It is with great sadness that we announce the death of FMB Past National President Peter Backaller OBE.
Peter’s funeral in October was attended by many FMB members and officers. FMB National Council member, Ken Farnham delivered a tribute on behalf of the FMB and we reproduce it here:
“Peter has stood here in Mutley Baptist Church many times over many years. He was a Deacon of the Church for over 40 years and loved this building and all it stands for and his strong Christian faith inspired him to achieve so much. In 1945 when Peter started his apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner with Wakeham Bros. in Plymouth, I doubt that he would have considered that one day he would sit at the head of the boardroom table, as a Director and National President of the FMB or to be conducting meetings throughout Europe as President of the European Builder’s Confederation.
“On completing his apprenticeship in 1951 Peter worked repairing bomb damaged buildings and later joined a local contractor, Stribley & Son Ltd. as a general foreman later becoming their Contracts Manager and then Company Director.
PETER’S FMB HISTORY
“In 1969 Peter bought the company which then became Stribley & Backaller Ltd. A year later he became Chairman of the Plymouth Branch of the FMB and was elected to the South West Regional Council, remaining a member for 40 years. “Peter quickly made his mark with fellow delegates at Regional level proving himself a master in debate and a strong advocate for the smaller enterprise. He would listen carefully and never failed to provide a solution or compromise. In 1975 Peter was elected to the FMB’s National Council representing the South West Region.
“He became South West Regional President in 1981 and with his wide expertise and knowledge, pioneered a joint venture house building scheme with local authorities. His company built several hundred starter homes under the scheme and he travelled all over the country explaining the scheme to other builders. He instigated a contract between builder and local authority which was published for use, many builders, and subsequent home owners, have benefitted from that innovative idea.
“Peter was elected National Vice President of the FMB in 1984 and became President in 1990. During this period his work representing the construction industry was huge. He was a member of the Executive Council of the National House Building Council, Chairman of Plymouth & District Construction Training Group, a Fellow and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Builders, Governor of Plymouth College of Further Education, Fellow of the Faculty of Building and also a Board Member of the Construction Industry Training Board.
“In 1992 he was elected President of the European Builders Confederation, serving for two years and in 1998 he was asked to stand in and take up the position for another year. He was passionate about the industry and gave much more than a generous amount of his time, maintaining contribution in discussion and debate of the highest level.
REWARDS
“Peter always made time for charitable work. He was a Director of the FMB South West Regional Charitable Fund and was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Roborough.
“Overriding all this, there were two things he never failed to show. His love for his Church and his love and appreciation of his wife, Sylvia…he never failed to make mention of this in his many speeches… “I could never have achieved all this without the support of Sylvia, I get up in the morning to catch a train or an aeroplane and everything is ready and my bag packed.”
“In 1994 the Queen awarded Peter the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his outstanding work for the Construction Industry then in 2002 The FMB awarded Peter Honorary Membership, its highest honour.
“I know that Peter considered his most treasured award was the close friendship of his peers and colleagues, he always spoke of them as the larger family. I know that I speak for many others, when I say…Peter I am thankful I met you 40 years ago and became a friend, have learnt from you, and enjoyed yours and Sylvia’s wonderful company.
You will be missed very much… but your work and loving memories live on.
