This site is a tribute to Pete G, who was born in Birmingham in June 1948 and resided in Redditch for much of his adult life. He is much loved and will always be remembered.

Pete grew up with his parents Thomas and Bridget and siblings Frankie, Margaret and Betty in the crescent in Hockley. 

Upon leaving school he completed his apprenticeship as a printer which remained his trade for the majority of his working life working at John Goodman, Cadbury’s, Drapkins, Wheeler Cross and Dean, Presscraft and TPL. He was trained in gravure and lithographic printing.  

Prior to retirement, Pete was made redundant from TPL and worked locally at Morrisons which enabled him to reconnect with old friends in the local community.

Pete was married to Ellen his “rock” for over 51 years and was a much loved father to Clare and Emily and father in law to Simon and Nick. He was also grandfather to two beautiful grandaughters, Evie and Cecily and was very fond of their dog Rover who he enjoyed walking.

Pete was welcomed into the Foran family by Lily and Andy who considered him one of their own and is remembered fondly by the Foran siblings Andy, Elizabeth, Marion, Michael, Margaret and Jackie.  They have spoken of how they grew up with him.

Pete’s hobbies and interests included supporting West Bromwich Albion and he enjoyed going to matches with Clare in his early retirement years and occassionally seeing his niece Joanne and her family at The Hawthorns.

He was also very interested in Birmingham history and was an active member of the Hockley forum online which enabled him to reconnect with childhood friends. 

Pete enjoyed motoring and he and Ellen would speak about their first car, a little white 850cc mini with a sunshine roof that they had fitted and how they took it to Wales and Scotland on holidays. One of his favourite holidays was a motoring holiday in France when Clare and Emily were teenagers. By then, he drove a Rover.

In the past he and the family also took their dog Clem to dog shows including Crufts. He also collected model cars and trains.

Above all, Pete was a family man and was happiest spending time with his “girls” be that supporting their activities; he took great pleasure in their running achievements over the years, enjoying family holidays, meals out or family traditions such as the annual Grennan trip to the panto. Evie and Cecily particularly enjoyed going to the rock shop at Cadbury’s with Grandaddy. 

Pete always put his family first and was proud to put both of his daughters through university and to host their weddings along with Ellen.

In 2016, Pete beat blood cancer by undergoing a life saving stem cell transplant. The transplant was from an anonymous donor arranged by Anthony Nolan. His courage, bravery and determination when dealing with ill health will never be forgotten by those closest to him.

Whilst we are all bereft at losing Pete we will forever be grateful that he survived over six years following the transplant. This meant that he was able to see both of his beautiful grandaughters start school, celebrate his golden wedding anniversary with Ellen and walk Clare down the aisle. It is for this reason that Pete’s family have chosen to support Anthony Nolan in his loving memory.