Stephen Barlow (11 Aug 1954 - 16 Jan 2025)

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StephenRoyal Hospital for Neuro-disability

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Location
Thames View Crematorium Gravesend Road Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3JH
Date
25th Feb 2025
Time
10am
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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.

I am attending: The Funeral Neither
Orchid Memories lit a candle
Colin Jones wrote

Steve and I worked together for many, many years in various Citi buildings and departments during his long and distinguished career. Steve was a truly wonderful man. Always smiling, very considerate, understanding, extremely conscientious and very hard working. Outside work Steve had a lovely sense of humour and was always great company. We got on especially well both being long suffering Spurs supporters!!
Steve will be sorely missed by all his many Citi colleagues and friends.
RIP Steve

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Elaine Stopperton posted a picture
Steve with his golf buddies. Sleep peacefully Steve. xx

Steve with his golf buddies. Sleep peacefully Steve. xx

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Gordon McQuade is attending the funeral
Andrew Mcquade is attending the funeral
Heidi Fensom donated £20 in memory of Stephen
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Steve Manzi donated £40 in memory of Stephen

When I joined in 1972, Steve Barlow was the first person I met. He took me under his wing and showed me how to do the filing. But with Steve’s meticulous way of doing things, he made it look like the most complicated job in the world!

Eventually, I managed to change his system, though that didn’t stop him from checking to make sure I was doing it properly. Steve always had an eye for detail and never let anything slide. Then he taught me how to do FX calculations on a big calculator with a printout—so my whole day consisted of filing and doing calculations, passed down from the Editor and then on to the typists. Back then, at 5 o’clock sharp, all the work was neatly placed in wire baskets, ready for a 9 am start the next morning.

I had the privilege of working with Steve, and in many ways, I followed in his footsteps. He trained me in his role, passing down not just his knowledge but also his work ethic, kindness, and, of course, the responsibility of making the tea. But I think Steve might have been sending Cara the wrong message—back in the day, we had tea ladies who came along with their trolleys, serving tea and biscuits in the morning and afternoon. It was really about the pints of beer after work!

Beyond the pints, Steve was more than a colleague—he was a mentor, a friend, and someone who made a lasting impact on those around him. His dedication to his work and the people he worked with was unmatched. He took pride in seeing others succeed and was always willing to share his wisdom. He also played a key role in staff development, running training modules that were shared across the entire bank, ensuring that his knowledge and experience helped shape the next generation.

Steve was a wonderful colleague and a true gentleman. He had a great sense of humor and a passion for doing things right. He will be dearly missed, but his kindness, patience, and attention to detail will always be remembered—especially the filing!

Rest in peace, Steve. You will be deeply missed.

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James Lee is attending the funeral
Elizabeth Perry-Tate donated £20 in memory of Stephen

RIP

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Carlo & Gill Azzopardi donated £30 in memory of Stephen

Unfortunately we cannot be at the funeral but Steve and family will be in our thoughts.

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Carlo & Gill Azzopardi wrote

When I joined Citibank in July 1971, Steve was the first person I sat with as he showed me how to complete the “journal”, not quite a tea boy but the first step in a long and fruitful career. I took over the journal and Steve moved on to become a checker. In these days there were lots of forms, typists and people to check the typing. Functions that are long redundant when technology came along. This was the start of a bond between Steve, Jim Rohan and Dave Lane affectionately known as Bronco. I remember every pay day we would treat ourselves to lunch in the local Wimpy. On becoming acquainted with some of Steve’s friends outside Citibank we learned that his nickname was Larry, upon further investigation we discovered that his gentle nature gave him the nickname “Larry the lamb”. All this was in early days before wives, children and life in general took us all in different directions. Larry was indeed a kind and thoughtful gentleman, inoffensive and a pleasure to know. Rest in peace Steve, hopefully you are reunited with Tarina.

Gill also worked for you and is deeply saddened by the news of your passing. She sends love and hugs to your family xx

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Mike Taylor wrote

With fond memories of a thoroughly decent chap. We joined Citi in the same year and he was always a supportive colleague throughout our long careers. Rest in peace Steve.

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Clifford Durham wrote

Cherished memories Steve Clifford Durham

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Julie Sheridan wrote

RIP Steve, such a lovely man

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Julie Cantwell (Mills) lit a candle
Osman Sarioglu donated £40 in memory of Stephen

God rest you in peace dear Steve

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Jacqui Oshaughnessy was Sutton lit a candle
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Charles Stolworthy wrote

Steve was a neighbour in Greenhithe close, so I know him from early childhood abd spent many times in his hone so knew his whole family back then. He was a friend, team mate with football, a person I drank with in the Black boy...and eventually also a colleague even I joined Citibank....what a small world..as they say. I will pay Testament to the words written as to the type of person he was...a decent friend from a decent family. As I write this I can still picture his mum, dad and sister back then....In the blackboy he was often referred to as Larry Lamb..i don't know how that came about...it's a tragic end but i say this...see you in paradise old friend. Charles, or Charlie as a friend and Chas as a Citi Colleague

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