1940-2025
Peter’s daughter Gaby has passed on the sad news that Peter died at home in Yorkshire on 1 October 2025.
Peter was born on 7 November 1940, joining HMSO Printing Works on 2 March 1964. He moved to Norwich upon dispersal, and worked as IPCS Secretary for many years. He was also an active member of the local Scout movement.
Following retirement he moved with his wife Jackie to live near their daughter in Wetherby. Son Matthew lives in London.
The Eastern Daily Press Death Notice can be seen here.
Eric Bone adds: I was sad to hear about Pete. A good man. I was reminded about discussions with him and Vince Fitzgibbon in the ‘Adam and Eve’ before the formal meetings to discuss pay grade changes. We even discussed how we would disagree formally at the meeting. It was like a rehearsal for a ritual dance. Like Vince, he had loads of integrity which was a key to making those negotiations work. And we laughed a lot!
RIP old colleague. I guess we belonged to a bygone era, when shared values were more important than winning and losing!
John Eason adds: Sad news. A genuine all round good egg. Impossible not to like him.
Gerry Aldus adds: What sad news for a bleak October morning. Peter was a man who found it impossible to believe in something without following it with all his ability, be it his religion (a devout Catholic who was a member of various parish groups and who memorably shook hands with Pope Francis), a Scout (honoured with a life-time award), politics (allowing his home to be the Liberal Party committee room at Local Authority elections despite Mrs S being a staunch Tory), the IPCS (long-term Branch Secretary and member of the Executive Committee), football supporter (Norwich will never be more than a mid-table Championship Club) and 101 other things no doubt.
Despite his strong opinions, always put forward forcibly and with no trace of an understanding of a different view, Peter managed to be widely liked not to say loved by pretty much everyone he met.
I remember him telling me that sadly, there were no characters in the Office any more. I allowed myself an private smile – there were no bigger characters than P E P Staples.
I hope he had a warm welcome at the Pearly Gates.
Bob Avery adds: Thanks for sending the latest update, I am sorry to hear about the death of Peter Staples. Please pass on my condolences to his family.
Our IPCS connections started in 1978 when I was nominated IPCS Section Secretary in Belfast, followed by my move to Norwich at the end of 1979, going onto the Norwich Committee and later Secretary. When I moved to London the connection became closer as I was appointed Assistant Branch Secretary with Peter remaining in his role as Secretary. Our working relationship continued until his retirement just before privatisation in 1996.
Most of the “Technical” members of HMSO will be grateful for the work he put in, defending, and in some cases improving, their working terms and conditions, including me.
I was unaware of his move to Yorkshire, which probably explains why we lost touch.
Regards, Bob Avery
(now on the Prospect (ex IPCS/IPMS) retired members London Area Committee)
Dave Burchell adds: Sorry to hear the sad news about Peter Staples. He was one of the good guys. The comments from Gerry Aldus sum this up perfectly.
Nodge Carnegie adds: Very sad to read of the death of Peter Staples. You know that he and I were well acquainted and had spent several years on various union committees – particularly those of IPCS/IPMS/Prospect. You’ll recall that he suffered terrible injuries when he was struck by a van which mounted the pavement in icy weather. Peter (being Peter), once back on his feet, carried on with a busy life with his usual determination. A sad loss.
Jim Marshall adds: That’s sad news indeed Peter was a well liked and respected colleague both in and out of the office as Gerry says he was a true HMSO character. As a long time member and secretary of the Norwich Branch I often agreed to disagree but still remained friends. He will be missed.