Robert Thomas Capewell “Bob”

“There is no night without the dawn. No winter without the spring.”

Bob passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on 30th March, aged 88 years.

A dear brother, uncle and patriarch who will be sadly missed and remembered with affection by all who knew him.

Bob was born at 74a Bedford Street in 1929, the third eldest of seven brothers and two sisters. He was educated at Bedford Street school and started work for British Railways at the age of 14 as an apprentice. It was at this time that Bob started with stomach problems, but Bob always considered that he could cope with his condition.

He joined the army, aged 21 to do his National Service, including tours in Malta, Cyrpurs and Egypt, where he served during the Suez crisis.

After returning from the army he continued with his railway employment in Crewe and through promotions worked at Crewe diesel depot as a foreman, Shed Master at Barrow and also working in Chester.

On return from Barrow he lived in Gresty Road, the family home from before the Second World War, with his brother David and sister Jeanie. Bob took on the role of father to both of them, looking after David after a car accident and proudly walking Jeanie down the aisle when she married in 1971.

Bob “loved life” and was interested in sport from a spectators point of view. He liked the odd bet on the horses and enjoyed a game of snooker at the Bowling Green Club where he once won a singles tournament there.

He loved to travel, especially to the Lake District, Jersey and Guernsey. Ireland was also a favourite place, he once travelled all over Ireland by train on his “special first class pass”, something he was very proud of.

When Bob returned to the family home in Gresty Road he and David lived together there for 50 odd years, although they had their own routines it worked well and they always had a good relationship. Bob and David spent may Christmases at other family homes but for many past years with Jeanie, Geoff and Peter, who have been a big part of their lives since moving to the bungalow in Ludlow Avenue.

Bob had a great sense of humour, listening to others before delivering a one liner that usually ended up with laughter!

In his early days he would travel around with his brother Jim who sang with an orchestra. One of Bob’s favourite singers was Frank Sinatra, the lyrics of his songs embedded in his heart.

All these memories and many more will be shared at Bob’s funeral which will take place at St. Michael’s church, Crewe Green on Wednesday 25th April at 12noon, followed by burial in the churchyard. Donation in memory of Bob will be kindly received for Macmillan Nurses.

For any further information regarding Bob’s funeral please contact our funeral home on 01270 584447.