Stephen Barlow (11 Aug 1954 - 16 Jan 2025)
Donate in memory of
StephenRoyal Hospital for Neuro-disability

Funeral Director
In loving memory of Stephen Barlow who sadly passed away on 16th January 2025
Born to William and Queenie Barlow on the 11th August 1954, Steve (or Stan as his friends would often call him) grew up with his big sister Carol on Greenhithe Close. A beloved son and brother who was an avid Tottenham Hotspur football club fan, in a house of West Ham supporters.
Reflecting back on Steve’s life he grew up with a close group of friends, who he loved and admired dearly, often enjoying a few several pints down the black boy pub and later the Alma. Stories too blue to share. In anticipation of these drinks and after a long week Steve would often get ready on a Sunday blasting Elton Johns ‘Saturday Night’. As a very social man there wasn’t much more excitement than letting his hair down (pardon the pun) and getting together with his friends.
A driven and ambitious man, Steve started his career with Citi group in 1971 working from the tea boy ( as he would say) through to implementing a CIML program, staff development programs, working in money transfers and currency. Being quickly recognised for his contributions, winning a number of service excellence awards throughout his career, which spanned three decades, making him a member of the Quarter Century Club. Citi wasn’t just a job for Steve but became a family, which was built from Steve’s many qualities as a kind, sincere, honest, humble and hard working man, to name only a few qualities.
Steve would often share fond memories of his time and friendships at Citi which remained even after his retirement.
However nothing was more important than family to Steve, marrying the late Tarina Barlow on a sunny 7th June 1986 and building a home at the Russets in Meopham and life together, having two children Cara (born 1st October 1987) and Harry (born 24th April 1990), and in later life grandfather to 4 beautiful granddaughters, Bella, Millie, Delilah and Aaliyah, it was his gift in life to be surrounded by women( or out numbered as Steve would often say) Steve was every bit the family man with every Saturday spent taking his beloved mum (Queenie) out for her food shop in the Glades Bromley, and of course onto a decent coffee. Steve’s love for coffee was well known with running jokes that he should have shares in Costa coffee, and any special event Steve was always gifted a Costa coffee gift card, as he would frequent his local Costa at least 3 times a week. Steve was very close to his big sister Carol and her partner Steve and over the years their bond grew greater having regular phone calls and family meals, which are all filled with fond memories and laughter. Family holidays were the event of the year and Steve made certain that these were perfect, travelling to Orlando, Dubai, Greece, Egypt and many more, Steve wanted to be sure to give his family the best.
As time went by Steve moved from the Russets and built a home in Halling close to his daughter and grand daughters, and become the proud owner of Barney Bull Dog a gift from Tarina. Having not had dogs since leaving his childhood home where his mum would often have poodles, Steve was anxious, but had no need to be, as the bond between Barney and Steve was heart warming. After the sad passing of Barney, Tarina bought Steve a French Bull dog Mr Ted, it was clear this was not a love at first sight arrangement, however as their relationship grew they became inseparable. With Mr Ted filling a huge void in Steve’s life following the passing of his beloved wife who he cared and devoted his life to following her diagnosis of cancer, Tarina, sadly passed of Cancer on 7th December 2021, and Steve lost his best friend. Mr Ted was there and provided company and companionship and they truly became the very best friends.
Steve was very much a man of habit and enjoyed his weekly routine, although his shopping habits were often criticised by his family as there was certainly enough kitchen towel, toilet roll and washing machine tabs to provide the whole of the Halling postcode, Steve would often laugh and say well these were on offer and a deal that couldn’t be passed up.
Steve’s humour was a wonder to be hold and his ability to speak to everyone and anyone in a kind and humble way was a true testament to his character.
Following a tragic incident on the 9th October 2023 Steve fell from a ladder in the garden and after receiving life saving surgery at Kings hospital, life was never quite the same. For the past 15months Steve resided at the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability, and was not about to deter his circumstances from preventing him enjoy life and make friends, true to form Steve was much loved on both Devonshire and Glynn ward by the team, his blue eyes pierced the hearts of all that met him and his smile brightened any room. Following a short illness Steve passed surrounded by love and family on the 16th January 2025
Steve was and will ever remain a resilient, determined, kind hearted and much loved gentleman, who touched , changed and influenced the life of many in every walk of his life’s journey. A wonderful husband, friend and colleague, a beloved brother, father grandfather.
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