Ronald James Bower
BMJ 2005; 330 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.330.7506.1512 (Published 23 June 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;330:1512
Data supplement
Ronald James Bower
Former general practitioner Knowle, Solihull (b Southampton 1918; q Cambridge/St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, 1942), died on 4 April 2005 following a period of immobility caused by paraplegia resulting from spinal osteoarthritis.After qualifying at Barts as did his father, Harold, and later his brother Hugh, Ronald joined the RAMC, serving with the 2nd Chindit expedition behind Japanese lines in Burma and then as commanding officer of a military hospital in India.
After demobilisation, in 1947 he joined a practice in Knowle in which he continued until retirement in 1983. He also served as medical officer to a hospital for people with learning difficulties.
Outside of medicine, Ronald’s chief interest was in conservation and he was president of the Knowle Society for many years. In this capacity he worked tirelessly to preserve the heritage of Knowle as a Warwickshire village community, and there are many visible signs of his imagination and perseverance. In addition he served the local branch of the British Legion, being awarded the Gold Badge and honorary life membership.
Predeceased by four months by his wife, Joan, a former Barts theatre sister, he leaves four children and six grandchildren. [Donald Portsmouth]