Family pays tribute to Lord Walker of Worcester

10:06am Wednesday 23rd June 2010 in News

Lord Walker of Worcester passes away Lord Walker of Worcester passes away

Lord Walker of Worcester, the former MP Peter Walker, has died at the age of 78.

The former Conservative MP for Worcester passed away early this morning at St Richard's Hospice in the city. He had been suffering from cancer.

Peter Walker was MP for Worcester from 1961 to 1992. His son Robin won the seat for the Tories in last month's election.

Lord Walker held a number of Cabinet posts during his parliamentary career. He was Environment Secretary and Trade and Industry Secretary under Edward Heath, and Energy Secretary and Welsh Secretary under Margaret Thatcher.

The founder of the Tory Reform Group, Lord Walker was appointed a life peer after his retirement as an MP in 1992.

Lord Walker was surrounded by his family when he passed away this morning.

Robin Walker has issued the following statement on behalf of his family:

Peter Walker passed away quietly on Wednesday morning after a long struggle with cancer. His whole family were able to be with him in his last days.

He will be hugely missed by his wife Tessa, five children and five grandchildren.

As a politician he always believed in the importance of helping those most in need, combining efficiency with compassion.

He was a true one nation Conservative and a patriot. His great personal compassion was always reflected in his private life.

To the end he was passionate about his work and his family, working diligently and enthusiastically, but always taking the time to support and cherish those closest to him.

For all his great achievements, those who know him best will remember him most for his humour and generosity.

Having dedicated so much of his life to serving Worcester, it was appropriate that he was able to spend his last days here.

As a passionate supporter of the hospice movement, who for many years championed the cause of palliative care in Parliament, he would have been proud of the care that was provided for him at St Richard's Hospice.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at St Richard's and all the friends who have supported us through this difficult time.

• Please leave your tributes below.

Comments(10)

BarryMacG says...
11:27am Wed 23 Jun 10

I may not have shared his political views but I am sure he was very proud that his son got his seat back in the General Election, may he rest in peace.

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MrStJohns says...
11:36am Wed 23 Jun 10

Sad loss,
I am sure he felt great pride in his son for regaining this seat, and I would also hope pride in himself for the many years of service he gave to the people of Worcester and the people of this country. I wish the family well in this time of sadness.

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Alison Lee says...
11:44am Wed 23 Jun 10

Very sad. My condolences to the family.

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LisaVentura says...
12:13pm Wed 23 Jun 10

Very sad news, all the best ones are leaving us this year. RIP Lord Walker, and thinking of Robin and the family at this difficult time.

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PhillipTaylor says...
1:07pm Wed 23 Jun 10

I well remember Peter Walker's courage in speaking out on unpopular causes in the 1970s and 1980s which gave 'The Sun' newspaper many columns inches to criticise him. He did not flinch against their onslaught and was a great supporter of the TRG.

We should all be thankful for the part he played in restructing the UK's energy policy (particularly coal) and for his massive contribution to the people of Wales bringing much wated investment to the area.

So thank you, Peter, for your forward thinking which built on the success of the Conservative Party in the 1980s and 1990s.

Phillip Taylor MBE

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martduke says...
1:15pm Wed 23 Jun 10

at only 45 i,ve always known him in worcester.he did loads for all of worcester and will be remembered well i,m sure.family hopefully are proud of a special person.long may his son continue.

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Pamhinks says...
1:54pm Wed 23 Jun 10

Peter Walker will always be remembered and recognised as a man who leaves us a legacy which placed Worcester in the World of Industry.
His passion and Inspiration will always be rememebered.
My condolences to his family with a special message to Robin -
"I'm sure your Father will be looking down at this very moment with a proud smile saying I did it, I gave it my all, I went for it, now it's your turn - Go for it"
It was a honour to know such a remarkable man R.I.P

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Hack says...
2:38pm Wed 23 Jun 10

Peter Walker was the only Conservative I have ever voted for. Nuff said. Condolences to his family and best wishes to Robin Walker MP in our new coalition government.

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Windy Miller says...
6:58pm Wed 23 Jun 10

The Droitwich Barge Canal opens this year thanks to Lord Walker banging together the heads of local councillors who were sabotaging the restoration work of the Trusts volunteers.This beautiful waterway is a fitting memorial to him.Tessa , Robin and his brother can be justifiably proud.

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itplowe says...
8:50am Mon 28 Jun 10

I was very sad to hear the news about Peter Walker. I was his election agent in the 1983 General Election, and now live in Tokyo. He was a true gentleman, and it was an honour to know him. My condolonces to his family.

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