic boats, mostly wooden.

As our society gets more and more dumbed down, these oddballs must be treasured while they are still available.

 

[ianc1200]

I had the privilege to know Peter for 25+ years, he was a wonderful person to know, and apart from the incredible work he & his team have done over the years, he played a major role in the revival of the woodenboat interest on the Thames; several of his former employees have set up their own woodenboat restoration businesses.

 

[dinkydog]

peter freebody

i have just heard that peter has passed away.Iworked alongside peter in his boatyard in hurley for a long time,the world has losted a great man.i do hope that richard can fill his dads shoes,i wish him and his two sisters and elizabeth well in this sad time george reed