Mr. Lander died in Portimão Hospital during the early hours of Monday, 10 August. A lunch will be held next month to celebrate his life.
Donkey Sanctuary spokesperson Chris Cottis told The Portugal News: “Peter had a very interesting life; he was a very intelligent man with lots of stories to tell. He spent most of his life involved with and rescuing animals, with his partner Nan. He was a kind and caring person who had time for everybody.”
Founded in 1989 the Donkey Sanctuary is one of the Algarve’s oldest animal charities.
At any one time hundreds of stray and abandoned dogs and cats, along with a handful of other farm animals, including donkeys, are looked after by volunteers of the charity, which is funded entirely by donations and revenue generated through its charity shops.
In early 2012 the Donkey Sanctuary was officially taken over by group of key volunteers and associates to relieve its stricken founders, Peter Lander and Nan Richardson, of its running.
Nan Richardson passed away in April 2012 at the age of 80 following a prolonged battle with ill health.
Following the death of Mr. Lander, who was well-known throughout the Algarve and had also battled frail health for a number of years, the sanctuary has vowed to make sure the couple’s good work continues.
Tributes have poured in on the Donkey Sanctuary’s Facebook page, recalling the avid animal lover as “a very gentle man who did so much for the animals”, and “without whom there would not have been a refúgio to help so many animals.”
For more information on the celebration lunch, contact Chris Cottis on: 966 033 127.