Well-known Walsall businessman Peter Beech dies

Peter Beech was the joint owner with his father and brother of the family garage business F.B. Beech & Son, based in Elmore Green Road, Walsall, for almost 50 years.

The company was originally established by Frank Beech Senior in the 1920s and later installed the first petrol pump in the area.

Beech’s Garage finally closed in 2000, shortly after Mr Beech and his elder brother Frank had retired.

The site is today occupied by Abbey Blinds.

Mr Beech worked in the haulage side of the business immediately after completing National Service in 1952, and later took charge of the company stores offering a wide range of parts and specific advice on vehicle repair.

Many customers will recall the constant playing of classical music and the presence for many years of the family’s Afghan hound on the store's counter.

He died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after a very short illness, leaving two sons and four grandchildren. His wife Vi passed away 2004.

His son Tim, 54, from Telford, said: “He had an encyclopaedic and practical knowledge of car parts and was always focused on helping customers, many of whom became friends over many years. But he was also deeply interested and knowledgeable about literature, music, history, travel and above all trains – as well as being an amazing father and grandfather.”

His other son Neil, 58, said: “His obvious physical strength and endurance, together with the thorough and practical approach that he always displayed, stood him good stead in later life. He loved being outside and was hard at work in the garden, planning projects for the better weather right up to his final illness. He was a modest man but those who spent a short time with him quickly discovered a deep intelligence and a remarkable memory for detail. His family was everything to him and he was everything to us.”

Mr Beech’s funeral will be held at Streetly Crematorium on April 2 at 10.45am with donations if desired to Macmillan Cancer Support.