THE WIFE of much-loved retired King’s School teacher Peter Mathews has said her husband died where he was happiest – "out in the fields with his animals".

‘Pete’ or ‘Sir’, as he was best known to many during 35 years’ service, inspired thousands of pupils on their journey to adulthood, and elevated King’s into one of England’s finest rugby schools.

The grandfather-of-five, aged 62, suffered a heart attack while feeding geese outside his home on Hordern Farm Pottery, off Buxton New Road, on Wednesday, January 14.

His wife of 33 years, Anne Mathews, has been inundated with tributes.

"I can’t believe how much love is pouring out – it’s amazing," said Anne, who once ran J.Jackson & Sons bakery on Mill Street.  Pete was so fit and should have had another 20 years, but he died out in the fields with his animals, which is where he loved to be."

Pete enjoyed taking dogs Pebbles and Pixie for their brisk 6.30am daily walk and liked being surrounded by his menagerie of animals.

Anne added: "I have always said I would write a children’s story about it. Pete would pass the geese, sheep and hens with the dogs, and two or three cats would follow them, knowing they would get fed later."

Born in Penrith, Cumbria, Pete studied physical education and biology at Loughborough University – before landing his first job in 1967 at King’s.

During 35 years’ service, the courageous teacher oversaw three cricket tours to Kenya, Pakistan and South Africa.

A former pupil, John "Doc" Watson, said: "His going is truly saddening. Peter played a part in my life as teacher, form tutor, adventurous training instructor, rugby coach and, when out of school, a friend."

Formerly of Blakelow Road, Pete and Anne moved to the eight-and-a-half-acre Hordern Farm Pottery seven and a half years ago. Now living next door to her son, Richard, his wife, Alison, and their three children, Chloe, 22, Adam, 21 and Maia, 16, Anne recalled the fateful day when Pete died.

"When I got back in after lunch I thought he’d gone walking the dogs," she said.  "After some time looking, poor Maia unfortunately found Pete lying face down near the geese pen.  When the paramedics arrived, they tested his heartbeat which seemed okay, but it was confirmed it was Pete’s pacemaker and that he’d died."

Yesterday (Tuesday, January 27) hundreds attended Pete’s funeral at St Michael’s Parish Church in Macclesfield.

"Pete had so much he still wanted to do in life. I couldn’t have wished for anyone better," added Anne.