For over fifty years the Berrisford home in Bass Road, Betty’s Bay has been a focal point of community life and conservation. At the heart of the home, Peter and Merrilee Berrisford have hosted countless committee meetings, social gatherings and transformative initiatives that have played a significant part in shaping the character of Betty’s Bay.
After a successful career in chemical engineering, in retirement Peter Berrisford applied his active and inquisitive mind to understanding and advocating for both the natural environment and the social well-being of Betty’s Bay.
Once Peter had decided on a cause in either environmental or community matters he was tireless in promoting it until the matter was settled. Former Ward Councillor for Betty’s Bay, Lisel Krige, put it well when she said that ‘Peter has been one of Betty’s Bay’s best known warriors, fearless and unrelenting in his pursuit of fair and better outcomes in many matters.’
Peter’s long service as treasurer of the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of SA remains richly appreciated. In addition, Peter’s advocacy for a fair and better national Botanical Society of South Africa was rewarded when the Council of the Botanical Society of South Africa awarded him Honorary Life Membership of the Botanical Society of South Africa, a distinction not awarded to many.
Peter’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Peter and Merrilee’s family of four children, their spouses and grandchildren, although not permanently resident, remain enthusiastic property owners of and frequent visitors to Betty’s Bay.
Betty’s Bay will forever be richer for Peter’s life among us.
Tim Attwell
Thank you,Tim, for your beautiful tribute. Our sincere condolences with Merrilee and her family. May your many happy memories of Peter soften the pain of your loss.