PQ – such a big presence in the skiing life of the Lonsdale family throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Great memories of Peter’s famously tricky race courses, master-classes in splicing the top tow rope, race training on slivers of snow in Organ Pipe Valley, unforgettable expeditions to the summit, and Peter – unfazed, with such style – leading kids of varying ability and recklessness down heart-stopping gullies under the Policeman. Weren’t we lucky. So much gratitude for Peter’s long, dedicated service to the ski club. Irene, Karl and Stefan, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing Peter with innumerable ski club undertakings and generations of skiing kids.

During the 1960`s & 70`s, while organising ski racing for the Stratford Mountain Club, I worked closely with Peter and Des Peters. This was one of the most memorable and enjoyable periods in my 74 years of skiing. Seeing their work with the young Club skiers and racers was a great pleasure. Peter and Des were like gods to them. They produced many of the top racing skiers in N.Z. over this period. Peter impressed not only with his superb skiing but also with his fashionable ski clothing. Tight, elasticised and colourful pants in particular were the envy of the girls. My daughter Robin bought a pair of yellow and blue pants from him - they were the pride and joy of her racing time! Peter had a lovely white Samoyed dog which even accompanied us on one of our many late season ski trips from the summit of the mountain. I spun some of it`s hair mixed with sheep`s wool, and my wife knitted him a ski hat which added to his sartorial splendour! My sympathy to Irene, Karl,& Stefan in their loss of husband and father, and for me the loss of a great and much admired friend. Athol Lonsdale 13 Dec 2021

Fifty four years ago Peter had peacock blue ski pants with flouro yellow stripes down the side. He’d bought them overseas somewhere. Quite a SENSATION when everyone else wore BLACK ! I remember Irene wore a white rabbit skin ‘ bonnet’ on the slopes….it had fluffy Pom poms attached to the chin tie ‘ string ‘things. I was about ten then…and I asked my father ( John Valentine) “ Do ladies have to wear a rabbit skin hats to be ski bunnies ? “ Dad replied “ Yes. I think so “. What wonderful tributes are recorded here . A true community man.

A big thank you to all the family for sharing the service on livestream.Much appreciated. Rudy Gesterkamp

I will always remember your many stories and history of the ski field. Telf and I are new to the club but found out quickly how legendary you are and such a gentleman. I’ll miss your ski tips, riding with you and seeing you up on the hill. Peace be with you and your family. Lian Brownson

I was so saddened to hear of PQ's passing. I have many wonderful memories of heading up the mountain with PQ, Karl and the crew over the years. An amazing guy and the most passionate skier I ever met. I really appreciated the hints he gave me to improve my skiing but not only was I impressed with this part of his life but the many other endeavors he had on the go through the years. Like building a house on his own while taking up golf and attacking it with the perfection he required of himself to highlight a couple. I hope you are getting the bluebird powder days every day now and rest well PQ. My thoughts now are with Irene, Karl & Stefan and their families. Im thinking of you all. Nigel Spedding

SMC has lost a true Legend and a gentleman.. Wayne and I joined the Stratford Mountain club in 1972 and were novices at that time... we learnt alot from you over the years and was always in awe of your skiing ability and how you shared it with others... Im sure we will all feel your presence when skiing on our local Maunga and thank you for everything you did to help people follow your skiing dream Keep skiing those trails of powder on bluebird days PQ... rest if you must, but I don't think you will. Sincere condolences to Irene, Karl, Stefan and families ❤❤

I was a Hawera skier and member of Stratford Mountain Club since I was 10 years old and knew PQ as the best skier on the hill, the New Zealand Champion, and one of the great Egmont skiers who had dominated national skiing over the years. Later in life we were both members of the New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance and Peter became a Certified Level Two member and a national committee member who had a lot to do with the early days of the forming and creation of NZSIA. He did much of our design work, examined our certifications and was always a valuable person in those early days. As a young skier I was inspired by Peter. He had, and will forever have, a smooth fluid style of skiing and his love of the sport is obvious to all. He inspired us to hike up the top tow, to run a few more gates training at Manganui and I can remember the pride at SMC when he won the nationals. Awesome. Later he brought a group of skiers to Mammoth for a ski holiday. I am still in Mammoth, still skiing and enjoying it and retired now from Ski School and Race Department. I would say to Peter “Thank You for the example, the inspiration and the good times we had together. I will never forget him and the impact he had on my life and career.” John Armstrong

Thanks Peter for all the tips you fed me over the years. You were always a legend to me & I am so very pleased we had the opportunity to do some shredding together at Turoa last season followed by a great get together & dinner at Ian & Merlene's coupled to all the the tales you shared. These memories are now precious. Rest well. My Condolences to you Irene, Karl and Stefan.

