Tribute to police chief,
RETIRED CHIEF INSPECTOR DIED AFTER SHORT ILLNESS
DOZENS of officers stood in silence outside Burton police station to pay their respects to their former boss as his funeral cortege passed by.
Officers gathered ahead of the funeral of retired chief inspector Peter Crowther, who witnessed Winston Churchill’s funeral and the investiture of Prince Charles.
His family have paid tribute to the “respectful, kind, generous man, with endless love to give”, following his death aged 83 after a short illness.
His funeral took place yesterday at Bretby Crematorium in South Derbyshire.
Speaking of Mr Crowther, who was born in 1937, his family said: “His humble beginnings and wonderful brothers, sisters and mother moulded him into a respectful, kind, generous man, with endless love to give. It goes without saying that his quick wit and need for knowledge is something we have all come to be very proud of, and for him, his ability to pass the eleven-plus was his key to his bright future.
His first job was in the butchers shop in Blythe Bridge, where he lived. He often told the story of falling off his bike when on a delivery round and having to find a stream to wash the meat in before he could sell it, his family said.
He spent time in Germany with the Coldstream Guards before joining Staffordshire police in 1962, just a few years after meeting and marrying his wife of 60 years, Joan, who later gave birth to their children Lesley and Tanya.
His family said: “He was so proud to be able to give back to the county, to serve and protect its residents, and provide for his young family.”
He served with Staffordshire police for 30 years, covering most of the county during his career, they said.
He started as a village policeman at Barlaston near Stone but most of his service was spent in Uttoxeter, Stone, Lichfield and finally at Burton.
His family said: “We are all so proud of the progress he made there, retiring as chief inspector. This remarkable service to the country and crown allowed him many incredible opportunities, from witnessing the historic investiture of Prince Charles at Caernafon Castle in 1969, to the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, [in 1965] where he was present as an officer.
“Perhaps his fondest memories are those playing cricket for Staffordshire police and helping to win lots of games with that unbeatable bowl he had. And the honour of travelling to Fumel, the twin of Uttoxetter. He represented the town with two others, going to schools and taking part in various village fetes. How he loved this trip and France in general. He would often reminisce of swimming in the River Lot and his dress-up in traditional French police uniforms.” Mr Crowther retired in 1993 and became a granddad for the first time.
Grandson William gave him a new lease of life, his family said, and his love for cricket and swimming was reborn. One of his proudest days was seeing William follow in his footsteps and join Greater Manchester Police as a police constable. He was also thrilled to see his two granddaughters, Evie and Elizabeth, start university this year.
Ralph Seville, chairman of the Burton and Uttoxeter NARPO (National Association of Retired Police Officers), said: “The service was conducted by Dr Terry Root, also a retired Burton police officer. Those attending the funeral service were close family members and a small number of friends and colleagues.
“The funeral cortege had earlier passed Burton Police Station, where Mr Crowther had worked as both an Inspector and Chief Inspector until his retirement from Staffordshire police in 1993.
“Regular officers in uniform and other retired police officers stood outside the police station to pay their respect to a popular and well regarded officer who served the community well.”