Friends, family and colleagues have paid tribute to a stalwart of Stevenage Indoor Market who has passed away.

The Comet: Peter Mason with his wife Sue MasonPeter Mason with his wife Sue Mason (Image: Archant)

Peter Mason, who died at Letchworth’s Garden House Hospice on Sunday, was just 59 and had been fighting cancer since January.

Peter’s son Andy paid tribute to his dad who was for many years chairman of the market traders association, ran a DVD and record stall and organised numerous charity fundraising events.

“He loved being at the centre of things but when it came to recognition he would always stand back. But he deserved that recognition because he did so much,” he said.

“He would always be the one who had advice for me if he thought I was going down the wrong road, and you could rely on him for support and a kind word when you needed it.

“I wouldn’t be half the person I am now if it wasn’t for him.

“He was always one for enjoying a good party or a good get together.”

Traders at the market in St George’s Way remembered Peter by saying: “Peter was a larger than life character and will be sadly missed by all who have had the privilege to have met him. The market will never be the same without him. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Peter was born in the Hackney area of London on July 20, 1956, but moved to Stevenage with his family when he was 10.

He left school at 15 and first worked at Halfords, later taking a job as a bar manager at the town’s Times Club.

He met his future wife Sue on holiday in Majorca in 1976, and the couple married 11 weeks later. Andy was born in 1981 and a second son, Simon, followed in 1984.

The family moved away for some years but returned to Stevenage in 1991 when Peter set up at the market.

He often organised charity fun days to coincide with the annual celebration of Armed Forces Day, and raised large sums of cash for the children’s ward at the Lister Hospital.

As well as his wife and sons, he was the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, May 31, at Harwood Park Crematorium. Peter’s family has requested flowers from family only but there will be a collection for Garden House Hospice on the day. All are welcome.