By Press Release
Popular gardener and West Wight resident, Peter John Budden, known as ‘Spud’, has died aged 73.
Spud, from Freshwater, was born in the village and attended All Saints’ Primary School and West Wight Secondary School. He was a talented footballer in the ’60s and ’70s, starring as a forward in the West Wight School team and West Wight FC, while also having a trial for Bournemouth.
In the summer of 1969, he met his wife of 53 years, Lynne, and they married the following year at All Saints’ Church, Freshwater.
After leaving school, he joined Readers, Freshwater, as a spot welder until the firm closed down. Afterwards, he was invited by Readers to go to India for a few weeks to train new welders as its production was taken over by a company there. Surprisingly, to his friends, he accepted and also returned on a second occasion.
After leaving Readers, he became a window cleaner, but discovered he didn’t like heights and turned to gardening. He was always available to help his elderly clients with a variety of chores including bringing in shopping and putting out dustbins.
Spud was also a well-known regular in West Wight pubs, including Freshwater Social Club, Long Beach in Colwell, The Waterfront in Totland and The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth.
Both Spud and Lynne travelled widely, including visits to Spain, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and America.
He is survived by Lynne, son Mark, grandchildren, Luke, Joseph, Courtney, Emily and Sam, and great grandchildren, Reggie and George. Much-loved daughter, Gemma, pre-deceased him.