Family, friends, former pupils and coaching colleagues attended the funeral of Peter Brown who died on the 11th May after a long illness. The service which was held at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton was attended by nearly 200 people reflecting the many who had been touched by Peter in his long coaching career, both in squash and tennis.
Many gathered afterwards at the Wolverhampton Tennis Club where Peter was the Head Coach for many years.
His eldest son, Scott, paid tribute to a wonderful and encouraging Father who entrenched strong values in his three children, Lizzie, Scott and Ashley, to always do their best in whatever field they chose but to play fair and always treat others as they would wish to be treated themselves.
Terry Mabbitt, one of ‘Brownies’ oldest and closest friends, spoke of his many achievements in his sporting career both playing and coaching. As a tennis player ‘Brownie’ represented four counties, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire and Staffordshire. As a coach, as well as being the Head Coach at Wolverhampton Club for many years, he was also a former Welsh National Coach and West Midlands Regional Coach. Many successful players were guided by him in their formative years and many, many young tennis coaches were inspired by Brownie as a Panel Tutor instructing on the LTA Professional Registration Course and the qualification courses leading up to it.
On the squash court Peter was a stalwart competitor as well as again coaching at the highest level and inspiring and instructing squash coaches of all levels in their careers. He was a panel tutor for both the Squash Rackets Professionals Association and the Squash Rackets Association.
Above all ‘Brownie’ was a hard working ‘pro’ bringing fun and enjoyment to all his players whether he was doing the first early morning lesson of the day to the very last at night. Many email tributes were sent to his family and these again paid tribute to him as a great, enthusiastic motivator, an exceptional coach and person and above all great fun to be with.
Former LTA Secretary, John James, said Peter set a great example as a professional coach and was a lovely person to know.
A good epitaph for any of us in the coaching world and something I am sure we would like to live up to.
Above all ‘Brownie’ was a very dear friend who will be sadly missed.
Jane Poynder May 2014
Donations, if desired, to Parkinson’s UK and Newbridge House Care Home
c/o Co-operative Funeralcare
12 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QT