Roy William Bowerman (11 Mar 1949 - 18 Oct 2021)

In loving memory of Roy William Bowerman who sadly passed away on 18th October 2021.

Due to his long standing career with the Fire Service, Roy will be taken from his home in Hockley on a 1970s Turntable Fire Engine, where he will be given a Guard of Honour tribute at Hawkwell Fire Station and Southend Fire Station before arriving at Southend Crematorium. His funeral service will start shortly afterwards at 10:40. The wake will be held at Southend fire station, which is not far along the road from the Crematorium.

Roy was born on 11th Mar 1949 in Ilford, and at the age of 5 moved with his family to Victor Gardens in Hawkwell. He attended the 'old' Hockley primary school and Greensward secondary school, before starting his first job at Owen Wallis & Son in Southend.

In 1969, Roy became a retained fireman at the 'old' Hockley fire station, and then moved to Hawkwell station when the Hockey station was closed down. During his career as a retained fireman, Roy also worked at Ever Ready, Baldwins Wood Yard and Merit Motors. He also briefly worked out in Germany for 4 months, as part of his role as a Maintenance Engineer at Ever Ready.

It was when working at Baldwins Wood Yard in Hockley that he met Debbie Wilson who later became his wife. Debbie's parents’ house was directly opposite the Wood Yard. In 1975, Roy and Debbie got married in Hockley and later went on to having two children, Dan (in 1981) and Chloe (in 1983).

In 1976, Roy became a full-time regular for the Fire Service, based at Hadleigh fire station on white watch. He was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal in 1990. During his long career Roy attended many major fires such as Southend Pier, Mobil and Shell Haven.

Roy retired in 2004 where he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, and could often be found in his garage or back garden making or ‘fixings various things’. Roy also had a great passion for fishing and his boat, and would often go out on fishing trips with friends and family.

Roy sadly passed away in the early hours of the 18th October 2021, having battled with bowel and liver cancer since the beginning of Spring that year. He passed peacefully at home in his sleep, with Debbie, Dan and Chloe at his bedside.

The family kindly request donations to Cancer Research UK in place of flowers at Roy's funeral.