Joe Cawley (9 Apr 1941 - 11 Mar 2022)

In loving memory of Joe Cawley who sadly passed away on 11th March 2022.

Joe was one of 6 siblings, having 4 sisters and 1 brother. Born on 9th April 1941 at home in Ensfield, Tonbridge. Most of his childhood years was spent living on farms in Kent and surrounding areas as his Dad was a farm worker, moving house countless times.

He spent his early years, helping with the animals and picking up the pokes using the horse and cart during hop-picking season. In his teenage years he lived mainly in Tonbridge frequenting the dance halls, going to the Ritz cinema, playing football, doing judo and playing guitar in a skiffle group called the Black Diamonds.
Due to being brought up on a farm he loved wildlife, particularly birds of prey.

When he was 15 he met the love of his life, Jo who he married in 1962. He had 2 children Maria and Sean and a grand-daughter Ashleigh. 21st April this year he was due to celebrate his Diamond wedding anniversary.

He worked in construction all of his life until he retired in 2007. Gaining an apprenticeship as a bricklayer and working up to construction manager. Any building he would snag and tell you exactly what was good or bad. After retirement he took up indoor bowling at Tonbridge Indoor Bowls Club and regularly went to watch the Tonbridge Angels play football.

His music taste varied from rock and roll, country and western, T-rex, Status Quo and Ed Sheeran and of course Irish ballads.

He loved to go on holidays 2 or 3 times a year, going cruises and Far East trips were his favourite until he was sadly diagnosed with Mesothelioma on August 2020. Unfortunately, that also coincided with Covid. Being a vulnerable person the last 2 years of his life were very restricted. He remained positive until the day he passed away.

LIfe will not be the same without such a loving, kind husband, father and grandfather in it.

Rest in eternal peace Joe.