Peter FARRELLY

A Tribute to Peter

I was deeply saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. Though it has been many years since we shared our time together, he will always hold a special place in my heart.

I first met Peter in Maghera in the early 1980s when he was playing in a band one night. By chance, I found myself getting a ride home with the band in their transit van, and somehow I ended up sitting on Peter’s lap the whole way. Sparks flew between us that night, and that was the beginning of a two-year relationship filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Peter was a man of immense talent—an exceptional musician with an artistic soul, always thinking about music and creativity. I still smile when I think of how he would often say, “Write that down,” whenever someone said something that struck him as a potential song lyric. He never boasted about his musical achievements, and it wasn’t until years later that I fully realized the extent of his talent, discovering the legacy of Fruupp through Facebook. By the time I met him, his days of touring and making albums were already behind him, but his passion for music never faded.

Peter was also a devoted and loving father to Daniel and Anna, whom he cherished with all his heart. His family meant the world to him, and I know how deeply they will feel his loss.

Some of my fondest memories with Peter are the quiet, reflective moments. I remember standing with him in Dungannon, gazing at a brilliant full moon, and hearing him marvel at how something so magnificent could also be so commonplace. There were also warm weekends spent at his Mum’s house on Glenalina Road, Belfast, where conversations and stories stretched long into the night, surrounded by his family and that enormous Mona Lisa painting in the living room.

When Peter returned to London to reconcile with his wife, I was heartbroken, but I always wished him happiness. Our paths crossed again briefly when I visited him in London, and I remember him wanting to see Purple Rain—a moment I now wish I hadn’t let slip by. Just before I moved to Canada, Peter called me to say thank you for everything. It was a small gesture but one that meant the world to me and left a lasting impression.

Peter’s kindness, creativity, and gentle spirit will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies go out to Mary, Daniel, Anna, and all his loved ones. Rest in peace, Peter—you were truly one of a kind.

Pamela Millar Monday 17 March 2025