Peter and Norma Daniel will settle in Somerset West

Mr Peter Daniel is synonymous with rolling up his sleeves and getting down to business, whether at work level, sport level or community level.

This third-generation pharmacist of Standerton and his wife Norma, will bid all the old friends, fellow sportsmen, bird enthusiasts, wine lovers and fellow Lions farewell in August to settle in their new home in Somerset West.

The reason for leaving for the Western Cape on 14 August is like most family’s commitment to keeping the bonds strong and healthy by being closer to the two grandchildren.

The apple fell far from the tree since Kevin, a biokineticist, farms in Elgin and daughter Kirstin teaches at Bryandale Primary School in Johannesburg.

Peter spoke quite animatedly about an apple farmer’s eye for colour when deciding if apples are ready for the picking.

His grandfather began a pharmacy in 1917 in Standerton, father Paul took over and Peter continued the tradition of a Daniel involved with healthcare.

Maximed was then the pharmacy where he could be seen behind the counter and he formally retired in 2015.

He was also a sessional pharmacist at the Standerton TB Hospital since 1975 and worked five hours a week in his lunch hour that was spent rather productively.

Peter applied his organisational skills to beginning the Standerton Marathon Club in 1979 and would probably still be involved with the club up to the last minute.

He joined the Lions Club in 2000 after Lion Tim Cochrane did the necessary introduction and before that he was a member of the Round Table for 20 years.

The ‘oenophiliacs’ wine tasting group, his brainchild, was begun in 1981 and make no mistake, he has attended all 412 meetings.

Bird watching is an important hobby and he has been seen on their various outing where rare species sometimes contribute to a wonderful day for an avid bird watcher.

“I am leaving Standerton with a heavy heart,” he admitted.

“I will miss the community the most.”