Seeing the glass as ‘half full’ is an all-too-rare quality in life – and it is particularly hard for Pompey fans who have endured countless, endless triumphs of despair over hope down the years. But Pete Lawrence had this rare quality in abundance – a man who the words ‘genuine, nice, decent, happy, and always optimistic’ were meant for.
Pete was a true London Blue, a longstanding member of PFSC-L and a great friend to many of us in the ‘London branch’. Pete offered his services to the committee at the last AGM having recently joined the ranks of the retired. Committee member Jo Manning Cooper said, "As a long-time resident of West London, he was a great companion for those of us from the West side of town, always happy to wax lyrical about all things Pompey, and happy to offer lifts, help with tickets, and the general organisational ardour of us Fratton exiles.
A member of the Pompey Anorak Brigade since its inception in 1997 too – the internet based group that has spawned many strong Pompey friendships down the years - Pete was fondly known as ‘Tepe’ as his habit of posting his thoughts and views on the latest Pompey saga were written prolifically and at great speed, complete with many amusing spelling mistakes in his rush to contribute to each digital debate. As well as his internet friends, Pete had a number of mobile phone friends to whom he would text scores and summaries of action to those that could not make a game.
Unlike most of us who view a game so subjectively that the strategic nuances escape us, Pete was able to analyse what was happening at a tactical level. He would explain the contribution of players, like Papa Bouba Diop; footballers whose role is sometimes criticised by large sections of the crowd. When Pete explained what was happening, you knew straight away that he was right.
Pete’s other great passions, along with the blues, were youth team football, golf and, of course, his family; his son Ben is also a staunch Pompey fan. Pete would often drive the family to away games where he and Ben would drop Barbara off at the nearest shopping centre whilst they went to the match.
He was Headteacher of Oak Farm Junior School in Hillingdon for twelve years and Grange Junior in Ealing for 13 years before that. When PFSC-L Chairman, Terry Bennett became a Headteacher (in east London) and found the job a real challenge, Pete was a source of advice and reassurance; a friendly voice on the phone.
He was a passionate supporter of schools’ football in West London, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of local young players who progressed to the professional game, including Pompey favourites Paul Merson and Peter Crouch. He was a man of many talents, and truly cared about improving the lives of young people through sport.
He will be so very sadly missed by his extended Pompey ‘family’ of friends, in London and beyond, but most of all by his wife Barbara and Ben, and we send them our heartfelt sympathy at this very sad time. Farewell and RIP Pete – a true Pompey blue, with a big heart, who was genuinely liked by everyone. Play up Pompey.
Terry Bennett/ Jo Manning Cooper