In Memory Of Peter Dean Dustman

Over his 89 years, Peter had had a varied life, from flying with the RAF in the Second World War to being a meteorologist for the US military, but his last few years in England were his most settled. He loved his home and garden and was always happy to return there after a short trip out. The simple pleasures of reading the daily paper and weekly magazines, watching the birds feeding in the garden, the strawberries ripening and the pansies blooming sustained him in his final months as his mobility declined.

 

Having watched his wife Lorna succumb slowly to Alzheimer's, and finally passing away in 2006, he may have thought that his life could be drawing to a close - until he met and married Marguerite (known to old friends as Tops) at the age of 86! Together they did crosswords and played Scrabble, Rummikub and Bananagrams and provided each other with companionship and support. She was with him in the nursing home at the end of his struggle with colon cancer.

 

Having had no children of his own, he was delighted to acquire step-children, first Gill and Russell when he married Lorna in 1975, then Marion when he married Tops in 2007. His love for his step-grandchildren Matthew, Paul, two Andrews and Peter as well as step-great-grandchildren Elliott and Phoebe, Katy and Toby, was generous and sincere. For many years he attended Zion Baptist church and was a deacon - the fellow church members and new pastor showed great care for him when he became more ill. Despite being a very shy and private man, the warmth of his smile, sense of humour and appreciation of others made him admired by all, right to the end.

 

Both the hospital and nursing home staff remarked on what a nice man he was, always with a smile for them, and how many visitors he had. Family, church friends and neighbours all wanted to offer him their support. His brother and sister and their spouses in the US would have loved to be with him, but sent him emails to show their care from afar. He was an example of patient endurance, and of being happy in all circumstances