John Bowers was born in Hendon in 1932 and he earnt a scholarship to Emanuel School. The first impact of World War II was to have the family home ‘bombed out’. He was evacuated with the school to Norfolk & Hampshire and witnessed the movement of troops and munitions associated with the build-up of D-Day when staying in Petersfield.
John was good at sports at Emanuel and represented the school at rugby, cricket and athletics. He was in the rugby sevens team that reached the semi-finals of the Public School Sevens.
John was then called up for National Service and saw duty in Egypt with the Royal Signals regiment.
On his return, John joined Westminster Bank as a clerk and he stayed with them for over 40 years working in both the City and the West End, preferring the West End as the lunches were longer. He then had the great fortune to meet his future wife, Iris, at a party in Wroughton Road, Battersea and they subsequently married in 1955. They were married for 53 years.
John and Iris had 3 children and in later years 6 grandchildren were added to the family.
Rugby was always a big feature in John’s life. He played for Westminster Bank for many years and was a member of the winning team for the first 3 years of East Grinstead Sunshine 7s, which was the longest running active charity tournament in the country. He also played for and became Chairman of United Banks Rugby.
John’s other great interests were going on holidays with his wife, playing golf and charity work.
In retirement, John added his experience to the Garwood Foundation and supported the Wooden Spoon Society.
John was Captain of the Addington Palace Golf Club which was handily placed 20 metres from his house. He was known for his ‘lively’ contribution to committee meetings and I believe he was instrumental in taking the Golf Club in a new direction. We were reminded of the times John would phone up the steward from the back garden to bring over a tray of beers for all on a summer’s day.
John’s last sporting interest was cricket and he enjoyed going to watch Test matches and County games at the Oval and also International touring teams at Arundel with his brother Douglas.
In latter years, health became a challenge and 6 years ago he underwent major heart surgery and gradually declined over last 12-18 months.
John has been described by his friends as a true gentleman, who lived life to the full. Indeed, friends and friendships were always important to him, in particular those from NatWest, the rugby fraternity and the golfing world.
He had a good life and he will be greatly missed. RIP John Bowers.
Phil Bowers (son)