Peter Langard, who was ACCA president in 1995-96, has died aged 84. He was widely admired for his work as an accountant and as a builder of businesses, and was appointed MBE for services to the accountancy profession and charity in 2015.
His widow, Norma, remembers a man who had time for everyone, who was always eager to give back to his profession. ‘He put himself out for anyone, and ACCA was close to his heart,’ she says. ‘He really enjoy being president. He had that salesman’s quality that he could talk to anyone, and he spent so many hours giving the role everything he had. He felt he had to give back because ACCA allowed him to become what he was in life.’
After considering a career as a racing cyclist, Langard chose to study chartered accountancy at night school
Langard was born in St Peter Port, Guernsey, on 6 October 1939. The family were able to flee to safety hours before the Nazi invasion of June 1940 only because Langard’s father was stoker on the last boat out. They settled in Birmingham, and Langard remained in the Midlands for the rest of his life.
He left school with no qualifications, and after considering a career as a racing cyclist, chose to study chartered accountancy at night school and by correspondence.
Langard worked with firms in Birmingham before setting up his own practice. One of his clients was a garage, where he met Norma, who worked there as a secretary. She began by helping with his typing, and romance blossomed. Their business grew, and Langard Lifford Hall, which launched in 1964, remains a flourishing practice.
Langard also served on ACCA’s Council for 15 years and was chair of the European accounting body, FEE, from 1999-2004.
Sharing success
He remained a keen cyclist and loved walking his dogs in the Malvern Hills near his home. He served as trustee for many charities, particularly those helping disadvantaged families and children. He remembered his own humble background and was anxious to share his own success with others who hadn’t had the same luck or opportunity.
Langard was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2018, and his wife nursed him at home throughout his illness. He died at home with his family close by.
In addition to his wife, Langard is survived by children Paul, a chartered accountant, Amanda, who worked in the family business, and four grandchildren.
‘He was always a stylish dresser, and we bought him a new shirt in Cheltenham for the funeral,’ Norma says. ‘It was £180. He loved his designers.’