I have not had the pleasure of meeting Peter, however I'm great friends with his son Stefan. I can tell Peter was a great man for two amazing reasons, first is that Stefan constantly raves about how awesome his dad was and second is knowing how great a man and a friend Stefan is. It's sad that I have not known Stefan long enough for me to have had the chance to have met his father before his passing. However I'm looking forward to many years ahead hearing about Stefan reminiscing about how much he loved his dad and hearing him talk about all the great times he had with him. BIG HUGS TO ALL THE QUINN FAMILY, you are in my thoughts today as you pay tribute to, and celebrate the life of Peter.

It has been a privilege to know you P.Q. You graced our lifes for many years,especially while we were at the Mountain House. Your love of the mountain and skiing has passed on to new generations and yor legacy will live on. Thank you for all you have done. Rest in peace on a lofty mountain top, we will remember you. Our condolences to Irene, Karl, Stefan and families. Berta, Heidi and Hans-Peter

Dear Irene, Stefan and Karl. So sorry to hear about Peter's passing. I have very fond memories of the ski holiday I had with PQ, Irene and Stefan at Red Mountain in Canada in the early nineties. I remember that it was the first time I had ever skied at night. Peter was a gentleman and a great ski instructor. Condolences Deb Boon You skied with Dad in the fifties, taught me and my siblings in the sixties and then my children in the eighties. A Manganui and NZ ski legend. You will be sadly missed Condolences Steve Barham and Rob Barham

PQ was my Taranaki Ski Legend for 50 years. 1955 was his first season at Stratford. He even twice in one day skied the south side to Fanthams Peak overnighting in the old Syme Hut! I recall the annual early spring ski runs from the summit via Crater Valley and then into Snow Valley ending at Tahurangi Lodge. One New Years Day when we were probably the World’s first skiers we did another summit to Tahurangi Lodge via Hongis valley. Another early morning trip even included his faithful dog Kimba, the family pet Samoyed. I remember with affection our many ski trips together and PQ’s ability to confidently ski on Mt Taranaki Ice. My Condolences to you Irene, Karl and Stefan. George Mason

Sincere condolences to Irene, Karl and Stefan and their families. Thanks PQ for your friendship, infectious enthusiasm, positivity and guidance over the years. We will miss you. Iain & Merlene

I think that now my earliest memory of Peter is of him working his magic in the screen printing shop somewhere around the corner of Egmont and King St, or maybe it was the great swimming pool dig in the ’70’s ? To me, PQ was the brother that dad (Noel) always chuckled about, the adventurous one, the one who was either skiing or surfing in NZ or off on some overseas adventure, and in my minds eye he looks exactly like he does in the photo. Farewell PQ and condolences to Irene, Karl, Stefan and respective families from Gregory, Moana and Nina. Gregory Quinn

Stepping off the lift At the top of the mountain, Skis over my shoulder, Happiness in my heart, I stand at the top, The top of the mountain. There beneath me Lays the untrodden snow, Not a mark upon it. I prepare myself for the journey, The journey down the hill, Going where none have gone before. The start is slow and gentle, The sibilance of the snow Sliding silently beneath my skis. The speed increases, As the adrenalin flows. Then it comes to me, The wonder of my world As my journey continues, Not just down this hill, That has become my life, My journey of life. The thrill of living, The thrill of My Spirit, Flowing in me, Flowing with me. I ski down this path, This untrodden path Which my life is following. The tracks left behind me, Where I have been, The unknown ahead of me, But the Faith of knowing All will be well. The slope eases, My way slows, I come to stillness, Knowing that my journey Will never end, And that snow-covered slope, Will always show me the way. A true legend you where PQ

So sorry to read of Peter’s passing. An action man to the end. Find memories of Red Mountain with Peter & Irene & times up the mountain during the 80’s. kind regards Heather Doughty

Sad day wish I was there for the family RIP Adam Gillbanks

Our condolences to Irene, Karl and Stefan. We have such wonderful memories from those days long ago. Mine include that fabulous trip to Mammoth Mountain with Peter. Ann Mace, Lisa and Damon Newland.

