Gareth Bowen (5 Jul 1944 - 26 Dec 2023)

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GarethBritish Heart Foundation, General

£365.00 + Gift Aid of £40.00
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Funeral Director

Location
All Saints Church West Avenue, Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES
Date
26th Jan 2024
Time
1pm
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Location
City of Newcastle Golf Club Three Mile Bridge, Great North Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2DR
Date
26th Jan 2024
Time
2.15pm

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In loving memory of Gareth Bowen who sadly passed away on 26th December 2023.

We share the news of Gareth's passing with immeasurable sadness. Devoted and loving husband to Helen, beloved father to Angharad, wonderful father-in-law to Bruce and treasured 'Grumps' to three beautiful grandchildren who were "the light of my life" Gareth was so much to many including a loving brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Ieuan, Rosemary and Sam. Supportive and caring uncle to Leigh and Melanie and an incredible friend to so many including Lyn and others.

Gareth truly was one in a million; kind, compassionate, selfless, gentle and loved by all who met him. Always thinking of how to help others he lived his life with others in mind. His advice to us was to always think about how to use our skills and attributes to support and help others. The sharing of his love was generous beyond measure and the lives he touched and the people he supported were endless. He never truly knew the impact he made on the people he loved. When people talk of my Dad they do so with such fondness which mirrors the way he thought of all people, always considering what they may be facing and how he could help.

How privileged we are to have had Gareth in our lives. Our love for him is boundless and we carry this love forward in our hearts. During his final days, Mum and I told him many times how much we loved him and how much we would miss him and his love. Dad replied "You can't miss something that hasn't gone away, I'll always be here watching over you" His love for us and our love for him will never end.

Gareth's life was rich and diverse. First and foremost an extraordinary teacher who taught with immense knowledge, experience, passion, care and a nurturing heart. In addition, he was an entrepreneur who started businesses in promotions, events, Christmas grottos, restaurants and more. Latterly an author of the book 'Moggies of the Tunnel'. Through his drive to offer support to others, Dad started a charity to support Education in South Africa. After visiting, coordinating and taking fellow teachers to rural schools in South Africa; Dad always had a vision to help get education to as many as possible. An amazing man with amazing dreams to help people.

Throughout the sadness and pain, we remember his love, his kindness, his compassion, his humour and the many ways he was one of a kind. We welcome you to share your stories of Gareth and how he was part of your lives. We would also like to welcome you to attend his funeral with us as we remember the incredible man he was.

Details of the funeral are available on this page. We would be very grateful if you could let us know if you would like to be in attendance. We politely advise that it will be family flowers only; if you would like to donate in his memory, details will be available on this page shortly.

Many thanks
Angharad x

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Marilyn Evans wrote

I treasure the fond memories of my cousin Gareth at this sad time. Love to all the family.

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Heritage Funerals donated £165 in memory of Gareth

Donations received at the funeral service in memory of Gareth Bowen

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Angharad Watson wrote

Thank you to everyone who attended Dad's funeral on Friday, and to the people who left messages or donations. For those who were unable to attend, I will attach photos of the Order of Service and the tribute given should you like to look through them. Thank you once again.

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Leigh Purves-Burton donated £50 in memory of Gareth
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Maddalena Bennett donated £10 in memory of Gareth

Thinking of you all at this sad time. Angharad your tribute was wonderful, certainly would have made your dad proud. X

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  • Thank you so much for your kind donation and for attending the funeral. Mum and I were so pleased you were there xx

    Posted by Angharad on 30/01/2024 Report abuse
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Emer Chatterjee donated £40 in memory of Gareth

To the Bowen/Watson Family, sorry for your sad loss. Thank you for sharing so much of Gareth’s life. Well done on your fantastic tribute to your Dad, Anghard. Love Emer, Amit, Zack & Art xxxx

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  • Thank you so much for your kind donation and for attending Dad's funeral. It really meant a lot to Mum and I xx

    Posted by Angharad on 30/01/2024 Report abuse
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Angharad Watson donated £100 in memory of Gareth

In loving memory of the most wonderful Dad and Grumps xx

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Zafer Turkoglu wrote

U have been the man of my life and u will be till the end of my life....u can never guess howmuch I love u....I love u more than words ...I feel priviliged to have been part of your life..The thought of not calling u and not seeing u any more tears me apart....I love u more than u can ever guess.....rest in peace ....uncle Garath

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  • Thank you Zafer. Dad loved you very much x

    Posted by Angharad on 30/01/2024 Report abuse
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A.Zafer Turkoglu is attending the funeral and the reception
Gurkan Filis is attending the funeral and the reception
Barbara Williams lit a candle
Barbara Williams lit a candle
Monica Nunes lit a candle
Chris Battensby wrote

It’s very hard to know what to add to what’s already been said, both here and in messenger.
He was my mentor at Braim Wood, always supportive, and rescued me as a teacher through immensely difficult times in my NQT year.
More than that he was always a friendly voice, in his warm Welsh tones, and latterly a Facebook friend, when I could hear that same voice in his posts and comments. Gareth, farewell and many thanks to you my dear friend, and rest in eternal peace.
Gareth, ffarwel a llawer o ddiolch i ti fy ffrind annwyl, a gorffwys mewn heddwch tragwyddol.

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  • Thank you so much for your kind words. Dad would have been so touched by this message best wishes Angharad

    Posted by Angharad on 25/01/2024 Report abuse
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Fiona Evans lit a candle
Fiona Evans wrote

I had the privilege of meeting Gareth when I joined Braim Wood in 2005 as a cover supervisor, and it is thanks to him that I have been working in education ever since, as he recommended I fast track through the Graduate Teacher Programme and supported me throughout. Now Director of Learning for a large academy trust, as well as events coordinator for the children’s books section of the British Library, the impact of Gareth’s recommendation reaches many pupils. I would not be in teaching if it weren’t for this man.
He wasn’t just a mentor, but a friend, and I hold many treasured memories of our weekends at ‘David’s House’, walking in nature, playing games, passing the time gently (and maybe enjoying the odd glass of wine 😉)
So shocked to hear of his passing as we were in contact in early December. A real loss to the world.
I can’t travel to Newcastle on Friday but knowing how loved he is, I know it will be a beautiful service.
Rest in peace Gareth.

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  • What a wonderful testament to a truly wonderful man.

    Posted by Chris on 22/01/2024 Report abuse
  • What incredible words, thank you. My Dad loved his trips to David’s House. Thank you for sharing your thoughts of Dad, it is much appreciated best wishes Angharad

    Posted by Angharad on 25/01/2024 Report abuse
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Leah Hemsworth is attending the funeral
Angi Gardner lit a candle
Gemma McDonald is attending the funeral and the reception