Loveable Bob Finn will be missed by many

He died aged 81 last Wednesday and will be sadly missed as a “great lovable character” by his family, friends and fellow members of Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club for whom he had been made an honorary life member earlier this year.

Educated at the Central School in Leamington Mr Finn, known fondly as Bob, did his national service in the RAF before taking up employment with Warwickshire County Council.

He became a regular in the council staff’s football team, helping them to win several trophies and he was also a life-long supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A member of Leamington Boys club in his youth, Mr Finn developed a keen interest in snooker and he took this enjoyment further by playing for the Conservative Club and later becoming a respected referee on the Midlands circuit.

He officiated several large tournaments.

Mr Finn eventually turned to bowls to continue his sporting interests, joining the Leamington club and quickly establishing himself as a dedicated player and a hard working member.

He held the position of club captain on three separate occasions and was elected president for 2005 before being given his honorary title or the huge contribution he made to the club.

Having an outgoing personality made Mr Finn best suited to a career in retail and after working for a national stationery company he bought a leather good shops in Kenilworth.

He later moved the shop to Warwick Street in Leamington before settling in the upper Parade where the shop, now run by his son Adrian, remains and still retains his name.

Many of Mr Finn’s customers will remember him.

While working at the shop Mr Finn met his partner Pauline Edwards and through her involvement in town and district politics he became well known in civic circles.

On the three occasions she was mayor of Kenilworth Mr Finn acted as her consort, where his sense of humour and bubbly personality endeared him to the many people and organisations with whom he came in contact.

Before he passed away Mr Finn bore his protracted illness with great dignity and humour.

He leaves his partner Pauline, son Adrian , grandchildren, great grandchildren and an extended family through his partner.

His funeral will take place at St Nicholas church in Kenilworth on Thursday at 11.30am.