Gentleman Peter Gaylard dies
Peter Gaylard, who was a world-renowned expert in platinum group metals and a former chairperson of the Plett Ratepayers Association, has died. Gaylard finally succumbed to pneumonia after battling lung cancer for some time.
Gaylard (81) served as chairperson of the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers' Association from 2019 to 2023, and served on its executive committee for almost a decade before becoming chairperson.
Gaylard was described as fair, objective, honest, and a gentleman.
"It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our past chairman, Peter Gaylard, passed away on 4 February 202," said current chairperson Steve Pattinson.
"We all respected Peter immensely and appreciated his guidance and commitment to Plett and to good governance. We will miss him as a friend, and give our deepest sympathy to the family."
Gaylard was a chemical engineer by profession and studied at the University of the Witwatersrand.
His corporate career included 28 years service with Impala Platinum Mines.
He was a top expert in world on platinum group metals.
From Impala he went to the University of Cape Town where he became adjunct professor of chemical engineering.
While in Plett he was also sought after for his skill as a consultant in the field of platinum group metals.
After UCT, he and his wife, Mary, retired to Plettenberg Bay and he became part of the Plett Ratepayers Association.
He was a church warden in the Anglican parish of Formosa and joined the church choir at St Peter's Anglican Church.
"He had a gorgeous voice," said his niece, Philippa Stratten. Gaylard is survived by his wife, Mary, three children and four grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at St Peter's Anglican Church today, Thursday 8 February, at 10:00.