Oswestry is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and much-loved figures who dedicated more than 50 years to the community.
Bill Bowen BEM, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Bluebell View Care Home on Wednesday night (April 1st).
Widely described as a true local legend, Bill dedicated more than 50 years of his life to serving the Oswestry community. His tireless commitment saw him support a wide range of organisations including the Oswestry Lions Club, St Oswald’s Parish Church, the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen and the Oswestry Freemasons, whilst also giving his time to volunteer as a CCTV operative in the town and also a hospital chaplain.
In recognition of his lifetime of service, Bill was awarded the British Empire Medal in May 2019, celebrating his outstanding contribution to volunteering and community life.
Even into his later years, Bill continued to inspire those around him, remaining a passionate supporter of causes close to his heart and a familiar face across the town he loved.
Bill had been living at Bluebell View Care Home in Oswestry since October 2024 following the death of his beloved wife Mair who passed away in 2023.
Paying tribute, his granddaughter Andrea Marston said: “Last night our amazing Dad/Grandad Bill Bowen BEM, passed away peacefully surrounded by so much love and his family, but we have some comfort knowing he is now reunited with his beautiful Mair, our Mum/Nan.
“As a family we are absolutely devastated, but what an amazing man he was and achieved so much in his life. Forever a grandad’s girl, no words will ever be enough to say how much I love you and how proud I will always be to call you my grandad and mum call you dad.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent some beautiful words and memories of grandad. Fly high you absolute legend love you millions.”
His daughter, Ann Ashworth, also paid tribute to her father, describing him as a devoted family man whose kindness, strength and unwavering commitment to helping others touched countless lives across the town.
“Dad’s passing marks the loss of a remarkable man whose legacy of service, generosity and community spirit will live on in Oswestry for generations to come. We take comfort knowing he is reunited with mum now,” Ann said.
“It is only in recent months that Dad’s ill health got the better of him but until then he was still independently going on Dial A Ride to town and to church and was often seen in the Wynstay enjoying his coffee afterwards.
“He was warmly welcomed when he moved into Bluebell and we are told he would often have a group of women around him as he entertained them with his stories. He really was happy there and very much enjoyed the company. The staff are all so sad at his passing and said he was the pillar of Bluebell View.”
Bill is survived by his daughter Ann and son-in-law Stephen, granddaughter Andrea and her husband Scott, along with many friends and community members who will remember him with deep affection.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Mr Bill Bowen BEM.
