Peter John Aspinall (24 Dec 1947 - 12 Jan 2023)



I first met Peter at the South East Institute of Public Health at Salomons House in Tunbridge Wells when he became my Master’s Supervisor in 1999. Over time he became a good family friend and often came for our annual summer parties. Our friendship lasted 25 years until his passing in 2023. He was a true friend - circumspect, kind and generous with time & good advice, a humble man with great intellect. I miss our many conversations.

Peter loved spending his time in Waterstones and listening to music by Shania Twain. His favourite home for many years was The Bothy in Tunbridge Wells. He spent a short spell in Whitstable and finally settled in Crowborough during his final years. He never made it to Cyprus.

He loved his academic life and had written countless books. His last one published was on Mixed Race Britain. He was so proud and excited to share this news. I believe he was working on another when he became ill and was also doing project work for the London Observatory.

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This is a photo of Peter in 1999 in his office at SEIPH. I recall with fondness the many hours discussing my dissertation and then breaking for our favourite roast lunch in the dining room of Salomons House. I learned so much from this humble and decent human being. It has taken a year to let go and say goodbye. RIP Peter. Thanks for being you.

June & family

A year on and we still miss our dear friend Peter.

Peter's work colleagues' descriptions of him are 'spot on'. Conversations with Peter were always enjoyable and funny. He was a dedicated and assiduous researcher, whose academic output in important areas like equality and human rights will surely continue to have an impact. Rest in peace Peter.

Peter was a fantastic colleague and good friend, always ready to help by sharing his unparalleled knowledge and experience. He will be much missed.

As Editor-in-Chief of GENEALOGY, I had the good fortune and honour to work with Peter as one of our distinguished Associate Editors. In the sadly short period of our collaboration, he proved an invaluable and, indeed, indispensable member of our GENEALOGY community. He always responded instantly to our requests for advice and was always ready to share his excellent ideas and expertise with us, despite his illness. We also owe to Peter the introduction to GENEALOGY of the Section: "Genealogical Communities: Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Racial, and Multi-National Genealogies". We shall miss him immensely.

In loving memory of our Uncle Pete,

We will always treasure our memories of your exotic and hilarious travel stories from across the world. You will be sadly missed.

Thank you to the hospice for all of the care and support you provided.

With much love, from Anna and James.

Peter, your passing was quiet and unexpected at the end of a life that was full of all you could give to the work you did and who you helped and cared for. Thank you for the time you spent with us and the support you gave. We grieve for the passing and cherish the memories.

To Peter

I didn't know Peter well unfortunately, but was starting to know him as he, Chamion and I were working together on a joint project. He was the most lovely man - generous, kind and fiercely intelligent. I am so sorry that I will now never get to know him better but he lives on in his wonderful work.

Thank you Peter for being such an incredible colleague, mentor and friend. You will be deeply, deeply missed but never forgotten.

Peter became a good friend to my wife and myself. We enjoyed his company and conversed for hours. He taught me so much about research methods and critical analysis. Peter was so keen to move back to Tunbridge Wells where he had previously lived in his ideal home next to Dunorlan Park. I shall very much miss our long chats about our shared interests.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the news of Peter's passing. My condolences to you and your family.

In memory of Peter and in support of the wonderful work of the Hospice

Peter was a much valued member of SEIPH (South East Institute of Public Health). I was pleased that we were able to keep in touch, after SEIPH closed, at social events and reunions and hear about his recent activities. He will be missed.