It is with great sadness the Stratford Mountain Club mourn the passing of Life Member PETER QUINN (PQ) Peter joined the club in 1956 and was picked for the NZ Ski Team in 1961, he went on to win the NZ Champs in 1963. Along with Des Peters they started the Egmont Ski School in 1968. Peter was a passionate skier and travelled overseas on numerous occasions to get his fix for skiing.

Kia ora Te Whanau, It was my privilege and honour to share a slope with you. Whenever my skiing gets a bit loose, I remember a quiet tip you shared with me. I will miss following your red helmet down Solitude at Turoa. Always a pleasure to share an ale afterwards. Kia Kaha.

Deepest sympathy to Irene and family from Town and Country Garden Group

Sorry to hear of PQ passing.Sixty seven years is a long time to have known someone so dedicated to skiing. Condolences to Irene,Karl and Stefan. Good bye PQ. RIP. Robert Dorflinger.

Peter and I with mum (Irene) on our 21st birthday's.

Dear brother Peter, Never a dull moment with my action hero twin brother! He gave everything a go, and made a go of everything! There was nothing he didnt try or succeed at. He even made his own bricks for their first house. Peter was almost invincible. There was no mountain too high or steep to ski, no storm a deterrent for his windsurfing agility. Growing up together, Peter was good company. While we were very different personalities, we still shared the bond of twins. Farewell Peter. I hope you are having a well-deserved rest. Love always, Margaret xx

So sad to hear of PQs passing. From Peter Quinn teaching me to ski to skiing with him just a few months ago, he had such a positive attitude. It was always so inspiring to see PQ up to top tow, loving the mountain and all he got from being up there. What a legend! Irene, Karl and Stef and your families, our condolences and thoughts are with you, RIP and thanks PQ

What a man, Our condolences to Irene, Karl, Stef and family What wonderful memories we have of Peter, you taught us to ski "properly" and appreciate the splendour and magical moments that we all share from being part of the SMC and part of Mount Taranaki. Whenever we ski our thoughts return to you PQ and the skills you imparted to others. Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom that you have given us. Merv & Marion Lapwood

Our heartfelt condolences to Irene and family at the passing of Peter, who lived life to the full. May the wonderful memories you share help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Kathy and Mitch Gates

Wow what a loss. Thinking of you Irene Karl Stefan and families. Such a neat guy and an inspiration from 1975 when I first met him as a learner kid right through to last spring 45 years later when he was leading the charge out west at Turoa at age 82? (and I was trying to keep up with him!) . Thanks for playing in our Tuesday night Business House golf team over recent years Peter. A mighty Kauri tree has fallen in the forest. We will all miss you. RIP PQ

A Tremendous Man Peter made the 1st Surfboard in New Plymouth. I remember as a young teenager, Peter starting out silk screening in the back shed of the ole D&H alley. He’d give me his 2nds and thought that was real cool. A Great Life Well Lived. RIP Peter. Rocky Hannan and Family

Our thoughts are with you all,Irene. Such great memories of our skiing days with Rex & our family.The first time I rode the T-Bar Peter helped me. I always appreciated that. A great skier never forgotten. Christine Taylor.

Peter your energy and passion for all the things you loved your mountain, surfing your golf was never ending from your tributes you have touched many people’s lives and left behind inspiration and very fond memories I don’t think I have ever met anyone who could fill a day in like you could skiing in the morning, surfing in the afternoon and partying at night - Our thoughts are with Irene, Karl and Stefan and their families at this sad time God Bless Sheryl Thompson

Peter was one of my childhood heroes. I first set eyes on him as a young kid whilst climbing Mt Egmont on a summer, open climb. I spied him from afar at about 8000 feet, climbing at a fast clip with his skis aloft his shoulders, up Snow Valley.  I remember thinking at the time, he was like Superman and as my passion for the mountain grew, I later came to meet the man and I wasn't dissapointed. Peter was an individual I always looked up to and respected, and of course someone whom I wanted to ski like (fat chance of that!). Later he went on to help me in my early days as a writer and a publisher of a ski magazine. I know that Peter's real passion was in teaching young children to ski and I don't believe that he ever tied of that, nor did he ever tie of his love for the Stratford Mountain Club, but especially, he never tied of his love for Mt Egmont. RIP Peter.

