Sadly we have lost a much-admired member of our Probus Club with the recent passing of life member Peter Wesley. Peter’s Australian mother ran away with a Yankee sailor, and Peter was born in California the year before Pearl Harbour. After his primary schooling in New York, his family moved to Sydney in 1950, where Peter became an Aussie. He attended Manly High School, then became a jackaroo on a sheep and cattle stud near Narrabri, NSW. He married Ann in 1962 and they shortly moved to the west. Peter joined Wesfarmers in Wagin and was soon promoted to a number of senior roles.

His climb continued after Wesfarmers went public in 1984, with his close involvement in several major takeovers, including Elders, Federation Insurance and Dalgety’s.

In addition to his work, Peter sat on the board of the Institute of Management and chaired the WA ParaOlympics Committee for the Barcelona Games. Even in retirement at Eagle Bay, he took on the job of chief fire control officer and also coached T-ball teams.

Peter joined Probus Perth in 2008 and naturally was active from the start, both within our club and in PAWA, culminating in his becoming President, 2014–16. He played the key role in converting our club from men only to a mixed club and took a keen interest after the transition in nurturing new members.

Peter’s broad competence and friendly, humorous manner enabled him easily and quickly to get to know many people.

We have lost a fine and rightly popular Australian in Peter. Our deep condolences to Ann, his children Brian, Michelle and Rob and other family. He will be greatly missed.

Ned Overton 10 June 2024