TYLER, (Professor Emeritus) Peter Alfred
Former University of Tasmania and Deakin University Warrnambool Campus Professor.
Passed away on May 16, 2026.
Aged 90 years
Loved husband of Grace.
Loved father of Helen and Claire (dec.) and their families.
Loved step-father of Amanda, Michael and Sally Kay.
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In accordance with Peter’s wishes a private cremation has been held.
Funeral notice
Service
Private service
Private service
Tributes
Leave a tributeThis is very sad news. Peter and Grace were the most wonderful hosts when my late husband (Bland J. Finlay) and I visited Australia. Peter took us to collect water samples in Victoria and his energies were boundless! Sampling was combined with birdwatching and stopping at different stations to spot the passing train! In the evenings, Grace would cook delicious meals whilst Peter prepared his equally delicious, multilayered salads. I treasure these very special memories. Grace, you and family are in my thoughts. Sending lots of love.
May 25, 2026 7:17 am
The man up the road with the funny hat!! Peter a true gentleman that will be missed by many sending love to Grace and family
Shirl McCoskerMay 24, 2026 7:43 am
Our long standing members fondly remember Peter from decades ago when he recorded the last regular steam train workings throughout Tasmania on his trusty 16mm movie camera. He hosted some meetings at the Tasmanian University Botany theatre where he screened his films, they were excellent. Some members spoke to him on the phone before Easter and we are saddened to hear of his passing. Sincere condolences are sent to Peter's family from the members and committee of the Tasmanian Transport Museum Society.
May 23, 2026 9:53 pm
Peter was such a special part of my childhood and someone I will always remember fondly. As a young girl, I would ride my bike up to Peter and Grace’s house, where he always welcomed me with kindness, warmth, and a cheerful smile. I loved helping feed their chickens and turkeys whenever they went away, and Peter would spend time teaching me about plants, gardening, and his veggie patch. Lessons that have stayed with me and continue to influence me to this day. He always had time for my endless childhood questions and encouraged my curiosity with patience and enthusiasm.
I would often deliberately time my visits for lunchtime on weekends so I could sit at their outdoor table beside the veggie garden and enjoy the fresh produce they had grown. Peter and Grace introduced me to so many things for the first time, including different cheeses and pickled eggs, memories that still make me smile.
Peter always took a genuine interest in my life and supported me through the years, including encouraging my career choices. I was truly honoured that he was one of my references. He was a thoughtful, caring man whose friendliness and encouragement left a lasting impact on so many people.
Peter was also a very humble man, and I know he probably would not want such a big spiel written about him, but he truly made a difference in the lives of those around him, especially mine.
I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and my thoughts are very much with Grace and family at this time. He will be greatly missed.
May 22, 2026 9:38 pm
Thinking of you Grace and sending heartfelt condolences on the passing of Peter. His loss will be felt by many.
Coogee, Barnie McCosker & family.May 22, 2026 2:45 pm
It was with a saddened heart that I learnt of Pete’s passing. I first met Peter as a travelling companion on a flight to Hobart during which we shared a paper on Tasmanian diatoms. This chance encounter resulted in many a get together with him and Grace in various location in Tasmania where we explored the microscopic world together and later a short stay as their guest in Warrnambool.
Peter was one of the most inspirational and genuinely gracious people I have ever met.
My thoughts and condolences are with you Grace.David Seamer
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 3:19 am
I am going to miss Peter. He was a valued friend. Peter and his lovely wife Grace were extraordinarily kind and hospitable. In recent years Peter and I corresponded regularly. We put the world to rights via email. I have many happy memories of visits to their home first in Tasmania and then in Victoria.
May 22, 2026 12:11 am
I was very sad to hear this news. Peter was a wonderfully passionate lecturer that brought botany to life for me during my undergraduate days. It was a great pleasure to know him and to have had an opportunity to assist him in small ways in his endeavors to reveal the ecology of microorganisms within the lakes and lagoons of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, where even the things we can't see are special.
