Cade Lucas
Williamstown farewelled one of its most familiar and friendly figures on Monday, with the funeral of Peter “Tich” Taylor held at Altona Memorial Park.
The 75-year-old known universally as Tich or Tichy, died on December 4 following a long illness.
Ironically, Tich’s illness related to complications with a doubled lung transplant he had in 2017, the moment that led to him becoming a beloved local identity in the first place.
“When he got the transplant he really just went ‘I’ve got a second chance at life and I’m gonna run with it,” said his daughter, Georgia Taylor.
In order to embrace his new lease on life and to get his new lungs functioning, Tich began walking along the Williamstown foreshore twice a day, everyday, his grey beard, shaggy hair and cheerful manner becoming as much of a fixture as the fort or the football ground.
“He just met all of Williamstown,” said Georgia of his daily walks which began with a brisk version at 5.30am, before a more sociable stroll a few hours later.
“He just talked to everybody, saying hello.”
The impact this had on others was made clear when a Facebook post announcing Tich’s death was flooded with tributes.
“Loved meeting Tich during my lockdown walks. Always a happy exchange,” wrote broadcaster and Williamstown local, Fee-B-Squared.
“I used to see Tich when running and always got a wave,” wrote Toni Burton.
“A wonderful part of our community who will be missed,” added Sam Parker.
When not walking, Georgia said her father spent his later years helping.
“I was at his house one day and he was just in and out, in and out. He’d say, ‘I’ve gotta help this person’ or ‘I’ve gotta walk someone’s dog’.“
Born in Williamstown in 1949, Tich worked in the merchant navy before working as a boiler attendant.
In 1987 he became a single father to Georgia and her two older brothers, after the death of their mother.
Even in the midst of tragedy, Georgia said her father’s positivity shone through.
“Dad would say ’Marvellous!’ to whoever asked ’how are you’?,” she recalled, before reciting Tich’s favourite saying.
“I’m happy every day when I open my eyes … If you open your eyes each morning, that’s a miracle.”
Peter ‘Tich’ Taylor is survived by children Damien, Lewis and Georgia and grandchildren Roscher, James, Lilly and Harry.
