A lifetime of extraordinary achievement came to a conclusion on Thursday 15th August when our good friend, Peter Procter, so sadly passed away.
In his support of Wharfedale Rugby Club, Peter was an essential part of a unique following, which is the envy of many clubs. Age is not important unless you are a cheese or a wine. Peter proved this point by having friends of all ages. He cared passionately, and understood the serious challenges that a young and ambitious player has in modern day sport. At the age of 94, and having lost his mother when he was only six and his father at the age of 10, Peter knew that perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after the other.
He was educated at Saint Peter’s, York, and was a true tourist having lived in Harrogate, Alne, Bradford and of course Appletreewick! He had been married to his beloved wife, Shirley, long enough to have celebrated his platinum wedding anniversary and to have received written congratulations from the King.
As a young man Peter was a keen cyclist and excelled at hill climbing. In 1951 he won the British Championship and was King of the Mountains in the Tour of Britain. However, the British Olympic Committee failed to recognise Peter‘s talents and, with other world class cyclists, he was omitted from the team to represent Great Britain at the Olympics. Disillusioned, Peter turned to his business commitments in the building trade. He also turned professional and rode for BSA.
In 1956, Peter seamlessly switched to the helm of rallying. He went on to compete in the RAC rally, the Monte Carlo rally (8 times), the Le Mans 24 Hour Rally (4 times) and several Grand Prix in Formula Two following invitations from Ken Tyrrell and Colin Chapman. His most famous performances were second places in the Berlin and Vienna Grand Prix.
In 1966, Peter‘s career came to an end as a result of a horrific accident at Goodwood. Peter was hit from behind in a saloon car race. His car somersaulted several times before coming to rest in flames. Jim Clark and Jack Brabham were taking part in the same race. It took 28 seconds for stewards to rescue him but he suffered 3rd degree burns to 65% of his body.
Peter’s legacy grew after his retirement. Encouraged by his great friends, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill, Peter became responsible for the introduction of flameproof overalls in motorsport. He was an ever popular member of the British Racing Drivers Club based at Silverstone and Shirley proudly carries on as a thoroughly faithful supporter as President of the Women’s Motor Racing Associates’ Club.
More than 40 years ago, Peter allowed his passion for sport to turn its attention to Wharfedale rugby club. Of course he kept his interest in Aston Martin, Cooper and Sunbeam, but found great comfort in his friendships within the club. We all know that seven months in a hospital burns unit will have drawn great courage from Peter and throughout his life he has been a brave example to all of us in overcoming personal difficulties and misfortune.
Peter continued to drive until his recent admission to hospital, and took part in one of Wharfedale’s famous cycle rides last year finishing at the club. A great competitor, he defied a 2015 prognosis from his specialist that he would only survive for a further 3 to 5 months. He won that battle and ironically at the end suffered from cardiac problems.
Peter was an ever present supporter at all Wharfedale’s matches – home and away. If he was not smart in appearance, he blamed Scriv’s “appalling driving “. Whoever you speak to emphasises that Peter was a true gentleman – genial, friendly, kind and fiercely loyal to Wharfedale. His encouragement of the younger players was beyond measure.
Peter will be laid to rest next to Scriv in Burnsall Churchyard. Let us pray that the bar will be open!
In a moment of forward planning some time ago, Shirley asked Peter whether he would prefer a cremation or a burial. Peter replied with his customary humour that he would rather be buried; they had tried cremation in 1966 but it didn’t work!
When I visited Shirley a few days ago she had just had a call from Jackie Stewart. Racing royalty certainly looks after its family. Let us make sure that we do just that.
Peter is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their five sons, Derek, Paul, Gary, Andy and Stuart. We would be delighted to welcome them at Wharfedale at any time.
Courage,loyalty and resilience are extraordinary virtues.
John Spencer.