ACCOMPLISHED pianist Peter Walch passed away at his home on November 3 after a long illness, surrounded by his family.

Born in London, Peter attended Latimer School for Boys before working in local government.

At the age of 20, the Second World War broke out and Peter served in the Dental Corps as a non-commissioned officer with the field ambulance.

He served in Africa, Italy, Algiers and Egypt, before returning home to go back into local government and working his way up over 42 years to a local government officer.

A wonderful musician, Peter played piano in his spare time at London venues including The Savoy Hotel, Cafe de Paris, Bromley Court Hotel as well as the Chiswick Club where he backed cabaret artistes.

In the early 1980s Peter set up home in Bournemouth where he met his future wife Kathy who was a vocalist. The couple, known as The Duotones, worked together for more than 25 years, mainly in hotels.

Peter will be greatly missed by his adoring wife who described him as “a wonderful husband and friend.”

Kathy added: He was a lovely, kind and gentle person; his memory will always be cherished.”

The much-loved father, grandfather and stepfather also leaves his daughter Linda, grandchildren Kristina and Alexanda and stepchildren Jane, Maria and Nigel.

Peter, who lived in the Muscliff area of Bournemouth, died 10 days before his 93rd birthday.

His funeral service was held at Bournemouth Crematorium on November 15.