In loving memory of Douglas Adrian Barrow who sadly passed away on 29th December 2021, aged 78 years.
Doug was born in Perivale (Middlesex) in January 1943 and he had fond memories of taking the train or trolleybus to school. Doug’s family moved from Southall down to Kent and they lived in Wainscott and Rochester. Doug met his wife Joan at work and they married on 14th July 1973 at St. Augustine’s Church in Gillingham.
Doug had many interests in his life and he pursued them to the full as his many friends will testify, whether it was buses, trolleybuses, trains or photography. Doug volunteered at Sandtoft Transport Centre, the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Spa Valley Railway, places where he learnt new skills and made lots of new friends. Doug enjoyed visiting different countries within Europe and he spoke Dutch, German and French languages.
Doug worked for Chatham Council and later and Rochester Upon Medway City Council where he was so proud to be an organiser of the annual Remembrance Sunday event in Rochester as well as the elections and the VE day commemoration in 1995.
After retirement, Doug enjoyed spending even more time on his hobbies as well as his family with his favourite times being spent with his 3 grandchildren. Doug also worked for Victa Railfreight for a period of time at Sheerness and Tilbury docks, both of his sons still work for the company today.
Doug started suffering from dementia in 2016 and was unable to carry out some of his hobbies, however with the support of family and friends he continued to make visits and enjoy meeting people as well as taking pictures. In August 2019 Doug went into the care system and spent more than two years being looked after by the lovely people at Pine Lodge Care Centre in Sittingbourne.
Doug is survived by his wife Joan, sisters Les and Wendy, sons Chris and David and Emily, Theo and Rosie his three grandchildren.
Family flowers only have been requested and may be sent by 12.00 Noon on Friday 4th February, c/o John Weir Funeral Directors, 130-132 High Street, Rainham, Kent, ME8 8AR. Telephone No: 01634 373111, or if desired donations in memory of Doug may be made by cheque for The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust or online via this website. Doug supported The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust on many occasions by donating any monies received for when he had pictures or articles published in magazines - we thought that this would be a worthy recipient in memory of him.
Doug wouldn’t want anyone to put themselves at risk and so we’re not holding a wake at this moment in time, however we intend to organise a get-together in the future at a heritage railway location, something that Doug would have preferred more than at a pub! If you’d like to be kept informed of any arrangements please get in touch.
We were sorry to hear of Doug’s passing.
I have fond memories of a trip to Brighton and Lambeth on Doug’s bus with my sons, Auntie Rene and other members of the family. When ever I bumped into Doug he always happy to stop for a chat. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
Thanks to everyone who came to Dad's funeral today or who watched it online. Dad would have been so pleased to see so many people there to pay their respects. Thanks for all the donations received so far, they will all help such a deserving cause. Chris.
Peace be with you Doug.
Thanks John, a picture of you and Dad was included in the slideshow this afternoon. Chris.
In remembrance of our friend Doug.
John and Diane Anderson.
Hi John and Diane, Thanks for your donation, you'll be helping out those most in need. Mum says she'll pop round for a cuppa soon! Take care, Chris.
In memory of Doug a kind man who tolerated my childish pranks and cheek. Rest on peace.
Thanks Lynn, you would have made him smile! Chris.
I remember Doug so well as a work colleague back in the 1980s. He was always very kind and full of energy. He taught me many useful life and work lessons. I still think of him when loading my car as he told me it was not a good idea to balance boxes on the roof! Rest In Peace Doug.
Hi Caroline, Thanks for getting in touch and for your donation. Dad enjoyed being able to help people and met so many people through his work. Always one to offer advice he'd be pleased that he's still thought of so many years on. Chris.
Doug was a one of kind, extremely capable and knowledgeable about so many diverse subjects with enthusiasm to match. He was always great fun to talk to, I have many fond memories of volunteering with him at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Spa Valley Railway and helping to restore a Class 37 locomotive. The world is a poorer place without him here. My condolences to Joan, Chris, David and all the family.
