Remembering Peter Foyle
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our much-loved colleague, Peter Foyle.
Peter, who was joint head of SYFAB (South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau), died, surrounded by his family in hospital, after a cancer battle.
He was a highly respected figure in South Yorkshire’s voluntary sector following a long and distinguished career working across the region.
Peter joined SYFAB in 2010, but also worked for the organisation previously, as its Funding Advice Worker in Rotherham
He was latterly responsible for communicating with local groups via SYFAB Funding News and the SYFAB website, as well SYFAB funding contracts in Sheffield and Barnsley and monitoring the impact their support brings to local communities.
Martin Singer, CEO:
“Peter’s knowledge and experience have been essential to the development of SYFAB. He was a highly respected member of the team and will be missed greatly.”
Karen Walke, joint head of SYFAB
“Most of you will know that Pete and I job shared here at SYFAB – but we worked alongside one another for years before that too. Pete was a joy to work with, supportive and kind with clear boundaries - which I will always have with me. We never had a cross word or really disagreed about anything – rather we both seemed to have the same perspective on something, but with a slightly different approach to getting there. A rare find in a friendship!
“I will miss Pete greatly both as a friend and a colleague. The sector will miss Pete – he brought such clarity to groups in their development and funding journeys. My thoughts are with his family though at this time – and thanks for sharing him with us. I will end with this (if you know, you know) - Don’t Panic and always know where your towel is – Pete always knew!”
Andy Kershaw, training coordinator for SYFAB:
“I’ve known Peter Foyle for over 35 years since going to work in Barnsley and the Dearne Valley as a welfare rights officer, when he was the manager of the children’s centre in Thurnscoe.
“Later, when I became community development manager at Rotherham Council, Peter was the SYFAB funding advice and development worker in Rotherham and he worked closely with members of my team and they regarded him as a highly valuable and an indispensable asset in their community development work.
“I even attended some of Peter’s courses myself, never ever thinking that I would end up delivering and organising the same training as he delivered to me all those years ago.
“I will miss him terribly. He was full of experience, knowledge and understanding of the voluntary and community sector and his ‘know how’ and common sense will be sadly missed at SYFAB and by many who knew him across South Yorkshire and beyond.”
Peter was originally from down South but called Sheffield home for more than 40 years and during his time in the city became one of the Blades’ biggest supporters.
Alison Wade, Finance Manager:
“I have known Peter for about 11 years, from when he started at the Foundation. I will miss our conversations about football and putting the world to rights. He was greatly respected by his colleagues and the community. He will sadly be missed by everyone.”
Michelle Dickinson, head of philanthropy and programmes.
“I have known Peter for over 20 years, working in collaboration on events and community engagement when I was a Trustee Director for SYFAB. I was delighted to be able to work with Peter again when I joined The Foundation six years ago.
“Peter was a highly regarded member of the SYFAB team, he was the font of all knowledge and understood the issues surrounding the voluntary and community sector in South Yorkshire.
“He was supportive, caring and my go-to person. I will miss our catch ups on Friday mornings, where Peter shared his experience, knowledge, skills and wisdom with me. He was a great colleague and he contributed so much to the development of SYFAB.
"RIP Peter, you are sadly missed x”
Racheal Farrell, philanthropy coordinator:
“Peter was kind, humorous, dependable. He was a grant funding expert with extensive knowledge of the third sector and always available to assist me and anyone who needed support. He was an essential part of the community, and the influence he had on communities throughout South Yorkshire is immeasurable. Pete will be missed and remembered by everyone, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and lasting impact.”
Natalie Harrison, comms and marketing manager.
“Despite only working with Peter for a short time, I feel like I learnt so much from his experience. He always enjoyed a chat about our mutual love of Sheffield United and I enjoyed making him a cuppa in his Blades mug.”
We are incredibly grateful to Peter for his dedication and commitment to SYFAB and the Community Foundation. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and friends during this difficult time.