In The News

Internet sensation Peter Oakley passes away

Internet sensation Peter Oakley passes away

PENSIONER Peter Oakley, who became an internet sensation with his appearances on Youtube, has passed away at the age of 86.

While older people are keen users of the internet, few embrace it to the extent Mr. Oakley did. After becoming what he described as being “addicted” to the Youtube website — where people from across the world upload short films — he decided to have ago at making his own contribution (see below). That was back in the summer of 2006. Eventually, he was to post 435 films online, making him one of the most prolific vloggers (video bloggers). 

Over the years, working under the title of Geriatric 1927, his work covered everything from his early life, his life-long love of motorcycles and his experiences as a pensioner in modern Britain. The postings, which included two major series under the titles Telling It All 1 and Telling It All 2, attracted viewers in their tens of thousands.

He was never scared to use his platform to grumble about various aspects of life, but his viewers loved it all. To many of his fans he was simply known as the Internet Grandad. 

In a posting upload in 2008, Mr. Oakley said his internet activities had helped change his life: “I have made many, many friends and done many, many things”.

And he added: “Instead of being a grumpy old man sitting at home watching television, I now have a much varied and interesting life.”

The former Royal Navy radar technician spent most of his life pursuing his love of motorcycles. For many years he ran his own workshop in his hometown of Bakewell, Derbyshire.

After his wife Patricia passed away in the late 1990s, Mr. Oakley began to develop his interest in the internet. He continued to upload new material even when the cancer he was suffering had entered its final stages. His last posting was made in February (see below) when he signed off with the words: “That’s it really. And sort of in conclusion I will say possibly my final goodbye. So goodbye.” 

Mr. Oakley is survived by a son and daughter.

To view one of Mr. Oakley’s first postings on Youtube, click here.

To see Mr. Oakley talking about his online success, click here.

To see his final posting, click here.

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