Obituary: Peter Kiely

Peter Kiely, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully aged 89 at his home in Sidmouth, Devon on 7 August. Peter was the definition of a gentleman who, while serving the people of Watford as Mayor (1992-1993) chose Family Life as the theme for his year in office.

He was a great advocate for the Old Rite Holy Mass and a lifelong member of the church. He started serving Holy Mass as a seven-year old at St Helen’s Church in Watford, Hertfordshire.

As a founder member of Our Lady and St Michael’s Church in Garston, Watford where both he and his late wife Alma received the Bene Merenti medals from Rome for services to the Church, he carried out many roles within the parish until he retired to Devon in 1996.

At 85, when kneeling became too difficult, he reluctantly gave up serving. Since his retirement to Sidmouth, he had regularly served in Heavitree Exeter, Ugbrook and Buckfast Abbey.

His Traditional Old Rite Requiem Mass took place on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Sidmouth. Father Gregory Carey OSB, from F arnborough Ab bey celebrated Holy Mass and was served by Colin Harte. Peter will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of having him as an influence on their life.

Mary Fincham, daughter