Tribute (Bob’s Story)

Robert Frank Garner was born in Islington, London, on 6 July 1935.
He was the only child of Thomas and Rose.
At some point in 1935, the family moved to West London where Bob spent his childhood, with the benefit of having a number of family members close by.

Bob was a child of WW2, growing up through it, and he was one of the last people to complete his National Service, before embarking on his career as a motor mechanic.

After working as a foreman for ‘Ruislip Garages’, Bob and his friend, Gordon, had a discussion, whilst having a drink together in ‘The Swan’ pub in Ruislip…and they decided to start up their own business.  They eventually moved into garages behind the pet shop in Ruislip High street where they would work together for over 25 years!

Bob and Sheila met at a party.  There was already a connection between them as Sheila’s friend’s husband, Tom, was Bob’s mate.  Sheila already knew of Bob because he had an MG sportscar! They were married at St John Fisher’s Church, Perivale, in September 1961.

In 1962 they moved to Greenford – to the place where they would spend the rest of their married lives. 
Life was tough at the start, due to not having a great deal of money, but as the years went on they worked and saved for the type of life they wanted and enjoyed together.

Bob and Sheila used to take holidays in this country – Sheila didn’t like the idea of flying, but they managed, travelling by car (Bob loved driving) – or by boat for longer haul. 
In the early 1980’s, they had a couple of fantastic holidays in Norway, which they talked about with great fondness.

Bob’s greatest passions – apart from Sheila – were astronomy, cars and country music.

Bob was hugely enthusiastic about astronomy.  Most weekend nights, he could be found looking through his telescope in his garage, weather permitting.

He was a dedicated and hard-working member of two Astronomical societies ‘South West Herts Astronomy Society’ and ‘West of London Astronomical Society’. The latter Bob joined in 1977 and became their ‘Observation Director’ for nearly 40 years!
Bob travelled to many places around the country and he also travelled abroad a few times, to gaze and photograph the night sky, producing some amazing photographs which he would proudly show off to any visitors to the house.

Bob loved cars and was an avid follower of motor racing.  He was never happier than when he was mucking about with the various cars he had owned through the years! 
Even as recently as last year, he was still working on his Ford Focus, making modifications that any boy racer would envy!

Country music was also a big part of Bob and he would regularly be seen wearing his headphones, listening to the latest albums.