Robert Bowyer 1947-2022

Born in Cheshire, Robert moved to Petts Wood as a baby. He was educated in Chislehurst and at Sevenoaks School where he enjoyed academic subjects and excelled at sport, in particular running and rugby. He loved mountain walking trips and forming friendships with pupils from different parts of the world.

Rob joined Latham & Co, London as a trainee accountant but realised that this wasn’t the right career for him. Friends persuaded him that he had the qualities to make a good teacher and suggested that he enrol at Trinity College, Carmarthen; there he met his wife Elizabeth.

He taught Maths in Broadstairs and was later appointed to a post in a special school in the Forest of Dean. Five years on he became Head of Special Educational Needs at Milford Haven School. There he rekindled his interest in outdoor activities, leading Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, later becoming an assessor. He was involved with the National Association for Special Educational Needs and became Pembrokeshire’s SEN Adviser, facilitating the integration of pupils with learning difficulties into mainstream schools. Rob had a particular ability to empathise with pupils who presented challenging behaviour and to enthuse and encourage youngsters of all ages, finding their positive qualities and providing opportunities in which they could flourish.

Rob also served on the local council, becoming Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick in 1993. He was especially proud to have been involved in the twinning of the towns with Loctudy in Brittany. He worked hard to raise funds for local and national bodies, and lobbied ministers in Cardiff and Westminster on important local issues.

In retirement Rob became a Rotarian and a local supporter of the RNLI. He was an avid newspaper reader, a follower of politics and interested in history. He grew vegetables and enjoyed cooking his produce. He adored travelling and, as a proud European, was passionate about France where he frequently visited his daughter and family. He was also very keen on driving over tortuous mountain passes, eating in Michelin star restaurants and discussing rugby in the local bar wherever he stayed!

His death was a great blow to his family and friends. He cared passionately about others and lived life to the full. He was a proud father to his three children and loved being a grandfather and godfather, always cheerful, positive and greatly loved, admired and respected by all who knew him.

Liz Bowyer