On May 17, 2026, at Dunedin Hospital; aged 77 years.
Dearly loved son of the late Lawrence and Sybil Desborough, dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of John*, Margaret*, Lawrence and Jenny (Palmerston North), and Anne Tornquist (Palmerston North). Special Uncle of Richard Desborough (Melbourne, Australia), Barry*, and Simon Tornquist (Palmerston North), and Benjamin Tornquist (Doha, Qatar), and their families. (* denotes deceased)
-- A private service and cremation have been held in Dunedin, with an ashes interment planned for later in Palmerston North. Messages please to The Desborough Family c/- PO Box 5013, Dunedin 9054.
Service details
The service was held on 5 Jun 2026.
Messages
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Peter was a much-loved regular client of our salon for over 25 years. We always enjoyed seeing Peter and having a chat, often about his beloved sports. We will miss his banter and the familiar face he brought to the salon over so many years. Our heartfelt condolences go to Peter’s loved ones at this very sad time. ❤️ Mel & Loren Clip Joint Hairdressing
It came as a shock when we heard of Peter’s death We were neighbours for over 30 years and enjoyed many chats about rugby and life in general He was a very good neighbour and will be missed. Charlie and Daphne Collins
Dear Lawrence, Jenny, Ann and the family. Sending my sincere sympathy to you all in the passing of Peter. Best wishes at this difficult time as you grieve his loss. Sincerely. Warwick Hobbs
I am saddened of hearing Peter has passed away. We were talking via phone only four weeks earlier. I was a close business colleague of Peters over many decades,and shared Many Business and Social events at Farms and conference venues. Rugby Trips ,with other colleagues During the ,90s were memorable,had to be their. Will miss Peter, a True Gentleman and Trusted Business aqantence RIP Peter Graeme Whatson Independent Pastoral Services.
So sad to hear of Pete's passing. Never did tell him that the lollies he would sneak from my top drawer were planted there for him so he wouldn't find the big stash in the bottom drawer. He was a real gentleman.
Adele and I were very saddened to see Pete’s death notice in the ODT today. Pete was a great help and mentor to me when I started out as a rep for Wrightson in 1980, I still have the letter received in 1993 from Monsanto initiated by Peter to my boss talking about the work and achievements we had made. If I remember rightly Pete played rugby for Kaikourai my old club and was a great human being to be around. After transferring back to Balclutha from Taumarunui we reconnected and Pete drove my wife to be to our wedding and participated in the event. In 2003 we shifted to Christchurch and contact with Pete was very limited. So sorry for the families loss, Pete will be fondly rembered by many people in the farming industry throughout Otago.