Peter ‘Bob’ Gallimore, who died suddenly last Sunday, aged 61, will be remembered by his family and many friends for his cheerful and caring nature and love of sports.
A former editor of the Henley Standard, he devoted much of his life to a career in journalism, starting out as a reporter straight from school with Berrows Newspapers Ltd, near Worcester, in 1959. Born in Colwall, Herefordshire, in July 1941, Bob grew up on a farm in nearby Ledbury where he gained a love for the outdoor life. He moved to this part of the country when he was 22 and worked for the Reading Chronicle and Berkshire Mercury for three years, before moving on to the Oxford Mail and Times for another three years.
His love of sport was the key to his next job as sports editor at the Newbury Weekly News, where he stayed for six years. In 1975 he returned to the Reading Newspaper Company as district reporter for the Henley Mercury.
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Well known for his passion for cricket and horse racing, he was a founder of the Sonning Common village cricket team with whom he played regularly up until four years ago when ill health intervened. But Bob’s main love was his family and he was an extremely proud and devoted father to his three children, Sarah, Chris and Caroline, his stepson John, and his five grandchildren, whom he adored.
It was during his time on the Henley Standard that he met his partner of 15 years, Rosemary Ashton, who also worked for the company. He joined the paper in 1984 and became editor in 1988 before leaving in 1990. They moved to their house in Cromwell Road from Sonning Common 10 years ago and Bob’s love of the outdoors and gardening became evident through his beautiful garden and homegrown vegetables.
Five years ago, Bob retired from his post as sports editor on the Wokingham Times and spent more time in the garden “enjoying life”.
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When he wasn’t busy in his garden or hosting a barbecue, he would often be found in the town chatting away to the many people who knew and liked him for his sense of humour and friendly nature.
His sociable nature also meant he was a regular face at some of the local pubs and more so on the local cricket circuit.
The town and local issues were important to him and he was a loyal member of the local Conservative Party. Despite being committed to Henley, he always considered himself a Hereford man and continued to be a staunch supporter of Hereford United football team.
After his official retirement he took on a part-time job delivering flowers for a Henley florist because he liked to meet new people and be out and about, keeping busy.
But it was family barbecues, relaxing holidays and walks in the town that he enjoyed most in recent years.
Bob lived a full and happy life and it was his sunny disposition and sociable nature that endeared him to so many people in and around the town that he had chosen to make his home.
Louisa Carter, Henley Standard
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