ARTHUR HENRY BOWER - an appreciation
We were all shocked and saddened to learn of Arthur's death on the 3rd December, only
a few days short of his 57th birthday. His last illness, following on a period when he had, with remarkable courage, returned to work
after a serious operation, was a tragic episode in a life of tenacity and determination which, so far, had triumphed over a considerable
measure of ill-health.
He was a valued friend and colleague, to Staff and Management alike, and whilst to him work was quite
definitely work to be done, his enjoyment of life as a whole was never impaired by lack of a sense of proportion.
Arthur's career
with the Bank amply demonstrates his energy and ability. Coming to us as a junior clerk in 1930, he studied for and gained the Associateship
of the Institute of Bankers in 1943, and in addition passed the final examination of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries in 1946.
He was appointed a Branch Manager in 1949 and as Inspector in 1965. As Secretary of the Staff Association during the War years he
was very keen that our Association should play its full part in our affairs and so was instrumental in founding the present Association
and in working out its constitution.
Our sympathy in this great loss goes out to Mrs. Bower and the members of his family.
GLB
(NOTE: Prior to being appointed as a Branch Inspector in 1965, Arthur Bower managed Short Heath and Aston Cross branches. He was the son of Sir Percival Bower, the Bank's Chairman from 1926 to 1932.)