PETER LEHMANN - FAMILY STATEMENT

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Goodbye Peter - 18/8/1930 - 28/6/2013


As a family we’ve drawn together and are privately digesting the enormity of his death.

Given the life he led, for him there weren’t too many questions left un-answered. While we’re incredibly sad, we’ll say goodbye with the richness of his life in our hearts rather than the regrets for what might still have been.

It was often said that PL was a gambler. And yes, he loved a punt. The truth in his eyes was he didn’t consider it chance when he knew he had an unbeatable hand. Margaret, always by his side, was the ‘card counter’ that gave him the formidable edge.

PL was a man of many words … but rarely were they expected, and never self-aggrandising. 

He endured ceremony poorly and never suffered ‘self-importance’ except as fodder for his incisive wit. He would see anyone on their deeds, rather than their position. One thing that we all know is that PL could see through the bullshit. “My name is not Mr Lehmann, call me Peter.”

To his close family and friends, PL made it abundantly clear that there should be no funeral, nor memorial service for him. Since he detested funerals, why would he want to go to his own? What he would have highly approved of, however, was a get-together over a schlück, a bite to eat and plenty of larger-than-life yarns.

So in fitting style, on Friday the 26th of July, a gathering will be held on the grounds of Peter Lehmann Wines, from 2pm-4pm, so we can all do just that. There will be no speeches, rather just come together to cheers a mate, a father, and most importantly, a husband.

If he were here, as usual, PL would have had the last word: “Yes Margaret.”

Philip and David Lehmann,
5th July 2013.

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