Geliot trained as an engineer, and his early career included spells with aircraft engine and luxury car manufacturer Armstrong Siddeley (later Bristol Siddeley) where he was involved with the Viper jet engine used in the Hunting-Percival Jet Provost aircraft, and the Sapphire engine of the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Javelin fighters.

He took over the family business, GHE, from his father in the late 1950s and expanded its portfolio of print finishing and bookbinding technology.

GHE closed in 2003, after losing its main dealership for Perfecta guillotines. However, Geliot had left the business a decade before to form GK Machines, which represented the Billhöfer range of machines in the UK.

According to former colleague Nick Coombes, Geliot was a lifelong steam train enthusiast and model maker and a long-serving Parish Councillor, where he was instrumental in having a sports field and children’s playground created.

His support for a new Primary School was in the process of being realised at the time of his death.

"I shall be forever grateful to Peter for giving me the opportunity in 1977 to join the graphic arts industry, and for his support and friendship over the intervening years," said Coombes.

“The world, and our industry, has changed almost beyond recognition in that time, and we have lost many of the defining characters that made it a great place to work – Peter Geliot was one of the best."

Geliot passed away in late September and his family have requested those wishing to honour his memory make donations to The National Trust.