A former mayor of Watford who valued the “importance of family life” has died.

Peter Kiely, who held the post of mayor between 1992 and 1993, died at his home in Sidmouth, Devon after a short illness.

He was 89 years old.

During his time as mayor, Peter formally opened the Harlequin Centre in 1992. He visited Watford’s twin town Veliky Novgoro in western Russia and was presented with a commemorative dish which is displayed in the Town Hall.

Peter, who was a religious man attending mass at the Roman Catholic Church of St Helen until the Church of Our Lady and St Michael in Garston was formed, also visited several organisations in the town championing the “importance of family life”.

He was an active member of both churches and a founder member of Our Lady and St Michael where he was secretary of the fundraising team who built the church.

Peter began working as a telegram boy with the General Post Office in 1943 before entering National Service as a Private. He served in the army before leaving at the rank of Sergeant.

In 1949 he married Alma. They lived with their two children in Watford and Garston until retiring to Sidmouth in 1996.

Peter continued working with the General Post Office after his national service, working his way up through British Telecommunication, later BT, to executive engineer and lecturer to apprentices at Watford Technical College and Hatch End College.

He worked as a local councillor, county councillor and member of the Conservative Party before retirement.

Peter was described as an “eloquent speaker” having a “kind, discerning and thoughtful” character.

As mayor, Peter often enjoyed Watford Football Club home and away games with his son Stephen and grandson Peter.

His funeral will take place at 11.00am on August 22 at The Church of Most Precious Blood, Sidmouth.