Jayne BalmerMay 21, 2026 10:29 am
Grace, both you and Peter will always be in my thoughts with the chance he took on a student. I owe so much to Peter.
The hours I spent dive bombing the many little sub-alpine glacial cirque lakes of the west coast ranges, with the pilot throwing the Cessna 186 float plane around to land on these tiny lakes. Returning at the end of the day, to find Peter standing on the pontoon with a can of coke and cold meat pie with sauce for my lunch. Wondering why I swore at him…… I had been airsick for the past 1-2 hours with the arial gymnastics of the pilot throwing the plane around to land/take off from these tiny lakes.
There were two days in particular I remember. The first was the day I asked do my BSc. Hons with him and could I do this on limnology and zooplankton, plus part time as I was a sole parent pensioner. His reply was that he knew nothing about zoops, and instead asked why not in the zoology dept,??? My reply was that I had to work under a certain individual who had a bit of reputation, plus could I do this part time as was a sole parent He just grinned in response with the reply “leave it with him”.
The second was the day he slapped down a bunch of forms in front of me, whilst I was sitting at my desk, shortly after I had started a MSc at TAS Uni. At that time, I was in receipt of a sole parent pension, plus looking after mum. During the day I had little to do being at a loose end. So I went back to Uni to fill in the time. Peter came in and “Sign here” he said. I did, then chased him out the door, asking what I had just signed. He turned and grinned. It was an upgrade to a PhD. I will never forget his rely “if you stuff this up then you may resubmit as a Masters …!”.
I think the Botany Dept did not know what to do as I was a self-funded postgraduate on a sole parent pension.
He was a true gentleman, and he will be sorely missed.
Robert Walsh
May 21, 2026 10:09 am
‘I acknowledge my extraordinary good fortune in having the opportunity to work so long in a virgin Lakeland, in its unrivalled wilderness and with a continuous stream of enterprising students. Together we unfurled the banner of the rich inheritance of Tasmanian limnology’.
Peter Tyler 1992I was one those most fortunate students, now scattered throughout the world. Peter you will be sorely missed, and Grace, my heartfelt thanks for the many kindnesses you both always showed me.
Dominic Hodgson (PhD student 1995)May 20, 2026 6:42 pm
Margaret and I were saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was a gentleman and a polymath. His deep knowledge in so many topics was truly amazing.
May 20, 2026 3:53 pm
A loyal, supportive and highly successful academic colleague who brightened up everyone's day. I recall when he drove the West Coast steam engine into Warrnambool, his hosting my friend and visiting algologist (Nobu Katayama) on his sabbatical, his chats about natural history and stories of historical rail lines. Our thoughts are with you Grace.
May 20, 2026 9:16 am
Peter was unique. He was kind, cheery., passionate and viewed the world through a positive lens. He introduced my wife and I to the joy of birding which has become our passion. Peter was very quick witted and kept the puns coming thick and fast. Before he began to decline we went on a number of trips with Peter and Grace. These were always great fun and often led to railway adventures! Peter will be sadly missed. We are fortunate to be left with so many happy memories. Vale Peter.
May 20, 2026 6:10 am
Peter was a kind, witty and generous friend.
A polymath and railway buff.
He was a fine naturalist who had great scientific distinction which was recognised by his colleagues here and around the world.
May 19, 2026 4:12 pm
Dear Grace,
I have many great memories of long chats with Peter during our times at Deakin. He was truly inspirational and his kind hearted nature was always present. He was such an approachable, friendly bloke. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Paul Carlin and Jane WeirMay 18, 2026 9:29 pm
So sorry to hear this sad news.
I will miss my visits to Peter.
My love and condolences to you and your family Grace.
Karen ( Clinicallabs)May 18, 2026 4:30 pm
Grace, our thoughts are with you and your family. Peter always had a smile,and we will miss him.
Robyn & LukeMay 18, 2026 4:00 pm
A lovely Man, sympathy too Grace. Neil at Woodford
May 18, 2026 3:23 pm