Robert Keith Towers (1962)

Robert Keith Towers, better known as Bob, was born in Dartford, Kent on the 1st of June 1943, alongside his brother, David. Soon moving to Nottingham, Bob would go on to attend Wyville Junior School and Nottingham High School.

Bob’s early ambitions ranged from becoming a church minister to a chemistry teacher. However, his curiosity and passion for understanding the world around him led him to study Natural Sciences at Queen’s College, Cambridge. Specialising in Metallurgy he also represented the University in bike racing and rifle shooting.

After graduating in 1965, Bob ventured to Scotland to take up employment with Colville’s in Motherwell, beginning a long career in the steel industry. This is also where he met the love of his life, Janette, marrying in July 1967. Bob then completed an MSc in Technological Economics at Stirling University and bought their first home together in Hamilton. In this home, they welcomed their 2 children, Colin in 1968 and Lindsey in 1970.

While initially reluctant, Bob was eventually ‘persuaded’ to get a dog, and thus began a long and happy tradition of beloved four-legged companions. His family will always remember the many holidays they shared, particularly trips in the famously unreliable turquoise Hillman Imp, to places like Holy Island and Brittany.

Bob was a man of many talents and interests but, above all, he loved to talk, and over the years made countless friends. He had an innate ability to connect with people, and his circle of friends grew through his work, hobbies, and passions. From watchmaking and photography to trains, winemaking, squash, choral singing, and amateur radio, Bob immersed himself fully in everything he did. His enthusiasm and competence were evident in all of his pursuits, although, as his family will tell you, his attempts at winemaking were often more vinegar than vintage!

One of the more unusual stories from Bob’s life came in June 2014, when he was bitten by a bat. His son Colin, a pharmacist, had to administer a rabies vaccine… at Leeds railway station. It’s a long story, but one that perfectly captures the family dynamic they shared - one full of humour, love, and a little bit of unexpected adventure.

In 2012, Bob gained a son-in-law, Adam, and in 2023, daughter-in-law Heather. In August 2018 Bob was overjoyed to become a grandfather to his beloved granddaughter Iona. Close to his family, his life was rich with relationships, filled with laughter, love, and the joy of special moments spent with the people he loved and those who loved him.

Bob’s personality was a beautiful blend of warmth, optimism, humility, and kindness. He made everyone around him feel at ease, and his many friendships were a testament to his generosity of spirit. He was loved by all who knew him, and we all feel deeply blessed to have had him in our lives.

Obituary by Colin Towers (Bob's son)