At the party Wendy gave the guests a rundown on Peter's careers and his hobbies over the years saying that as a young man Peter first worked in banking, good with numbers, people skills and very early huge IBM computers.

"Many of his jobs have involved driving cars, or began by driving cars, which he is very good at and still loves doing. He drove taxis, being the youngest taxi driver in Melbourne at one stage.

"Much later he found his niche in the funeral industry, where his people skills, care and compassion were second to none," Wendy said.

"In 1980 we made a life changing decision, stepped outside our comfort zone and moved to Merimbula, believing it would offer our family a better lifestyle. Our three kids, David Amber Dougal all went to school here - Merimbula Public School and Eden High School.

"We had the first, and at that time 1980, the only coffee shop in Merimbula (Pampers Coffee Shoppe). Many a business deal took place over a coffee at Pampers. After that a charcoal chicken shop on Fishpen, Later there was a takeaway food shop, school canteen manager, Australiana and country outfitter, car salesman at Balmains Bega, weighbridge operator Eden, next time you are Eden, remember Peter weighed every rock that it comprises," Wendy told the guests.

He trained as patient transport officer with the regional health service, another area, where for his last 12 years of working life Peter's care and compassion enabled him to shine, Wendy said.

"After his family, Peter's love for all animals, particularly dogs is very special. He has a connection with dogs that few can match. He was chief instructor at Sapphire Coast Kennel and Obedience Club Inc for nearly 30 years. Since 1988 Peter bred, and showed Rottweilers, many of whom went on to be faithful companions to families who became our friends as well as several Rottweilers who went to Police Dog Squad and two dogs who became seeing eye dogs," she added.

"As a young man Peter coached a girls' softball team, and played tenor drum in a highland pipe band, loved his time as a leader of Scouts and Sea Scouts, also crewed a racing yacht in Tasmania."

The couple love dancing and were original members of Merimbula Sapphire Squares. Now together they teach New Vogue dancing through U3A to absolute beginners.

"Peter fulfilled a lifelong ambition to build his own home when he physically built our Millingandi home, completing it in 2006," Wendy said.

Peter is still an active member of the Anglican Parish and the Uniting Church, also U3A where he helps lead the 500 group and Take Your Brain Dancing.