IN LOVING MEMORY OF PETER JOHNSON
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IN LOVING MEMORY OF PETER JOHNSON
Prominent businessman Peter Johnson died this month with his family beside him . It was only 4 years ago that Wirral Life gave him the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at their first Wirral Awards .
Peter Johnson was a name synonymous with success and vision , a man who left an indelible mark on the business landscape of the Wirral and beyond . Born into a butchers family , Peter ' s career was mapped out from an early age . Having left Park High School he began his apprenticeship with his father and worked hard to grasp the business which he envisioned one day taking over . It was during this time that he began to develop a small sideline Christmas hamper business which quickly developed into Park Group Plc , a £ 400 million business which he eventually sold in 2015 .
In the business world , Peter was a pioneer . His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish thriving enterprises that not only contributed to the economic growth of the region but also provided employment opportunities for countless individuals . Peter ' s legacy is not just measured in monetary terms , but also in the countless lives he impacted through his business ventures .
However , it wasn ' t just in boardrooms and executive suites that Peter ' s influence was felt . His passion for sports , particularly football , manifested in his ownership of two of Merseyside ’ s football clubs . He took the reins of Tranmere Rovers in 1987 , buying it out of administration . Under his stewardship the club not only experienced unprecedented success on the pitch , enjoying five trips to Wembley , but also became a source of pride for the community . Peter understood the profound impact that a successful sports team could have on the morale and identity of a town . His dedication to the club went beyond financial investment ; he was a true fan , cheering in victory and sharing the heartache in defeat . In the 1990 ’ s he crossed the water to take ownership of Everton Football Club and proudly held the FA Cup after their win against Manchester United in 1995 .
Peter ' s commitment to philanthropy was as noteworthy as his business acumen . Through The Johnson Foundation he has donated in excess of £ 10 million to local charities and community organizations ; most notably the Hive Youth Zone , Claire House and The Eureka Science and Discovery Centre . Peter believed in the power of education to transform lives and was a driving force behind scholarship programs that enabled promising students to pursue their dreams . The Johnson Foundation also developed reading and career programmes within Wirral ' s primary schools .
Beyond the business world , Peter Johnson was a family man . His family was the anchor that provided him with strength and purpose . Despite his demanding schedule , Peter always made time for his loved ones , imparting wisdom , offering guidance , and creating cherished memories that will endure through generations .
10 wirrallife . com