Peter RAPLEY Obituary

Lorraine & Family, my deepest sympathies. I arrived to the service late, unfortunately. Peter was born down in Leeston 7 days before me. Joyce was ill and my mother fed Peter until she was discharged. We grew up to be great friends, and I often stayed with the family, and went out with Charlie and Peter cutting firewood on a Saturday morning. We played a piano duet in the Ellesmere competitions, Pete the top hand and me the bottom. Highly amusing as we used to race, but did a pretty good rendition of the can-can. (I can't play a note now!) I did two stints on Ellesmere Transport with Peter, firstly as a 15 year old , and then as a 22 year old after I returned home in 1969 from a working stint in Australia. As people do we drifted apart, and while I saw him in town some years ago when he was working for a hardware outlet. He was the same old Pete and the years rolled away. That was the last time I saw or heard of him until I made contact with you through Facebook, and found he was ill. I did get to have a good talk to Murray Righton and Brian Dillimore Dilly and I were the only two there from our primary school year. Pete was a lovely man, and as my brother has commented, he always had a big smile. You and the family will miss him terribly, and I'm sorry I never got to speak to you. Sue and I wish you and yours' all the very best at the saddest of times.

I remember the smile - always a smile
Ian Upston

My deepest condolences to Rapley family & extended families.

Heartfelt sympathy to Lorraine and family.
So many memories of school holiday stays at Rapley's shop and Tearooms.
Cousin Peter's big-brotherly ways and sharing of all his neat toys.
Fireside stories with Ma Foster, movies at the Dunsandel Hall ... the fun and adventure of our youth!

Warren Cooke
God Bless you Peter in eternal peace.

To Lorraine and family. Many condolences on the passing of Peter. A very gentle man will be remembered. Sincerely Margaret Penter.

With much love and sincere sympathy to Lorraine & family.From Julie & Pete

With fond memories of the times I stayed with you and Aunty Joyce and Uncle Charlie,and we slept in the tent, raided the shop for a midnight feast,and went fishing and hunting.Rest easy Peter.
Your cousin Barry and Sandy Ward

Rest easy old Man knowing you a much treasured part of our lives.
Love to Loraine and the family Jacky and Murray (currently about to cross the strait on Monday)
Apologies for the delay been traveling since Thursday, off the grid.

So sorry to hear of Peter's passing.
Andrea & Gilbert Dallow

Thinking of you all,the nicest guy you could ever meet. Always treasure the times Peter would arrive up at the Gorge,sit down & say now Helen where are we on the waiting list,true gentleman.

Our deepest sympathies to all. I have fond memories of many adventures when I lived at Dunsandel.