Sunset: May 2nd, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pete Tilley, also known to many as Pete Hewitt or Peter John Whelan. Pete left this world on May 2nd, 2025, leaving behind an indelible legacy of compassion, friendship, and an unwavering ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His departure is a profound loss to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Pete was more than just a name; he was a spirit — warm, magnetic, and profoundly human. Whether you knew him as Pete, Peter, or simply a friend, one thing was certain: time spent in his company always left you better than he found you. He had a rare gift — the ability to truly see people, to make them feel heard and valued. It wasn’t about grand gestures; it was in the everyday moments: a smile that lit up a room, a hand on your shoulder when words failed, a quiet nod that said “I’m here.”
Born as Peter John Whelan, he carried many titles throughout his life, both formal and informal. “Pete Hewitt” might have been how you first met him, or “Pete Tilley” the name by which he introduced himself later. No matter what name you knew him by, Pete was always, unmistakably, himself — authentic, generous, and deeply thoughtful.
Pete’s life was one built on relationships. He was a master storyteller, a listener, a peacemaker, and a cheerleader. His circle of friends and loved ones stretched far and wide, a testament to the way he opened his heart to others. He found joy in the simple pleasures: a well-timed joke, a spontaneous cup of coffee with an old friend, music played just loud enough to sing along, or a walk through familiar streets filled with memories.
He wasn’t someone who needed the spotlight, yet his presence had a gravitational pull. You felt safer, more hopeful, and more alive when he was near. He had a knack for making even the quietest voices feel heard and the most unsure among us feel like we belonged. That was Pete’s magic — his extraordinary ability to make the ordinary feel meaningful.
For those of us left behind, the grief is sharp and the absence deep. But even in our mourning, there is immense gratitude. We are thankful for the laughter, the late-night talks, the wisdom he shared, and the comfort he gave so freely. We remember the countless ways he made our days a little brighter, and our burdens a little lighter.
As we come together to honour Pete’s memory, let us carry his spirit forward — in the way we treat one another, in the kindness we extend to strangers, and in the courage we find to be open, vulnerable, and real. Let his legacy be one of compassion, connection, and wholehearted living.
To those who loved him — family, friends, and all who were touched by his generous soul — we offer our deepest condolences. You are not alone in your grief. We stand with you, united in sorrow and in celebration of a life that, though no longer with us, will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, dear Pete. Your light remains.
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