Handyman, rower and coach who ‘got the job done’

GEORGE Bowsher, a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, died in Wallingford on Sunday, November 30. He was 89.

A Henley man through and through, George touched the hearts of all who knew him. Whether in work but more often as a community man who gave his time freely, especially to those who needed gentle guidance and support to believe and make the best of themselves.

George was the only child born in Reading, in 1935, to Harold and Annie Bowsher, and grew up in Harpsden Road, Henley.

He went to Henley Secondary Modern School where he met Jane, who would later become his wife for 68 years, marrying in Holy Trinity Church, Henley, in 1957.

In the first years of married life George lived with Jane and her family (with the added bonus of electricity and a toilet in the house) until they had saved up enough money to buy some land to build a home.

In George’s childhood he had learnt the value of money, that it was hard earned and needed to be spent wisely, a value that stayed with him throughout his life. He could not bear waste.

While carrying out his three years’ National Service at RAF Benson he learned order, discipline, service, expectation and standards. He was an excellent cook but again there would be no waste.

He worked for Waldens as a wood machinist for many years and stayed beyond the working day to “get the job done” when it was needed.

After time George and Jane had saved just enough to start building their forever home and, with the support from skilled friends, the home was ready to live in. But, as a builder will tell you, there is always something to be done.

After time, having enjoyed their new home the equidistant four children arrived, Wendy, Mark, Helen and Joy. All the children attended the Infants’ School where George would help out with practical jobs.

Then off to Trinity Primary School where George helped form and served on the parent teacher association ensuring projects were carried out and all children at the school had the support and resources they needed.

Working with wood was never very far away and George ran his own business with his partner making table tennis tables and wooden toys in Hart Street for many years before working on his own as a handyman for many in the Henley area.

In his younger years, George was a part of the rifle club at Trinity Hall but, more often than not, you would see him playing for Henley Town Football Club. That was until one day he found
rowing and became a member of the Henley Rowing Club who boated then from the bottom of New Street and often stopped the traffic on a Sunday morning to put the boats on the water.

Having played in a football team, George easily transferred his skills over to rowing but took to the stroke seat to lead the crew, set the pace and never looked back.

He became a committee member to help run the club and on more than one occasion became chairman. He recently described rowing as a way of life that brought extended family and a balance to his working life.

There are many moments to choose from, however three proud highlights for George were that when he served at RAF Benson he was also a part of a coxless four which rowed at the Henley Royal Regatta.

In a letter sent to George on his discharge it noted his high levels of service and, speaking of rowing, asked if the RAF could call on his coaching skills the week before the royal regatta the following year.

He was immensely proud to have been able to take a junior crew to the World Championships in Montreal, demonstrating it is not only the physicality that moves a boat, it is the mentality of those in the boat.

Throughout George’s life he had always been able to nurture and support those in times of need when he could see they had what it took if only they believed in themselves.

Much of this guidance was in coaching the juniors at Henley Rowing Club, Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning and the Great Britain junior squad where he had the ability to make it happen through connections, kindness and sheer determination. He touched the hearts of so many people who all remember when George gave them the courage to be the best they could be and were forever grateful.

In later years, George became a member of Leander Club but his commitment and dedication to rowing was shown in the nearly 70 years membership of Henley Royal Regatta and more than
70 years membership of Henley Rowing Club.

When the time came that George could no longer keep up with the crews on his bike on the towpath he strengthened his lifelong love of gardening and would be seen for many years at the Watermans allotments tending to his vegetables.

Home was for flowers, for his wife Jane, and the allotment was for fruit and vegetables. The outdoors and gardening was his peace and tranquillity and he was still digging up potatoes before he went into hospital.

George always had time to speak to people, to listen and guide if it was needed.

That care and kindness was repaid by the staff in the trauma ward at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading and the exceptional staff at Wallingford Community Hospital.

His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Henley, on Tuesday, December 30 at 2pm.

George and his family were supported so much by Wallingford Community Hospital and ask for family flowers only but donations, if desired, can be given to the Wallingford League of Friends.

These can be sent c/o Tomalin & Son, 38 Reading Road, Henley, RG9 1AG, or visit georgebowsher.muchloved.com