Blessings to Irene and family at this time , it was great to come to know you Pete in your final years and now safe in the hands of our dear Lord .

Many Great memories of PQ. Playing Pin the tail on the donkey, as a 5yo up Montana Place. Diving off the roof into his home-built cool swimming pool. Partying & playing pool there. Surfing solid Rocky Rights with him, as a freaking out grom. Glassing in fins in his basement, after the boards flew off the roofracks. Negotiating skiing the icey top tow, under his expert tutoring & guidance. RIP PQ Condolences to Irene, Karl & Stefan Brooke Hughes

Good memories from the Mid 60s PQ when you were our Mentor in more ways than one. Your dedication to skiing and life in general always gave us a goal to achieve. Thoughts are with Irene and your Familly.

RIP PQ. You were a true legend of the sport of skiing, such an Inspiration to me and countless other Taranaki kids of whom you shared your wisdom, love and passion for the sport. It was one of my proudest moments when the student became the teacher a few years ago when you turned up on an NZSIA free ski camp and you were still so inspiring to the others on the course and us trainers. My Sincerest condolences to Irene, Karl and Stefan, he will be greatly missed. Todd Quirk

Such wonderful memories of PQ throughout our many years of skiing up the mountain. Wonderful conversations eating lunch in the lodge together sharing memories.Peter was a remarkable man who gave so much to the club and to the many generations who learned to ski with him,including our boys, he will be a great loss to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Condolences to Irene, Karl and Stefan, may he rest in peace. Lester & Leann Bulmer

To Irene, Karl and Stef - best wishes and Kia Kaha with the passing of PQ PQ is a legend of Taranaki skiing, mentor and inspiration for me when starting back in the 70's. Always a good guy with a happy greeting and totally loved the Taranaki skiing. i remember we skied from the summit one day and we came down shitters ditch at the top of snow valley. We had to stop and let the surface snow we had dislodged run like a waterfall over a small break. I decided to jump in early and was skiing down snow valley at max speed and I could hear PQ coming behind me- The only time I ever beat him down a run !! Good times getting drums of fuel up to top tow and in crampons deicing the rope and towers. The man could ride a ski edge better than anyone. Miss you mate RIP Nga mihi Chris

Gone from our sight, but never from our memories To Irene Karl and Stefan… We are thinking of you during these difficult times.” Warm Regards Gary and Heather Hutchings

Farewell PQ. Friend, mentor and model. Who will we follow now? Peter Manning

It was a pleasure sending Irene off on your dates with gorgeous hairstyles all those years ago. You have a special place in Doug & my hearts, you've been a wonderful support, kind, integral and wise. Rest Peacefully and joyfully with our Lord.

We will miss your friendly face, inspirational company and companionship while playing Friday Club at Ngamotu Golf Club. Our sympathy to your family. Best Regards Lorena and Shaun Brannigan

RIP PQ thanks for all the inspiration over the years, many memories of just the two of us deicing the top tow and skiing the main face in sheet ice, scoring the best powder day ever with yourself Karl Bursy and myself. Running the ski school and race programs over many years. A true icon of Mt Taranaki RIP PQ catch that Gondola ride to heaven. Sincere condolences to Irene Karl and Stefan. Fondest Regards Jay and Wendy Whitaker

So sad to hear of PQs,passing.A great skier, worker, husband and father. Fond memories of skiing off the summit of Taranaki with Peter and Warren down to Kahurangi in the spring. Also all the days at SMC. Will.be missed by all Regards from Jeff and Louise Kelly, Chch were 2

On hearing of the passing of Peter , Pauline and I sat down with the Mt Maunganui SMC History book and relived all the memories of PQ's mountain life and all his achievements. The two things that I have fond memories of are being the Best man at our wedding and starting the Egmont Ski School together. Irene our thoughts are with you and your family.