Funeral director retires after nearly 50 years service

Peter Davey, manager of Walter C. Parson Funeral Director’s Tavistock office, has retired following 48 years’ loyal service to bereaved families in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

Peter began his career as an Aircraft Electrician for the Royal Navy in 1962, serving on HMS Eagle in 820 squadron.

He served in the Royal Navy for 7 years before taking the decision to study funeral directing at Manadon College, whilst gaining experience working for Billy Westlake in St Budeaux.

In 1974, having completed 12 years in total for the Royal Navy, Peter joined Westlake Funeral Service full-time and successfully passed his Diploma in Funeral Directing in that same year.

Westlake Funeral Service was sold a national group in 1988 and Peter continued to work within the business until he took the decision to join Walter C. Parson Funeral Directors in January 2000.

Peter brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to WCP, working as funeral director at their Crownhill office until 2014. During this time, he also served as Devon area president for the National Association of Funeral Directors.

In 2014, Peter took the opportunity to become manager of the firm’s Tavistock office, which had been acquired from David Burch in 2010. In 2017, Peter took the decision to retire in order to spend some more quality time with his family.

Stephen Ware, managing director said, “Peter has been an exemplary funeral director for Walter C. Parson during his 17 years with us and retires following 48 years’ service in total, making him by far the longest serving funeral director in Plymouth.

“His knowledge and reputation have seen the Tavistock office go from strength to strength under his stewardship. I wish Peter all the very best for the restful and enjoyable retirement which he so deserves.”