The Hereford Times

A life devoted to helping people

1:23pm Thursday 7th September 2006

TO many people, Peter Mokler was an inspirational person and one that will be truly missed in Herefordshire.

Following his death last week, messages have poured in to his family, mourning the passing of a man whose life was devoted to helping others.

Born and bred in Herefordshire - his home was in Almeley for 79 years - he had a deep love for the county yet he was a keen traveller, having visited many countries all over the world.

Mr Mokler, who underwent heart surgery earlier in the year died in Hereford County Hospital last Sunday and his funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) at Almeley Church, close to his home.

It was his heart problems that led to his years of fund-raising for the Herefordshire Heart Fund and it is thought that his efforts raised more than £100,000 for the charity.

In 1987, he was among the first people locally to be fitted with a pacemaker and because Hereford County Hospital did not have one, hospital staff raised £900 to buy one.

He was so grateful, he took up the cause and spent years fund-raising and organising collections, including those at Wyevale, to help improve facilities for heart patients.

Five years ago, the hospital paid its own tribute to Mr Mokler by presenting him with a Millennium 2000 tapestry, hand-worked by Anne Slade.

Mr Mokler was born at Almeley, went to the village school and later joined Lady Hawkins at Kington.

He joined the Army towards the end of the Second World War and saw service in India and Kenya. He later partnered his brother, John, in many business ventures, including property and farming.

He was involved in a variety of organisations, being a Masonic Grand Master and member of the Hay-on-Wye Lodge, a member of Eardisley Royal British Legion, Kington Golf Club and Almeley Cricket Club and helped organise the Eardisley Stampede for many years.

He had been on the parish council, always ensuring the local monument was always spotless and planted thousands of daffodils in his local area.

Mr Mokler had a passion for old cars and was secretary of the Healey Association.

Mr Mokler and his wife, Gwladys, would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in March.

He is survived by Gwladys, sons Paul and David, who run Compressors and Washers in Widemarsh Street, Hereford, and three grandchildren.

The funeral is at noon. Garden flowers only or donations for Herefordshire Heart Fund would be welcome, through Bayley brothers.