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| The sad, sad news has just reached us in France. And I'm prompted to think of the wonderful ride Julio led us on to the Mussandam in late '07 (or early '08). Peter was the life & soul of our small peloton and (because he was riding a heavier MTB that day) gave himself a 5-10 minute headstart as we set off for the 40-50km return leg. Halfway home, the rest of us carbon-fibre mounted 'whippets' were thinking to ourselves "we must catch him soon". With 10km to go we were thinking, "perhaps he's stopped at a shop for a drink and we've passed him without noticing". But the old fox had outwitted us all. As we got back to the Oman/UAE border, there was Peter, sitting relaxed next to the border checkpoint, beaming from ear to ear, looking at his watch as if to say "what kept you all, then?" I'm sure 'The Master of the Lone Breakaway' has just popped ahead to recce the road ahead for us all. When we eventually catch him, he'll be there with that ever-welcoming smile, the friendly banter and the twinkle in his eye. Rest in peace until we get there, Pete. Chris & Helen Balfour |
| You were a great leader who taught me a lot....May your soul rest in peace. Ehab Qa'qa' |
| Peter,
despite the fact that i have met you only once, i could tell you were a person larger than life. i have heard only the greatest things about you and it saddened me deeply not beeing able to talk to you more. you only did great things in life, God will pay you back for those. MCB |
| Peter, you were simply a great guy, a real leader with sincere care for everyone, and we've all lost someone very special. I will greatly miss the friendship, banter and those shirts.... Ride on mate. Jane, my sincere condolences to you and all the family. Adrian Hayes |
| Peter Graves was very knowledgeable on his trade and I will forever remember him for his freindly demeanour. May his soul rest in peace. anindya |
| We were so saddened to read about Peter. We first met him in the early years of school boy rugby and he will always be remembered as a true gentleman and a wonderful person. Jane Kim and extended family, please accept our sincere condolances marc and maureen stols |
| I am shocked at the news of Peter's sudden demise.my association with him is very memorable. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace & gives his family the courage to overcome this loss. Asif Kibria |
| May your soul rest in peace Fadi |
| I'm deeply sorry to hear of Peter's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Jane and Kim during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Peter. Simone xx |
| Dear Peter, you were a great leader and inspiration and friend for all of us. You were an example of a man with courage and dignity. Your true friendship and sincereness will be remembered for the rest of my life. Christie |
| We were so shocked to hear the sad news. A lovely guy who will be missed. Jane - treasure the memories and know that you have so many people who care and love you so much. We are thinking of you and are sorry we can't be there with you to give you a big hug. Chris & Bev Scott |
| Janey, Your sorrow is greater than ours. You have lost your best friend and life partner.I truly believe that we all have certain things to accomplish in life before we are taken to a better place. Some take 80 years to accomplish their good deeds and some are so good that there deeds are done early. Pete was one of those that had completed his tasks here and is now doing what he does best in the best place. Making people laugh, and showing kindness and love to all that he will meet in his new home. His body is gone, but his spirit will live on in you and all those knew him. "Only the GOOD die young" Don't worry Pete, we will always look out for Jane with friendship and love. Dave and Wendy |
| Dear Peter,...everyone lives here for himself in this selfish world...but you lived for others...and hence you will be always alive in our hearts....my deep condolences for all his near and dear..thanks for your guidence, friendship and everything you gave dear peter.....max |
| I was very much shocked at the news of Peter's sudden demise.Whatever my short association with him on Mina al Salam was very memorable. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace & gives his family the courage to overcome this loss. Pramod Deshpande |
| Peter - I have just become aware of your passing and am shocked and saddened. From playing golf together at CMR Golf club in Johannesburg in the early eighties, to working closely together on Roayl Mirage Phase 2 in 2002 and OTCI in 2006/7 in Dubai, fond memories will remain with me. My sincers condolences to your family.Hamba Gaghle... Mark Snyman |
| Peter, my beloved brother, There is a place, deep down within the inner crevasses of my soul, which you, my dear Pete, occupied throughout my life and now that space is empty, and you are gone. As I write this, I have tears overflowing from my heart, and I know that I cry not for you, but for me - you were everything a loving, caring brother could/should be, and I feel as if a vital part has been wrenched from my being, and I grieve that loss. I am glad that your spirit, that wonderful, compassionate, courageous, generous spirit, left this earthly realm long before your physical body even realized it had gone you would have wished that fervently, and you were granted that wish. I have no knowledge of where our spirits go once we have left this planet forever, but I do know in my heart that I will see you again in a realm of peace and joy. Hamba kahle, my boet, you will be forever remembered, and thank you for all the good memories you gave me and our family, and for enriching my life and those of so many others. We miss you. With undying and unending love, your sister, Lindie-loulies. (Lynne). |
