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Capt John BOWEN RN (Rtd.), died peacefully at Ipswich hospital on 10 January 2021, aged 88, after a short illness. John was a “larger than life” character who retired after a distinguished 32 years career in the RN culminating as a Captain, where he oversaw the building and refurbishment of warships among many other things.
He had an even longer career as boat yard owner, farmer, canal haulage operator, wharf owner, ship surveyor and refitter. He had a very wide range of interests and skills. He was a talented marine engineer, ship designer and inventor with a life-long interest in all things marine and industrial archaeology. He came to Brentford on 1996 to live and work and became one of the UKs most respected Dutch barge surveyors. Through his persistence and diplomacy the moorings at Malthouse became a reality and his home mooring from from which he cruised in Rietvink his 1920's dutch barge, the Thames and France in 2003. He loved jazz music especially in the Brewery Tap, parties on the wharf and people, especially his extended family of 8 children and 9 grandchildren. Married twice to Sally (1957) and Susie (1974) he is survived by his partner of 12 years Linda. |
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