It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Deputy Lieutenant, Peter Over.
Peter was appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant to the role in 2024 and was proudly Suffolk born and bred. He farmed at Elmswell and had been a major supporter of the Suffolk Agricultural Association for over 40 years, starting as a Gate Steward and rising to become Show Director (2008-2011). He later became a Trustee and from 2018 served as Vice Chairman.
Peter also played a major role at Ipswich Town Football Club, serving as an Official Club Ambassador as well as a Trustee of the Ipswich Town Foundation.
Peter’s sense of duty, his humour and kindness will be remembered by all.
The Lord-Lieutenant, Clare, Countess of Euston, CVO
“This is the saddest way to start a New Year. Peter Over was the best of friends to so many of us, with a passionate love for Suffolk and the farming world he played such an important part in. Latterly he hugely appreciated his role with Ipswich Town Football Club. He was someone we could all turn to with our thoughts and ideas and I was particularly delighted when he agreed to become a Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk representing His Majesty The King at visits to charities and businesses, and of course, he played a very important role during His Majesty’s historic visit to Newmarket last July. He was a very busy man but always somehow found the time to help. He helped transform the Suffolk Agricultural Association into a modern charity devoted to the education of young people. He will be sorely missed. We all have wonderful memories of the laughter and happiness which he brought with him to every occasion. I send heartfelt condolences to Peter’s wife, Kate, and all his family.”
Robert Rous, Vice Lord-Lieutenant and President and Past Chairman of the SAA
“I will remember Peter for his enormous enthusiasm for and pride in The Suffolk Show. He believed in high standards but was the least “stuffy” of people and always happy to be the butt of a joke. He was delighted to get involved in events such as the Mascot Derby either as a mascot or commentator. He loved comparing events such as the SAA farm awards which he did with great style.
Peter was very much a “people person” and hence made an ambassador for Ipswich Town FC – another of his loves and so delighted to have been brought on to the Board by John Kerr. Delighted to have been made a Deputy Lieutenant. A very loyal and generous man who has died with still so much to offer.”
Above all, Peter loved his family and our thoughts are with Peter’s wife Kate, his sons, Tom and James and his wider family at this difficult time.
