Obituary: Tom Pepper – lifelong Sway bridge enthusiast and former computer programmer

SWAY Bridge Club founder and former vice-chairman of New Forest Mencap Tom Pepper has died at the age of 74.

After spending much of his working life as a computer programmer and consultant, Tom retrained as a bridge teacher and spent 24 years pursuing his second career.

His passion for the game was ignited in early childhood when his parents Cecil, a scientist, and Phyllis, an accountant, showed him the basics when he was just four years old.

Demonstrating a natural aptitude for it, Tom went on to play in competitions and club matches throughout his life.

In his youth he was also an accomplished sportsman and enjoyed cricket, rugby, tennis, golf and fishing.

Tom’s father, Dr Cecil Pepper, the managing director of Duckham’s Oils, who invented the famous Duckham’s 20-50, died at the age of 45 when Tom was just 12.

An able mathematician, the plan had been for Tom to train as an accountant after finishing school but after encountering early computers during a holiday job at Ronson, the lighter makers, his career ambitions changed.

He joined Kellogg International in Baker Street, London, in 1965 as a programmer and was rapidly promoted to chief programmer.

He met his wife-to-be Sue in London in 1968 and two years later they married before setting up home in New Milton where the family started to grow.

Tom was a keen gardener, vegetables being his favourites, it was a passion he maintained through his life. Tom and Sue became involved with several charities in the New Forest providing care and support for families with children with learning disabilities. They also acquired the first of many English Setters, which they went on to breed for several years.

Tom worked for Atlantic Container Lines, spending four years commuting between Southampton, Toronto and New York on a fortnightly basis. He also travelled to the Scandinavian countries regularly for ACL.

In the 1970s the family moved to a small farm in Downton where they cultivated vegetables in a walled garden and kept various animals. Tom also played bridge competitively when time allowed.

He then set up his own computer consultancy business, TWP Ltd, supporting businesses across the south. His colleagues remember Tom for his encouragement, kindness and the endless support he gave them in furthering their careers.

After retiring from the computer industry Tom retrained as a bridge teacher working for Brockenhurst College and offering private tuition. His second career was a great success, teaching hundreds of people, and he loved the role, continuing for 24 years and earning a reputation for his patience, kindness and sense of humour.

Tom also played in tournaments, competitions and socially throughout his life, leading him to set up Sway Bridge Club in 2008. His aim was to create a friendly club which was open to all abilities.

He was also a committee member and vice-chairman of New Forest Mencap and a longstanding supporter of the Stable Family Home Trust. Together he and Sue raised thousands of pounds for these charities through various fundraising events including quiz nights, tennis tournaments and sales.

Sadly, Tom died suddenly just two months before he and Sue would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by Sue, his children Kate, Lizzie, Tom and Alex, and grandchildren Willow, Martha, Iris, William and Ellie.

A private funeral has been held but anyone who wants to donate in Tom’s memory can give to the Stable Family Home Trust care of Tapper Funeral Services, Milford.