Port Lincoln millionaire businessman Peter Teakle remembered for his generosity after his death

The son of a Port Lincoln multi-millionaire businessman who was at his side as he passed has remembered his late father as a “hard working family man”.

Port Lincoln multi-millionaire businessman Peter Teakle has been remembered as a “generous man with a big heart” following his death.

It’s understood Mr Teakle, 72, died peacefully in his sleep in hospital on Friday, with his son Ben by his side.

Heir to a South Australian printing empire, Adelaide-born Mr Teakle was a passionate supporter of Eyre Peninsula’s major city, and renowned for his generous support of business and community projects.

Mr Teakle’s son, Ben, said his father was a “man of many talents”.

“It was a sad day to say goodbye to my father Peter yesterday morning. He was a father, businessman, mentor and philanthropist with a love of life and a true entrepreneurial spirit,” Ben told The Advertiser.

Mr Teakle’s son, Ben has remembered his father has a “hard working family man”.

“In business he believed in hard work, integrity, competitiveness and always striving to be the best. Outside of business he loved giving back to the community. He was passionate about providing pathways for young people and watching them go on to succeed in life.”

Ben said his father, a viticulturist and a keen fisherman, donated time and resources to the Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Hamilton Island sailing clubs and the RFDS and Variety – the Children’s Charity.

“I strive to live life with the same spirit and our team and family will work hard to continue his legacy. On behalf of the family, thank you to everyone for the kind words of support,” he said.

Gary Curtis, who runs Mr Teakle’s highly-rated Limani Motel in Port Lincoln, said he would leave a “huge hole” in the region.

“The difference between Peter and other people is he changed your life,” Mr Curtis told The Advertiser.

“He was always there if you needed him, you got the best of the best if you need help. He was just a wonderful mentor.”

Port Lincoln local Mr Curtis described Mr Teakle as a down-to-earth, “ultra generous” man who will leave a big legacy.

“When the (Port Lincoln) fires came through, a farmer that was struggling would find a new generator sitting on the verandah. If something needed to be done, he’d do it. He did all these things behind the scenes that not a lot of people would know about.

“He was ultra generous and had a very big impact around here.

“Lincoln’s had three or four icons who have come in and had a big impact on the town – and he’s definitely one of them.”

Peter Teakle, Maggie Beer and Josh Harris. Picture: Supplied

Entrepreneur Peter Teakle. Picture: Ivon Perrin/The Australian

Pete Evans, Diana Williams and Peter Teakle at Peter Teakle Wines, Port Lincoln.

A successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist, Mr Teakle took over his father’s Collotype Labels printing business in 1986 – making wine and spirit labels – and transformed it into a multimillion-dollar international company.

In 2016, Mr Teakle bought the picturesque former Delacolline Estate and following a $3 million development, rebadged it as Peter Teakle Wines.

Josh Harris, former head chef at the winery’s restaurant, The Line and Label, said the late businessman was “passionate” about the local community.

“Thank you for your generosity, mostly with your time, and for the way in which you welcomed our little family,” he wrote on Facebook.

“A man with a big heart that did a lot for the community he was passionate about.

“I miss sitting across from you in the smoko shed listening to you tell remarkable stories that encapsulated anyone who listened, mainly about fishing and wine.

You were wonderful to my family and I and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you mate. Rest in Pinot, Pete.”

Peter Teakle Wines shared a message on its Facebook page, hailing their founder’s “philanthropy and unwavering support” for the region.

“Peter’s commitment to transforming Port Lincoln and the Eyre Peninsula into a premier food and wine destination was evident in everything he did,” its post said.

“He leaves an indelible mark on our community, our region and our industry.

“Peter was the patriarch of our family and our business. We look forward to continuing his legacy for generations to come.”