DAVID Bower, the well known Cinderford pharmacist has passed away peacefully aged 89.

Mr Bower, who had been living in a care home in Horsham for the last two and a half years, ran the chemist’s shop in Market Street, founded by his great grandfather FR Bower.

One of the oldest businesses in the town, the pharmacists was established in 1852 by William Cordwin and purchased in 1899 by Mr FR Bower whose father was the Mayor of Macclesfield.

The business passed through a total of four generations of the family and moved from the High Street to Market Street in 1964.

David Bower joined his father CE Bower, who ran the optician’s side of the business, shortly after qualifying as a Pharmacist in Bristol.

David was born in Cinderford on February 26, 1928, a son of the late Charles and Kathleen Bower and brother to the late Joyce Cross.

He met his lifelong love and soul mate in Eveline Blyth when he was studying in Bristol for his Pharmacy degree and they married on June 4, 1951.

As a highly regarded member of the community he dispensed prescriptions, truth and his sense of fairness and philosophy throughout his working life.

He pursued and became proficient in many hobbies: flying, painting, wood carving and jewellery making to name but a few.

He leaves loving memories for his his daughters Susan and Janet along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Janet said: “He will be greatly missed by us all as well as his extended family who took such care of him at the nursing home for which we will be forever indebted.”

A service will be held at Worthing Crematorium this week and the family ask that in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution could be sent to Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors, 9 North Parade, Horsham RH12 2BP.