Tributes paid to former Cumbria education director Peter Boulter CBE

Peter Crawford Boulter CBE passed away at the Cumberland Infirmary on Thursday, May 30, at the age of 93.

Born in Leicester in 1931, Peter grew up on the grounds of the ancestral home of Lady Jane Grey at Bradgate Park. 

It was here, surrounded by nature and wildlife, that Peter developed a lifelong love of the outdoors that would follow him throughout his life. 

In 1974, Peter and his wife much-loved wife Jennie moved to Cumbria, where he eventually took up the role of Cumbria's director of education.

His dedication to improving educational standards and his work with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards were recognised when Queen Elizabeth awarded him a CBE in 1989 at Buckingham Palace.

Peter pictured after the CBE honour outside Buckingham Palace in 1989. (Image: Supplied)

"When it came out, he didn’t believe it was real," his son Iain said.  

"I think that was more to do with his work on the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in Cumbria, he always encouraged children in Cumbria to get involved in outdoor activities," he said. 

After retiring from his education role in 1990, he continued to contribute to the field as a consultant for polytechnics aspiring to become universities.

He and his wife Jennie raised their sons Iain and Jonathan from their home in Scotby.

Peter and Jennie had a love for the outdoors. (Image: Supplied)

"He very much loved my mum, both of them did all the Munros in Scotland together. Even the ones you would have to walk a day before you even got to the mountain," he said. 

Iain said his father, who was a member of Brampton Golf Club, was well-known for his generosity. 

"He was a generous man, he always gave time for other people," he said. 

"If people needed a hand he would always help. One of the people coming up to see us said she used to run Childline events and my dad had organised a do at Carlisle golf course to raise money for them - he liked to do that kind of thing. 

"When he couldn’t walk anymore when people would come round to the house, he would always be suggesting new routes to try that he used to do," he said. 

A funeral service to honour Peter is arranged for 11.40am on June 20, at Carlisle Crematorium.