Tributes paid to a 'man full of integrity' (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Tributes paid to a 'man full of integrity'

8:45am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

A FORMER Kidderminster Mayor who served as a Wyre Forest councillor for 17 years has died, aged 86.

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Peter Carter, who represented the Sutton Park Ward as a Liberal Democrat member of Wyre Forest District Council from 1987 until he retired in 2004, as someone who “everybody admired”.

He died peacefully at his Kidderminster home with his son John by his side last Friday.

Mr Carter was Mayor of Kidderminster from 1996 to 1997 and also sat on Hereford and Worcester County Council from 1993 until 1997 and Worcestershire County Council from 1997 until 2005. He held the office of chairman of Worcestershire in 2000 to 2001.

Mr Carter’s niece Jayne Greene paid tribute to him as a kind-hearted man who always had time for everybody.

“He was a very sociable man,” she said. “He was a loving father and doted on his son John and John’s wife Pauline.

“He was a very strong business-minded man and was incredibly proud of everything that he achieved.

“He lived a very fulfilled life and was very involved in so many different groups and organisations. He liked to be involved. He liked to make a difference.”

She added Mr Carter, who also leaves behind his brother John and sister Monica Hill, was “very passionate” about his garden and recalled memories of making jam, pickles and wine with him.

“He was always very family oriented,” she said.

Stephen Clee, chairman of the district council, added: “Peter was a real proud Kidderminster man and did everything to promote Kidderminster and the district at large.

“He will be greatly missed and I send the council’s sincere condolences to Peter’s family.”

Liberal leader Fran Oborski said: “In a total of 17 years on both Wyre Forest and the county councils Peter achieved high ranks in serving as chairs and Mayor.”

Independent Community and Health Concern councillor Graham Ballinger said he remembered Mr Carter as an honest man.

“He was full of integrity and will be sorely missed. He was a guy who everybody admired,” he said.

Mr Carter’s funeral will be held next Wednesday at St Mary and All Saints Church, Kidderminster, at 2pm. It will be followed by a service at Wyre Forest Crematorium at 3pm.

The family have asked for family flowers only and anyone who knew Mr Carter is welcome to attend the funeral.