Robert ‘Bob’ Clowes

“Peacefully sleeping, resting at last”

Bob passed away peacefully at Leighton Hospital on the 5th April aged 89 years.

The beloved husband of the late Beryl, much loved dad to Julie and Rob and a cherished grandad and friend who will be fondly remembered and so sadly missed by all that knew him.

Bob’s funeral will take place at Crewe Crematorium Chapel on Tuesday 23rd April at 12.15pm

For further information please call our funeral home on 01270 584447

 

As Julie and Rob recall precious memories of their beloved dad, they said they feel blessed to have walked part of life’s journey with the love and support of such a wonderful man.  Bob and his late wife Beryl enjoyed a long and happy life together as a devoted couple.  A committed team, they built the solid foundations of family life and true to their lasting vows they loved and cherished each other but sadly, Beryl passed away in 1995, before they were able to enjoy the retirement plans they had made, Bob was totally bereft.

Much loved by Julie and Rob, he was a dear father-in-law to Rex and Jayne, he loved his grandchildren, Donna, David, Jordan and Chelsea and his two great grandsons William and Joseph, he was fond of his step grandchildren and particularly close to Andrew.  Bob was an only child but welcomed into Beryl’s large family with open arms, all his in-laws have passed away, but Bob was an uncle to many and well known around Crewe, he made many good friends over the years.

Despite the war years, he rarely spoke about his childhood but like many of his generation, he was raised with traditional old school values, he kept a stiff upper lip regardless of the situation.

Born on 2nd December 1934, an early Christmas Present and an only child for his parents Sam and Ada, he was brought up as a Westender on Kettle Avenue.

His career took him through many of the departments within Crewe Works but through sheer hard work, reliability, and diligence he progressed to the role of foreman on the Diesel Test and was known for his fairness in his dealings with colleagues.

He married the love of his life Beryl around 1957 at St Peter’s in Crewe and he was welcomed into her large family with open arms.

They were blessed with their two children, Julie and Rob and Bob was incredibly proud of them both.  They enjoyed many family holidays in this country, including Rhyl, Isle of Wight, Devon and Norfolk which he combined with fishing when he had the chance.  In later years, they ventured abroad to places like Greece, Cyprus and Spain.

His lifelong passion was fishing normally in canals and lakes or catching salmon and trout from the many and varied well stocked rivers in Scotland or in Snowdonia at popular fishing spots such as Mawddach and Ganllwyd where there are some nice deep pools and glides which hold trout.  The fish are sometimes small but there is always the chance of a half to three quarter of a pound fish and Bob was always very competitive against many of his brothers in law, Harry, Mick, Cec, Moggy, Dave and son Rob who once caught the biggest fish and never let his dad forget it.

Bob had a fine array of equipment; he even made his own rods and flies and Beryl always said he would even fish in a puddle.

He also created a lovely garden and kept a well-stocked allotment.  His show standard chrysanthemums were his pride and joy although one year, after he had chosen the ones he was going to exhibit, Rob cut the magnificent heads off!   Coming to the rescue and perhaps hoping Bob wouldn’t notice, Beryl sellotaped them back on the stems.

 

 

Bob was a good man with a moral compass and traditional old school values.  Stubborn and moody at times, he would stand his ground and by his word.

You couldn’t class him as the life and soul of the party, but he loved company, especially as he became housebound.  He thoroughly enjoyed family get-togethers over the years and he was always keen to know how everyone was.

An incredibly generous man, he would do anything for anyone and would go without himself if it meant pleasing someone else.   Bob didn’t need much to make him happy, he loved his tipples, especially single malts like Macallan and Edradour and has enjoyed a few with Rex over the years.    He also liked a pint of mild or Guinness with Rob and Rex.

He loved all animals and couldn’t abide cruelty.  He particularly liked Shelties, very much like a mini lassie but the dog that stole his heart before Beryl was his beloved Clumber Spaniel, Prince.

He lived a simple life, loved the simple things in life and laughed a lot.  He liked to watch motorbike racing at places like Oulton Park or on TV and he thoroughly enjoyed his time as a race Marshall at Darley Moor.  He was keen on most sports, especially football.

He also watched many Westerns, especially in more recent years when he couldn’t get out.  Bob was a character with amazing stoicism.  He suffered with his health for many years and has been extremely ill at times, yet he always managed to bounce back.  For four years, he has relied on carers who were very good with him, he had his favourites who always made him feel safe but sincere thanks to them all.