Peter Simon Tanner OBE (17 September 1950 – 16 December 2025)

It is with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of Peter Simon Tanner OBE,  

Peter was born on 17th September 1950 and joined Allhallows in January 1964, residing initially in Headmaster’s House before moving to Shallow House in September 1964. During his years at the school, he pursued his academic studies with diligence, sitting his G.C.E. “O” and “AO” Levels in 1966–67, and continuing into the Sixth Form from September 1966.

Beyond the classroom, Peter contributed actively to school life. He was a member of both the Natural History Society and the Dramatic Society, reflecting a curiosity about the natural world alongside an appreciation for the arts. He also distinguished himself in shooting, earning 2nd VIII Colours in the Miniature Range team in 1966–67 and winning the Bale-Brock Cup in 1966.

Peter enjoyed the Combined Cadet Force, where he attained the rank of Corporal in the R.A.F. section and achieved Advanced Proficiency in 1966. He took part in camps at Abingdon in 1965 and at Culdrose and Valate in 1967, experiences that would have further shaped his character and camaraderie.

Peter went on to be appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), a distinction that reflects a life of notable service and contribution.

Peter Tanner passed away on 16 December 2025 at the age of 75. He is remembered with respect by the Old Honitonian community, and his name remains part of the enduring history of the school.

We have been sent a wonderful piece by his wife, Jenny, which tells us more about Peter's life after Allhallows.

Pete spent most of his working life as an engineer.  He started off as a wireman and worked his way up to managing director of a FTSE 250 company. Peter worked as part of a team in a defence company upgrading RAF aircraft platforms. In 1996, Pete was awarded an OBE by the Queen for leading a team to an aircraft system development that would help end future wars. 

Pete’s first love was motorcycles. He started riding in 1966 and started racing classic motorcycles in 1973. He raced for over 40 years. Throughout this time, he won four club and one UK championship on a 200 Triumph Tigercub. He also competed in several MotoGP support races. 

In addition to being a motorcyclist, Pete was a pilot. Having flown Harrier, Buccaneer, and Jaguar fighter aircraft as a flight test observer at work, he also owned his own Sport cruiser. He flew all around the UK and to the south of Spain. 

Finally, Pete was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007. Showing cancer no mercy, he climbed Kilimanjaro in 2009. He went on to battle cancer for 18 years, living a brave and happy life. Sadly, Pete passed away on the 16^th of December 2025, leaving his Wife, Jenny, and children, Kyla, Dom, and Immy.