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I was a 17 year old lad when I first went to PRUFC. I played three matches for the Colts and then, through Neil's 'youth policy' I was thrust into the first team with all the big misters. One of the biggest misters was our Captain, Neil. Big in stature, presence, character, charisma, fun and laughter. The enjoyment on and off the field through Neil's enthusiasm was second to none. Thank you for the wonderful memories old friend. My condolences to Jen, the girls and family.
I just want to thank everyone for their overwhelming love and support you have shown our family in the last 2 weeks We are devastated by Neil,s loss so suddenly It was his 70th birthday the Sunday before and for the first time in over 2 years all the family came together to give him the best birthday the grandchildren even wearing t shirts with grandads gang on them The memories everyone has shared have shown what a larger than life figure he was and the many friends in all walks of life he made from rugby to work to all our adventures we shared with cruising and in France We have laughed and cried at all the memories he leaves behind but wish there could have been a lot more to come x
Some of my most enjoyable memories of Neil were the on the trips he organised to rugby internationals. Bowmers’ Tours (Not ABTA Bonded) to Twickenham were legendary in the days when the Old Farts allowed spectators to enjoy pre-match gatherings in the car parks. Our mini-bus was always surrounded by supporters from both camps who made a B-line to sample Neil’s hospitality and listen to his Tales from Moorlaneum. I particularly remember a weekend in Paris for the international at the Parc des Princes. We all wore our ‘stripey blazers’ on the Friday evening and at some point, Geoff Stevens and I were separated from the rest of the tourists. We were getting some stick in a bar, about our attire, from some other English supporters. Right on cue, Neil walked into the bar followed by the rest of the Pontefract gang, all wearing The Stripeys and suddenly we were the best dressed supporters in Paris !! Rest in peace Neil, Pontefract RUFC will never be the same again.
Neil and I started at PRUFC in the same year straight from college in 1973, since then I am proud to be one of his many "chums." We have shared many experiences from drunken President's Dinners, often finishing in some pub the following lunchtime after sleeping on Trevor Izon's or Rick Smith's settee, or drinking coffee at 2.30am in Selby Fork waiting for the police to drink up and go. As a captain at Pontefract he was an inspiration, he brought in the "young guard" of Boyd, Furniss, Close and Thompson, he insisted on singing rugby songs and was famous for his orchestration of "Sloop John B," As an elder statesman everyone loved his joviality and straight forward talking, a true rugby man to the end. Many people have fond memories and never heard much said against him, he lived how he wanted to and said what he wanted to, accepted by all he was a legend to be long remembered and talked about. Never to be forgotten - Neil Bowmer!!
*Neil’s Funeral* - Thursday 1 July - Service starts at 11am at Darrington Garden of Rest, Greenroyd Court, WF8 3BG - Outdoor Graveside Service, standing only. - There is lots of room, however, we politely request that you respect current social distancing guidelines - Family flowers only. If you wish to make a donation to our chosen charities in lieu of flowers, you can do so via this link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/NeilBowmer - Service will be followed by final toast and reflection at Pontefract RUFC. - Due to current restrictions, we are unable to provide any food, therefore, we suggest you have a big breakfast!
I cannot put into words just how proud and privileged I am to be able to call Neil my Dad. My go-to guy, my all time number one hero, my Dad. Dad-wise, I hit the jackpot. Dad’s life was for living and he definitely wasn’t done yet. Therefore, all we can deduce is that he has been called to chair a committee in the sky to assemble some order. Anyone who truly knew Dad will know, he will sort it out. There is a massive void in our family that we will never be able to fill, but Dad has left us with amazing memories and a network of support beyond compare. We will never get over losing you too soon, Dad, but we will continue to live our lives to the fullest, look after Mum, and, hopefully, make you proud. Rest in paradise Pops, miss you forever xxx
Over the last month I have been lucky enough to look through Neil's newspaper clippings and records of his playing days and rugby passion from the last half century. From his early days with Hilmians, the bus leaving Cross Hills at 12 noon, through to his colossal role at Pontefract as a player and a patriarchal figure for so many years, the memories are very vivid. The clippings were, Neil said, lovingly kept by his mother, and they offer a rich archive of material about his life in the sport he loved. Sadly our last two conversations were about some of those precious memories of games, incidents, characters and half forgotten features from his time as a player and as Club Captain. His combative role and fierce desire to win was often complemented by a more mercurial and witty capacity which added to his large personality and made him an ideal figurehead, communicator or leader. Though all at PRUFC attest to his reputation as a huge presence and a man in full, he had that additional wisdom and flair for language that allowed him to puncture the bubble of my sententious musings on many a Saturday afternoon with the witty ripostes and infectious chuckles. That in itself will be a large lacuna for all of us who have shared in his varied, eventful and irrepressible feel for life. So many feel proud that they have known you, Neil. Rest in peace.
Neil packed a lot into his life and never wasted a minute of it. But he left us too early. There was never a dull moment in his company. There are so many shared memories as our lives were intertwined from the seventies. My first game for PRUFC had a front row that consisted of Neil, Kaye and Dave Howdle. Who knew back then we’d be friends for all our lives? I’m privileged to have known you mate.
Ponte RUFC have lost a larger than life and well loved Character. I first met Neil in the mid seventies as a player and over the last ten years as one of his club officers .In passing I have lost a good friend .Luckily I was able to share a last beer but it will be a long time before I will stop looking for him in his corner of the back room.
Martin Jenkins
Martin Jenkins
I had some great times with Neil when we worked and socialised together in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. I was very saddened and shocked to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to Jenny and the family. Martin Jenkins.
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