Peter Spriddell (1928 – 2024)
Honorary Fellow Peter Spriddell died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday 21 September 2024.
Peter’s membership of college began on the Council of then-Oxford Centre for Management Studies (OCMS). He went to serve as a Barclay Fellow on the Governing Body of then -Templeton College from 1978 to 2003. He was subsequently elected an Honorary Fellow, first of Templeton College, and then of Green Templeton College, in 2008. He was a generous donor and supporter of the community.
Professionally, Peter joined Marks and Spencer in 1951, where after numerous store managerial roles he went on to become alternate director. In 1972 he was appointed to the main board where until his retirement in 1988 he served as personnel director, building store operations and subsequently director of estates and physical distribution. He was a progressive voice within the Marks and Spencer business, promoting the development of the first out-of-town stores.
He is remembered fondly by former Templeton College colleagues as remarkably kind, wise and supportive. He was instrumental in supporting custom executive education strategic leadership programmes for Marks and Spencer senior executives and supporting the work of the Oxford Institute of Retail Management (founded and then based at Templeton College), particularly in relation to research into retail location and property.
He was highly influential within retail real estate circles – playing leading roles in the British Council of Shopping Centres, Oxford Street Association and Town & Country Planning Association. This was a background that he utilised to the benefit of Templeton College, where he advised on real estate, property and planning matters.
After having been awarded a scholarship to Plymouth College and serving his National Service, Peter went to Exeter College, University of Oxford (BA Modern Languages, 1948), where he was part of the college’s rugby club. He was also a member of the Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club and Oxford University Debating Society. He went on to complete postgraduate study at Harvard University in their Advanced Management Program. Peter served as board director or consultant of organisations including then-British Rail Property Board, Royal Artillery Museum and Heritage Company and the Wine Society. He was also honoured to have been Captain, President and Honorary Member of Moor Park Golf Club.
The thoughts of college members are with Peter’s wife, Joy, family and friends at this time. Please let the fellowship team know if you would like them to pass on any messages or tributes.
There will be a Memorial Service on Thursday 24 October at 13:30 at Christ Church, The Common, Rickmansworth Road, Herts, WD3 5SG. This will be followed by a Life Celebration at Moor Park Golf Club, Moor Lane, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1QL. The family would love to see anyone there and the Memorial Service will also be live on YouTube.
Peter requested that there be no flowers but rather, if wished, for donations to be made to the Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, at renniegrovepeace.org or c/o James Peddle Ltd, 51 Lower Rd, Chorleywood, WD3 5LQ. The Rennie Grove Peace Hospice care provided Peter with fantastic care in his final few months and even beforehand it was very dear to both Peter and Joy.