| Dear Pete Thanks for the great rides and discussions togheter. When I came back to Dubai you had always time for a chat. I hopped to see you again when I come back next time... Fabian |
| I'm shocked to hear this sad news. I Knew Peter from my first Friday morning ride early March 2008 where he gave me some insights during the 70km tour and I feel honored that I joint your last Dubai ride on your site for 15+ minutes. A great man and a role model, which we are going to miss. Heinz |
| Peter, my sincere condolences i will miss you but i know you are always with us. Markus |
Pete, |
| I am so sorry My Uncle Pete...I am so sorry that I was so wrapped up in my life, that I didn't stay in touch - we used to be so close, SCUBA diving with you changed my life - it was because of this that I studied conservation, and have lived a life of amazing experiences.But I always thought that you would be back in SA soon, and that it would be easy to see you often. Now you are gone, and this time together is lost. I know you didn't want to get old, I know you lived your life to the full, I know that you are here next to me as I write this...but I am so sad that I can't see you again. I am so sad that you are gone, and I thought that I would get the chance to make up for lost time. I love you so much. Give hugs to Pops! Marion |
| Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you, whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way, which you always used to put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed, at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word, without the ghost of a shadow in it. Life is all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolutely unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind, because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you for an interval somewhere very near just around the corner All is well. We will miss you Peter. Janice & Julio |
| Gentle Peter, that's what you are...you'll be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences. Hass |
| Dear Peter- fellow South African 3 time Argus team mate, I always looked forward to your Pisscat newsletters and organizing of uniforms and the Argus trip each year. But now? Now the bar has been raised high for the position you held, and it will be big shoes to fill... Thank you for being a friend and companion. For a guy like you to cycle the way you do is remarkable and we will all miss you dearly, both here in Dubai and in Cape-Town Hope to see you in heaven one day :-) God Bless, and rest in peace Jaco B. |
| You will always be remembered as someone who considered others before your own needs. Thank you for your advise, guidance, support and friendship Michael |
| My Uncle Pete, I will miss you so much ! I was so chuffed that you would be coming out to SA again and be at my wedding and we would all celebrate together, now you will just be there in spirt. I love you dearly. Natty B |
| I remember 2years ago or more,I was riding 70k while coming back after Nad alshebah the cyclist srarted moving faster! I was trying to catch them behind,among them were Peter, the other gentlemen of same age and the young cyclist from SA.I was so tired and at same time I thought if they can do it why cant i? I got motivated from him just by he being there with us on the road,we will miss you on Fridays Rides, Hassen |
| I didn't know him well but it feels like I have lost a dear friend. My wishes go out to his family and to everybody that knew him Arno |
| During my second week in Sharjah, Wolfi asked Peter to guide me to the Lime Tree at some unlikely hour on a Friday morning. I was relieved to find a well worn traveller, of similar age and girth. I relaxed as I followed him into town; that was my first mistake. Naturally he came back to support me as I fell off the back of the pack, with my heart rate pounding. A character of the best kind, committed, yet relaxed, intense at work, yet able to see the other side, open and full of love for his equally astonishing lady. He and Jane had so many plans for the future, they became very close friends. We were a little tri-national group (1 x SA, 2 x UK 1 x NZ) watching rugby and having dinner together. From 10,000km away we have maintained the contact, with plans to meet shortly, but now, not here. Two brief memories, watching the TDF upstairs at their villa, Peter on the exercise bike, legs pumping, sweat running, and a couple of hours later battling a sylvan cap with a corkscrew. We had so many laughs. Jane is in our hearts every day, we will catch you soon, here, there or somewhere else. Au revoir Peter Peter & Anne Melbourne, Australia |
| Peter, how am I going to handle the friday morning ride without you, you always kept James and Jesper in line for me,it's just not the same without you ! Well you finally got me to do the Argus, so in 2009 I will cycle that race as hard as I can for you... and I will beat James.HA!You will always be the best part of the Dreamteam. Will treasure our friendship forever and miss you every fiday. Lisa.xxx |
| I was completely stunned and shocked to learn of Peter leaving us so suddenly. I first met Peter on a golf course through mutual friends and enjoyed his leg-pulling then as much as I did when we later met again with the Roadsters. A complete gentleman and "patron" of the Roadsters who will be very sorely missed. Graeme |
