Peter Bartley was born in New Plymouth where his father, Russell Howard Bartley, was a consulting engineer. His mother was Kathleen (nee Sillibourne). In 1922, the family moved to Auckland where Peter attended Kings College and Otago University. Soon after graduating MBChB, Peter went to the Middle East with 2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and then to Japan with J Force. Following his military service, he returned to work at Auckland Hospital. After obtaining his MRACP, he travelled to the United Kingdom where he proceeded to Membership of both the London, and Edinburgh Colleges.

In London, he worked at the Brompton Hospital and subsequently returned to Auckland as a chest physician at Green Lane Hospital, and in private practice. Within two years he changed to full-time work at Green Lane, and became head of the chest medical unit when John Hinds (qv) retired. He led the Department until he retired in 1983. Always active in medical politics, he held a variety of offices in the New Zealand Medical Association.

Peter made major contributions to New Zealand, and to New Zealand medicine. He was an exceptional teacher because he had a very astute and quick mind, was extraordinarily dextrous, and was loyal and sympathetic to his apprentices. His dexterity and willingness to share his skills have left a generation of young New Zealand chest physicians with similar attributes, and many of us are indebted to him. His generosity, clinical acumen and wicked sense of humour mean he will not be forgotten by New Zealand medicine.

In 1948, Peter married Kathleen, daughter of Robert Wyllie, who survived him with four daughters and one son.