Tribute to Peter York
This is a tribute to Peter York, 1 January 1944 to 3 November 2025.
Peter joined the Liberal party in 1969. He was an active member before the merger into the Liberal Democrats, which he enthusiastically supported. He first stood for Plymouth City Council in the early 1970s and was a candidate at both local and county level ever since.
He always had a big smile and was forever willing to help out others. He was delighted to become the Plymouth party's first Honorary President. He lived for many years in St Judes, always standing in the Sutton and Mount Gould ward. Even though never elected he worked tirelessly in his ward, getting things done for local people. He would help clean parks, organise for potholes to be repaired, or dropped-kerbs to be installed. Little things that are a huge help.
In 2016, in appreciation of Peter's work, he was nominated for The Harriet Smith Distinguished Service Award. This is the highest reward open to party members who have demonstrated excellence and commitment. It is a recognition for their work, service, and dedication. Of course he won. He was an outstanding recipient. The award was presented by the Party President Sal Brinton at the Brighton autumn conference and shown live on national television.
Lord Robin Teverson, the former MEP for West Plymouth and Cornwall, presented the award to Peter our Annual General Meeting (pictured). Peter was the first (and so far only) person from this area to be honoured by the awards panel. It is a wonderful achievement and no one deserved it more.
Peter was a former Specialist Healthcare Scientist at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and was 81 when he died. He leaves behind his wife Pamela and children Matt and Becky and step-children, Raymond, Kevin and Gareth. He was grandfather to Ben, Lee, Katie, Thomas, Liam Jack and Caru and step-grandchildren Shelby, Kemi, Kelcie and Josh. He was great grandad to Noah, Harrison, Olivia, Logan, Eli, Lyra and Otto. Brother to Margaret, Norah and twin brother Mike.
Our current Honorary President, Hugh Janes, paid tribute to Peter at the AGM of Plymouth Liberal Democrats earlier this month, where members observed a minute's silence in his honour.