A builder who cemented his place at the heart of Petersfield life has left a legacy beyond bricks and mortar.

Pegasus Builders took flight under the steady hands of Paul Garstin, growing from a “man with a van” job into a firm with 45 years of expertise and trust.

But the 76-year-old was way more than a handyman: He was also a father and husband who became engrained in village life after settling in Steep with his wife, Selina.

A celebration of Paul’s life will take place in Steep next Wednesday (August 12) with a 2pm service at the village church being followed by drinks from 3.30pm at The Harrow Inn.

The legendary watering hole on Church Road has a huge part of Paul and Selina’s life as the married couple of 45 years met there in the early 1980s.

“I used to run a plant hire business and he was always looking for a deal,” said Selina, who fathered two children, Rob and Ellie, with the legendary tradesman and builder.

“What he did was incredible, I think. When set up Pegasus he started off very small, just a man with a van thing. He kept it going for 45 years.”

Paul was born in Fernhurst, just over the border in West Sussex, and was the son of a driving instructor called Des.

He was mechanically minded from an early age and often used to strip engines with his two older brothers, David and Jonathan.

He formed Pegasus Builders in 1979 with a focus on restoring listed and period properties with “ever greater quality”. The firm expanded substantially over the years and is now based in Rogate and run by his son, Rob.

“Paul was very good at mending things and always kept his hands busy,” said Selina.

“He was also a bit of a petrolhead and he loved his cars. When he was young he was always tinkering around with them and stripping down engines.”

Paul also became something of a community lynchpin in Steep and was involved in some of its greatest institutions and events. He sat on the parish council for several years and was a huge part of the fireworks committee behind the annual display and bonfire lighting on Steep Common.

And that’s before we mention the village hall and his involvement in some of its groups, like the Steep War Memorial Village Club.

“He’s been a big part of the village for many years,” added Selina, adding: “He loved helping with setting up the bonfire and was on the council for a while.

“We’ve lived in Steep for 40 years but his legacy in the village and in Petersfield is huge.

“There’s so many houses and pubs around the town he’s worked on, I dare put a figure on how many there’s been over the years. He was a man who loved a challenge.”

Anyone who would like to celebrate Paul’s life with his family and friends has been asked to wear bright colours.