Hi Dan, Dad was pleased to count you as a friend and was so proud to see how you grew up, got married to Marie and created a family together. Thanks for the donation, the charity was always in Dad's thoughts. Take care. Chris.
I would like to send my condolences to the family of Doug it’s so sad to lose a loved one I miss him very much Doug became a big part of my life caring for him we was like family he was so loving and caring he will be truly missed from myself and everyone that new him
Hi Tina, Thanks for your kind words, it was lovely to see you today at the funeral. Thanks for all that you did for Dad, you helped him settle in at a very difficult time of his life and the family were relieved that there was someone truly looking out for him. Chris.
Thinking of Doug & the family. Fond memories of Doug & chats about trains, trams, buses and his general passion for them.
Hi Karen and Bob, Thanks for your support you're giving the family at this time and for the very kind donation. Chris.
Bachelor boys on holiday in Seefeld, Austria around about the mid 196Os.
Hi Eric, Thanks for posting the pictures, I've never seen those before. Lovely to see you all enjoying yourselves! Chris.
In loving memory of Doug from his family, we miss you so much x
Our three children now in there 20s & 30s have fond memories of Doug telling them when special trains were coming past our house and going up on to the bridge to watch them pass.
Hi Jackie and Kevin, Thanks for being great neighbours, Dad used to enjoy seeing the special trains pass by...an excellent place to live! Chris Barrow.
Remembering all the good times, never forgotten. Love Jenny and family xxx
Hi Jenny and family. Thanks for all your support at this time. Chris x
I remember Doug as a larger than life character. Warm welcoming and upbeat. He had a genuine interest in everyone in what they were doing and boss they were. He was a man of many talents and interests and shared them with us with typical enthusiasm. Wishing you strength and courage at this sad time. From my family to yours, we wish you well and send our condolences and sympathies.
Nicholas & Gillian Georgia & Alexander
*He had a genuine interest in everyone in what they were doing and how they were.
Hi Nick and Family, Dad was so pleased to see how you developed from a young chap to a grown adult and was always happy to see you all. Thanks. Chris Barrow.
Doug: best man speech at reception.
Remembering our good times at work and holidays and on the football pitch.
Sitting in the train waiting to leaving Maidstone East station on July 12th 1969, a shock loudspeaker announcement that "The train now departing is the Honeymoon Express to Victoria with newlyweds John & Christine on board !" And then the realization the voice was that of Doug who truly was my best man at our wedding that day. Time may have elapsed but fond memories remain. Thanks Doug.
Hi John, Thanks for providing another great memory of Dad, he certainly put all his effort into making anything he was doing go smoothly. Chris Barrow.
Happy memories of my much missed brother .
Thanks Les, see you on the 4th. Chris x
Hadn't seen Doug for some years, but sad to hear of his passing. Sincerest condolences to the family.
Kevin,
Stoomcentrum Maldegem
Belgium.
Hi Kevin, Many thanks for your thoughts, Dad often mentioned you. I remember Dad really enjoying his visit to Maldegem and having a drive of Fred. Chris Barrow.
In memory of my big brother Doug. Wendy and family.
Thanks Wendy, see you on the 4th. Chris x
I worked with Doug at Rochester Upon Medway City Council between 1983 - 1987 in the Committee Section. I have very fond memories of Doug and he will always have a special place in my heart. Doug was a very generous, caring man but also very funny. He really was one of a kind and there will never be another Doug. I suspect he is now up there re-organising things in Heaven. I would like to convey my deep sympathy to his family on their loss.
Hi Ellen. Many thanks for your kind words, Dad really enjoyed his time at RUMCC and made many friends. Dad seemed to know the answer whenever someone asked him a question no matter what the subject was! Take care. Chris Barrow.
Thanks to everyone who came to Dad's funeral today or who watched it online. Dad would have been so pleased to see so many people there to pay their respects. Thanks for all the donations received so far, they will all help such a deserving cause. Chris.
Bachelor boys on holiday in Seefeld, Austria around about the mid 196Os.
Doug: best man speech at reception.
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