Tributes for ‘eccentric and caring’ taxi boss Peter Dunnaway

Peter Dunnaway had run Dunnaways Taxis in Chichester since 1977

Mr Dunnaway died on Saturday, November 14, after suffering a stroke a month earlier.

His son James has become the fifth generation of Dunnaways to take over the family business, which began with horse and carts in the 1800s.

He said: “We’ve had so many people ring up and send cards.

“Everybody knew him, people used to come and see him just for a chat and to get the gossip.

“He was a very eccentric character but also very caring.

“Taxis were his life and that’s what people remember him for.

“He worked about 18 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Peter Dunnaway was born on February 12, 1945 in Chichester, and after leaving school he worked at Dewhurst Butchers in East Street.

When he turned 18 he joined the family business, and when his dad, James, died in 1977, he became a partner of Dunnaways Taxis with his mother Mary.

After Mary’s death in 2002 he took over the running of the firm. Peter’s brother Kevin also worked in the family business for many years.

Peter’s son James is now the fifth generation along with his wife Zoe to run the business, started by Peter’s great grandfather Emery in the 1800s.

Peter’s sister Moya Tully said: “Peter’s business and his family, sons Sean, Michael and James and their families, were his life.

“He loved running the business and was so proud of his family.

“Peter was an extremely kind and generous person, he would help anyone if he was able.”

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