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Peter Snell 14 May 1947 - 2 February 2022

Taken from "Once a Salvo..." magazine February 2022 edition

Although not a pupil of Salvatorian College (his late brother Paul was) Peter was extremely well known in Salvatorian circles as a parishioner of St. Joseph's and due to his involvement with St Joseph's Community Centre and Old Salvatorians Football Club.

 

He spent much of his working life in sales roles, in which he excelled. He was a regular winner of "salesman of the year" awards which often included foreign travel. One of his roles was with Olivetti and he maintained contact with many ex-work colleagues throughout his life and set up a small sales training business with one.

n the 1990's he took on the daunting role of manager of the St Joseph's Community Centre with a mission to improve its flagging fortunes. With customary joie de vivre allied to his love of music, he successfully reinvigorated the club with live music nights (bands such as Freddie & The Dreamers and Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers), whilst increasing access for community groups.

Peter had a real passion for football, supporting Spurs and playing for Wealdstone Youth, then a number of non-league sides, spending many years at North Greenford United. He was very proud of the fact that he was never booked! Peter first played for Old Salvos aged 16 and almost 60 years later was as enthusiastic and passionate as ever about the club. Whether as player - who can forget the step over/shuffle "trick"? - walking football advocate, team manager, quiz master, group song leader, football coach or club secretary, Peter brought his passion and sense of fun to everything and everyone.

He spent many years on the committee of Old Salvatorians FC, the embodiment of the pursuit of improvement whilst balancing football success with social enjoyment. He organised numerous events including the "Pretty Flamingo" Barcelona tour, music nights and quizzes, which he also ran during lockdowns. But he also wanted every player to be as good as they could be and helped anyone willing to listen and learn, telling individuals to compete against themselves. He won the prestigious "Steve Olohan Clubman of the Year Memorial shield" four times.

 

There are too many stories to tell of such a well-lived character in a relatively short note. Wherever Peter was, laughter and music were not far away. That enabled him to get things done even in difficult circumstances - once, when asked to agree a price reduction by a customer he replied "Of course, what part of the service do you not want.".Classic turning the tables.

He will leave a huge hole not only in the hearts of Fran, his wife of 50 years, Jacqui, Jenny and Katie, their daughters (alongside) and their families, and siblings Mark and Barbara but all who had the privilege to meet him, let alone be a friend. His renditions of "The Music Man", "Twist and Shout" and "I saw her standing there" will stay forever in the mind as will that ever present smile.

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