TRIBUTES flow today for Mount Gambier district resident Bob Stowell, who tragically died when he crashed his motorcycle near Millicent last week.
The 59-year-old Donovans resident and former police officer has been remembered as a loveable character who cherished his family and left a lasting legacy in the community.
Mr Stowell was a radio presenter at community station 5GTR FM, operated a disability transport business for some time and at one stage was chair of the now defunct Advance Mount Gambier Residents and Ratepayers Association.
The father of two was also a key organiser of the South East Primary Schools Music Festival, a Country Fire Service volunteer and a former member of the Metropolitan Fire Service firefighting crew.
Mr Stowell died when his motorbike crashed on the Princes Highway, near the Mullins Corner, early last week.
Paying tribute to his friend, 5GTR chair Nathan Butler said volunteers at the radio station were shocked and saddened by his death.
“Bob was a loveable character on air and in life – he was always good to be around,” Mr Butler said.
He said Bob was a presenter for around four years and was a member of the board at one time.
“He particularly enjoyed talking and interviewing people.”
Bob’s widow Terie Stowell yesterday paid tribute to her husband, describing him as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Ms Stowell said her family was coming to grips with his death.
Explaining Bob was in the police force for 33 years, he had postings in Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Mount Gambier, Robe, Ceduna and Port Pirie.
“I met Bob in Ceduna and he loved being in the police force because he liked helping people,” Ms Stowell said.
She described her husband as “compassionate” and always willing to go the extra mile to help people.
“If he could do anything for you he would,” Ms Stowell said.
“If he could give you his shirt, he would, and that came out in his police work.”
Explaining Bob hailed from England, Ms Stowell lovingly referred to him as a “ten-pound pom”.
His parents settled in Adelaide and Bob followed a family member into the police force.
“Bob adored his kids Sally and Matt, he was so proud of them – Sally became a nurse and Matt went into the army and he is now a corporal and instructor,” Ms Stowell said.
According to his family, his other great enjoyments in life was 5GTR, as well as volunteering for the CFS and other organisations.
Bob also enjoyed operating RJAYS Wheelchair Access, which helped disabled and elderly people get to their destinations.
“He had a finger in so many pies, which also included driving taxis – he came across so many people during his lifetime,” she said.
In particular, Bob was instrumental in organising the South East Primary Schools Music Festival, where he was backstage manager.
Bob – who loved living in the small coastal river township of Donovans – will also be remembered for wearing his “t-shirt, shorts and Crocs”.
Ms Stowell explained the next few weeks will be an emotional roller-coaster for the family given the wedding of their son this month.
Bob will be farewelled in a public funeral on September 21.