| Peter was my younger brother, we grew up being treated more like twins and so there was always a certain competitive bantering between us. He was always telling me to stop smoking because it would kill me, the shock and numbness at my young brother leaving this mortal coil before me means this lifelong bantering is no more. I am truly still trying to get this tradgedy out of my head but the loss of such a madcap brother has still not hit home. All I can really contribute to Pete is that he is going to be missed by family and friends while I am sure that if there is an after life, either the angels or the devil are in for a nasty shock when they meet Pete. Don't be too surprised if he suddenly reappears because those in the afterlife cannot handle him. Boetie, your talent, generosity and bantering are going to be missed. I have just one question if you are looking down on us... why were you taken at your prime? Let me know somehow. Your big brother Frank |
| I felt privileged to have known and cycled with Peter. He was a great guy that had always the best interest of the group at heart. We will miss him so much. Lothar |
| Peter - You were one of the bright lights on the Thailand trip until the very end. Keep riding in your new world and I will join you there for a future ride. You will be missed in Dubai but never forgotten. Chris |
| Dear Peter, We have fantastic memories of our time with the Roadsters and you are a big part of them. We feel grateful to have met such a lovely fella as you. You'll be in our hearts forever. Suze & Lee Costello |
| Hi Buddy, (Peter's regular greeting to me) Your greeting to me lying in hospital after my accident will always remain in my memory of a very concerned friend. Hey, you have just beaten me again but you must admit I did try rather hard without success. Ride on "Buddy". You rode hard, worked hard and you went out in glory doing what you enjoyed doing most. Des Daniel |
| Dear Peter, I feel now so lucky that I came to the Argus last year and met you there. It is less than a year ago and I have the impression I knew you for years. You were so special in the group. You were like our dady. It will be hard to go next year without you but I will make it for you. My thoughts are going also to Jane and your family. Life is sometimes too unfair...why so early? Thank you for giving me the chance to meet someone genuine like you (not necessarily the norm in Dubai!) Gilles, the Swiss |
| Our paths only recently crossed, but you and Jane are two of the kindest warmest people to bless our lives. I'll still be watching for you at the 35k sprint. Crawf & Barbra. |
| I remember my very first ride with the roadsters. It was you who supported me on the 70 k ride. "You have to drink", you said. We enjoyed a lot of conversations during the last year with you. We will loose a great and helpful character. Wherever you are, you will always be with us. Steffen & Max |
| "Uncle" you were a very special friend with a heart of gold.I will always think of you as our own SA 007! Rest in peace my friend. Mienie |
| It is indeed a great loss for all of us that peter is no more may his soul rest in peace zafar nawaz |
| The Dubai Roadsters have lost one of its biggest supportive members. Pete was always present to assist and help others. We will greatly miss his presence in our Friday rides. Farewell Pete. Robert |
| We will miss your cheerful voice and seeing those colourful jerseys. You were always great support for the Dubai Roadsters. Malcolm & Melanie |
| Peter - also known as THE CAPE ARGUS CYCLE TOUR ORGANISER. He'll be missed for the spontanious gentleman he was. I'm doing the Cape Argus Cycle Tour 2009 in March in tribute of Peter Graves!! Nigel |
| I met Peter in my first weeks here and we rode steadily over the last four years. He was always a force to be reckoned with, a remarkably solid presence to be behind, and a lovely man. Thanks for all those rides both in Sharjah and Dubai. I'll always be looking for you coming up over the hill Richard G |
| I will miss you Uncle Peter. I was so lucky to have you at my wedding,(even though there was endless banter about keeping the Graves name!) and I will cherish those memories fondly. Who will call me 'Nikalix' now? Love forever Nikki xx |
| Dear Peter A man who stood out in a crowd. I met him first in the Nad Al sheba car park early one friday morning about 2 years ago. It was so nice and motivating to see someone of a similar age to myself! Then we kept bumping into each other at Photography workshops. Peter was a fountain of photographic knowledge and always had time to assist others less knowledgable than himself. Peter, I shall miss seeing your friendly face around. From someone who feels privaleged to have known you. Anita |
| Peter, I will never forget the kindness you showed me the first time I went to ride at Nad Al Sheba. And, even though I rode only occasionally, you always remembered my name, and greeted me warmly whenever we met. You took the time to talk to me, make me feel welcome, and give me encouragement and advice. I hardly knew you in this life, so I know nothing of your big accomplishments (of which I m sure there were many!), but you impacted me deeply with a few friendly words and your big heart. It s small kindnesses like those you showed me that are the hallmark of a great man. Thank you for touching my life. Susan |
| To me, and I'm sure to many others as well, you were the first face of Dubai Roadsters.It was always nice to know you were somewhere close in the peleton and that you would get us home. We will never forget you Pete. Steve. |
| The Little Wings foundation is very grateful for the interest and support Peter has given us. He was enthusiastic about the idea of helping children on their way to a normal life. His efforts towards this cause will reflect in the many smiles of children, that thanks to him, will receive much needed medical care in the future. Our heartfelt condolences go to Peter's family. Marc Sinclair |
| To Peter - I will miss your good humour, principled attitude to riding and understanding of what it means to be part of a club. You were an example to us all and for that reason - amongst the many others - you will always be remembered by the Roadsters. Best wishes AC |
| The "Little Shit" is going to miss the jokeful harassment & early morning wakeup calls. But confident we'll meet again in Heaven my "Old Man" . Rest in peace Peter. Toufic - "Little Shit" |
| Hi, i think I met Peter once and from memory indeed a kind hearted man. Either way, any cyclist is a fellow cyclist and in a cycling community as small as this one he will surely be missed. On behalf of the Mountain Biking UAE group, our sincere condolences to the Graves family. Bruno. |
| I'm shocked to hear this news and my condolences go out to Pete's family. For those of us who only knew him on Friday's the loss will still be acute. Pete was one of the first to make me feel welcome as I pedalled unsteadily back into bunch riding after too many years off. The group will miss his calming presence and I'll miss his banter to pass the miles. Pete, I hope the tarmac is smooth where you've gone... Stuart |
| Larger than life, full of life and always the life of the party. I will miss your warmth, encouragement, kind words and loving personality. You've left a big gap in the pack and we all feel it. Dawn |
| I will always remember meeting you the first time at the Lime Tree. A big smile, a welcoming handshake and lively conversation. You were a true ambassador for the Dubai Roadsters and mankind. Browning |
| I cycled many kilometers from 2004-2006 in Dubai with Peter. Ride well my friend, will always remember you. Christoph |
| On my very first rides with the Dubai Roadsters you guided me safely through the 70 km ride... Telling me that I will get use to the heat and fearless driving of the local drivers :) Will never forget your persistance and good humour... All the best and thanks for all the laughs, David |
| Like many, we never had much of chance to meet, but your strength in keeping the peloton together was always really appreciated and important for our safety. The quotes here highlight what a great life you led and what we should all be aiming for in our own lives. Keep cycling! Andrew |
So who is going to take the 'mickey' out of us now, when the Poms lose at rugby? Thanks for all the laughs, smiles and jokes. No one ever made a camel on a cycling jersey look so good! |
| A real role model made his last trip. You will keep on riding along with us in our memories. Cheers Robert |
| As you would always look out for the other riders and make sure we all made it home safely, you will be greatly missed by the Dubai Roadsters flock. I hope you found your home. One last hug - Astrid |
| We miss you and riding on the Roads of Dubai is not the same without you. We feel your spirit and camaraderie and know that you will always watch out for us I will remember you riding with your colourful Fish Jersey and Orange Bandana offering a helping hand and support to all others. Ride well my friend Gaby and Wolfi |
| A true gentleman, always looking out for everyone and making sure the last rider made it home safely! Your crazy bright shirts will never be forgotten and neither will your kindess and incredible energy. Take care of you. Fran |
| MY Lance Armstrong - gone but never forgotten.The pain you have left will never heal but I know you are riding around those clouds somewhere and looking down on all the Roadsters and keeping them safe on our roads.As I remember our love and mourn my loss, I also celebrate your life - continue your journey in peace. Yours always - Jane xx |
| A true gentleman setting the example for all. Will be greatly missed as the world needs more like Pete. Mark E |
| It would seem destiny has intervened to dispatch us on separate paths. While Astrid & I have relocated to Singapore, you have instead been appointed to a much better place, reserved for those that have shown genuine kindness, friendship, and a helping hand (literally) to a wife not very capable of tackling hills on her bicycle! Quentin |
| Dad, you left without saying goodbye but I have solace knowing you went peacefully and painlessly. It will take time to accept that I will never see you again or hear your voice but just hope that you will accompany on my all rides from now on - you just can't be the backseat driver that you always were though! Wherever it is that you may be now, I just hope they serve ice cold beer and that you are at peace. Farewell dad till we meet again. I love you. Your daughter Kim |
| Pete, I am going to miss the chats, the early morning phone calls, the great rides and the incredible friendship. Thanks! You will be with me for the rest of my life. Enrique |
| I guess you took a shortcut - keep on thinking you'll pop out on the next bend. You will always be with us. James |
You'll be missed - I'll buy you a bag of biltong at the Argus. |
| We'll miss the "keep together" at the turnaround. But together in spirit with you forever Pete. Adrian |
| A gentleman and all round decent human being with a great sense of humour. Steve |
| Pete you were such a character and will miss you. Carl |
| You were a gent Pete. You'll be missed. Snowy |
| Pete, you were a real figurehead for the Dubai Roadsters and we are going to miss you heaps. Love Helen and Jon |
| Stirling example of life Pete. Phil |
| You will be sadly missed. Neil |
| Our fellowship was only just beginning You were a wonderful man out on example for all. Browning |
| A funny warm generous and wacky man who made me feel very welcome here in Dubai. Thank you and I will miss you hugely. Love Georgina. |
| Your banter in the bunch will be missed - you were great company. Richard |
You will be missed Pete. |
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